A former Love Island star hopes he is onto a winner with his new padel venue in Kent.

The increasingly popular racquet game - often described as a hybrid between tennis and squash - is now coming to Canterbury.

Charlie Brake, who appeared on the popular ITV reality show in 2019, is transforming a unit on the Wincheap Industrial Estate to bring padel to the city for the first time.

Soon, it will be home to three indoor double courts, a café, pro shop, and shower and changing facilities - and will be called Brakepoint Padel Club.

Currently, early November is earmarked for the grand opening, with the new terracotta courts set to be installed next week.

Speaking to KentOnline, Mr Brake, from Ashford, said: “My business partners and I found the game and became utterly obsessed with it, and thought it was a really good way to exercise but socialise as well.

“We identified this unit in Canterbury, thought it was perfect and jumped at the chance really. I just think it's something the city was crying out for.

“There’s obviously a lot of footfall, easy train links, and it’s currently the world’s fastest-growing sport.”

The 30-year-old says there has been a “phenomenal” response to the project.

“People are saying they really can’t wait and how much time it will save them, rather than travelling elsewhere,” he said.

“I’ve even had people turn up at the unit and say how they can’t wait for it to open and that it’ll make their lives so much easier.

Already, about 1,500 people have signed up to be some of the first to play at the new facility.

Mr Brake added he wants to use the site as a potential meeting point for sports clubs across the city.

“We really want to build something for the community because it’s a great social sport,” he said.

“And that’s why we wanted to incorporate the cafe, with a nice seating area, a great menu and live sports.

“Even people not necessarily playing, or maybe on their way to work, can pop in. We really want to make it a destination and encourage people to come and see what it’s all about.”

Mr Brake says the courts are being delivered from Spain next week.

“I can’t wait to see people finally in here,” he added.

Coaching sessions as well as a kids club will also be on offer with on-site instructors to get all ability levels involved.

It’s proposed the new venue will be open from 6am to 11pm, seven days a week.

Mr Brake is also the grandson of Frank Brake, one of the three brothers who founded Brakes food wholesalers in Ashford.

Other padel venues have been popping up across the county in recent years.

A “dull and unwanted” tennis court in Victoria Park, Deal, was transformed into a spot for the game, and Brookfield Industrial Estate in Ashford opened a site last September.

Whitstable Rugby Club in Chestfield now also welcomes players, while earlier this year, plans were also green-lit for new courts in Chatham.

Sandwich is getting in on the game as a bid for three new courts at the town’s tennis club is set to go before Dover District Council.