Love Island returned with a huge twist in the first episode, as one Islander has already been sent out the villa in a shock dumping twist that has already been filmed
Love Island returned tonight, with the series already packed full of drama! The ITV2 show kicked off on Monday night with its new series, hosted by Maya Jama.
Bosses have promised that there will be more sex this year – and more drama with some big scenes ahead. They didn’t go easy on the first episode, shaking things up with a brand new format.
Despite some viewers not being so convinced by the major twist, the girls cracked on with trying to pick their matches by dating profiles alone. The first time they met the boys was when they had already selected who they were going to couple up with.
As expected, some were pleased by the result while others were less so – with one match even leaving viewers convinced they already hate each other. The show’s executive producer Mike Spencer-Hayter recently spoke to The Mirror about what fans can expect from the new series.
Mike said: “If sex happens, we’ll show it. The Hideaway will be open 24 hours. We need to keep the show fresh and exciting. After 10 years, the stats speak for themselves. The show will continue to thrive. We the producers need to stay ahead of the curve. The whole ‘twists and turns’ thing is about making the show fresh. We’re going to give it all we’ve got.”
The show got off to a wild start before it even began, with one Islander already dumped from the villa. Fans can expect plenty more drama to be on the way, as the Mirror has all you need to know about the launch…
Drama continues…
It won’t be long until Love Island is back on our screens as the drama will continue on Tuesday night on ITV2. Fans will be able to tune in from 9pm to see who will be the first Islander dumped from the villa.
Love Island will continue on Tuesday night (
Image:
ITV)
KEY EVENT
Couples recap
Tonight, the girls selected the boy they wanted to couple up with based on their dating profiles alone. However, one couple was rocked by the arrival of bombshell Toni – leaving Shakira single. The current couples are:
Meg and Dejon
Payroll specialist Meg from Southampton wasn’t sure on semi-pro footballer Dejon Noel-Williams when they first met, admitting she felt “50/50” about him. Will there be any sparks?
Sophie and Harry
Manchester motivational speaker Sophie, 29, paired up with suave gold trader Harry Cooksley. She has already told Harry about the horror injury that left her with burn marks on her face.
Helena and Conor
Cabin crew girl Helena went for Northern banter and ended up with professional rugby player Conor Philips. She says she can “pretty much laugh herself into bed”, so we’ll be watching closely…
Alima and Blu
Scottish flirt Alima picked the heart tied to Blu Chegini, a construction project manager. The pair have yet to form a strong connection so time will tell.
Megan and Tommy
Dublin’s Megan, a musical theatre performer and energy broker, was all smiles after choosing down-to-earth landscaper Tommy Bradley. They have already bonded over their Italian heritage – with Maya warning they might want to do a background check to make sure they’re not related!
Toni and Ben
American bombshell Toni stole Ben from Shakira in a dramatic twist. It means Shakira is now single and has 24 hours to try steal another boy, will she succeed and keep her spot in the villa?
Mia O’Hare
Dumped Islander ‘sealed’
An exit from the Love Island villa is just a day away despite the series only just kicking off. Host Maya Jama dropped the news of a looming dumping as she introduced bombshell Toni at the end of the episode.
She picked Ben to steal, leaving Shakira single and 24 hours to secure another match. Tomorrow, Shakira will pick the boy she wants to steal from another girl to keep her place on the show.
Fans do not believe Shakira will go home and that whoever she chooses will ditch their partner to be with her. They suspect it was Blu that Shakira picks, and Alima who will be axed from the show in the fallout.
One viewer feared: “I’m thinking that Alima could get dumped because neither of them wants to stay in their couple, so Shakira could take Blu off Alima’s hands.”
Another fan agreed: “After seeing how Blu is, I’m scared Alima’s gonna be dumped.” A third added: “It’s sad that Alima may get dumped tomorrow,” while a fourth added: “The only person I see going for Shakira is Blu but then that means Alima is dumped.”
Ben has been stolen from Shakira (
Image:
ITV)
Mia O’Hare
Maya Jama issues warning
Host Maya Jama has wasted no time in dropping bombshells in the villa with twists and turns aplenty – before sternly warning the girls to “keep their boys close.”
It’s safe to say they were left shocked by what Maya had to say following the bombshell arrival of American Toni.
Shakira’s time could end early
Despite only just stepping into the Love Island villa, Shakira’s time could soon be up. She was left reeling by the twist that left her at risk of being dumped, as bombshell Toni stole her match Ben.
Now, Shakira is single, and is at risk of leaving the show for good, just hours into her experience. Host Maya advised her that she had just 24 hours to save her place in the villa, and it could come at a cost for someone else.
The Islander must get grafting and try and couple up with another boy. While she can’t steal Ben back from Toni, she is allowed to steal any of the other boys from the other girls.
The person Shakira choses must agree to pair up with her and leave their current partner. If they say no, then Shakira will remain single and will most likely be dumped from the villa in the next episode.
Shakira is now at risk of being sent home (
Image:
ITV)
KEY EVENT
Bombshell entrance and Love Island first!
In a Love Island UK first, an American bombshell has entered the villa. Toni strutted in while wearing a cut-out red gown before picking the boy she wants to steal.
The Las Vegas dancer picked Ben – leaving Shakira single in a brutal move in the first episode. She npw has one day to work hard to win another boy over.
Toni made a dramatic entrance to the villa (
Image:
ITV/Shutterstock)
Mia O’Hare
Fans work out strange Ben and Shakira vibes
Ben and Shakira have had viewers baffled during the first episode, as they have struggled to build a connection. Despite not giving up all hopes, the pair told host Maya they are going to give it a couple days to see if they can get a spark.
However, earlier on Ben shared his wishes to have a bombshell enter the villa. One fan said: “feeling horrible for shakira rn ben is not even trying to hide the fact he does not like her at all.”
Another added: “I think Shakira was disappointed with Ben’s answers.”
Mia O’Hare
To the firepit!
The Islanders have been called to the firepit for the first time this series, with host Maya returning with some big news.
Maya is back in the villa for a big twist already
Mia O’Hare
New format slammed for being ‘lame’
Love Island introduced a major new twist for tonight’s opening episode, yet it didn’t go down well with everyone. Rather than the usual coupling ceremony based on first impressions, this year’s boys were kept firmly out of sight.
Instead, the girls were presented with six glowing hearts, each of which displayed a short dating profile of one of the lads. Each profile revealed just five things: name, age, height, job, and one cheeky line about their dating style.
Sadly, fans were less than impressed with the new format, which was branded “lame” on social media by viewers who insisted “I want out”.
One person hit out: “This is such a lame twist because there’s no drama or mystery about who will end up with who.” Another chimed in: “If this is the twist that is bigger than ever this year, I want out. It’s not MAFS.”
A third moaned: “This twist has done the male islanders dirty, I’m expecting fit fit fitties coming out with these bios and then we got a load of understudies.” Someone else said they are still hoping there is another switch-up coming, complaining that so far season twelve feels like “a copy and paste” of all the previous ones.
Mia O’Hare
Sophie details her life-changing accident
Sophie decided to open up to her match Harry about the horror accident she suffered when she was 22. The Islander was involved in a fire stunt that went wrong while on stage.
Opening up, she said: “It made me learn so much about life and interacting with people and how to be better because I believe to take people you also need to be good place in yourself that’s why in early 20s, I had lot work to do had to build confidence.”
Sophie was forced to ‘rebuild’ her life after horrific burns (
Image:
ITV/Love Island)
Mia O’Hare
Boys slammed for ‘rude’ remarks
The boys have made wild remarks despite only just being matched up with the girls – as they set their sights on a bombshell entrance. In a shock conversation after getting coupled up, the boys shared their excitement for a bombshell to come into the villa so they have more options.
One said: “Bombshell and you guys just got here…” Another added: “It’s the first episode and he is looking for bombshell??? Omg.” Someone else commented: ““It’s okay bombshells though” these men haven’t even had a 2 minute conversation with these girls and they’re already thinking about the bombshell.”
Mia O’Hare
Winner ‘returns’ to villa
Some fans have been hit with a case of déjà vu as the boys were introduced. Viewers couldn’t help but compare new arrival Harry Cooksley to Love Island: All Stars winner Tom Clare.
The resemblance was so striking that one fan tweeted: “Is the first one not pink jacket Tom?” Another gasped: “HARRY’S TOM’S DOUBLE!!” Others became suspicious that the wool was being pulled over their eyes by the former cast member, with one suggesting: “Tom really thinks he can trick us by re-entering the villa under ‘Harry’. This has Casey’s idea written all over it.”
Someone else agreed, adding: “Tom sneaked in and thought we wouldn’t notice.” However, the man in question is in fact Harry, a 30-year-old from Guildford who is the oldest member of the original 2025 cast. While he might look like Tom’s long-lost twin, he is actually a newcomer to the villa.
Fans think Harry is very familiar (
Image:
ITV)
Mia O’Hare
Viewers fume they’re ‘sick of it’
Not every Love Island fan has been thrilled to witness the launch show, as one moment has certainly got a bad reaction.
It’s something that happens pretty much every series, but some viewers went as far as saying they were “sick of it”. Commenting on certain scenes being “painful” and “unnecessary,” some even called on bosses to ban it.
The issue they had was the screaming from the girls as they entered the villa. One fan posted: “8 minutes in and I’m already sick of the screaming.” Another agreed: “God girls stop screaming!!!!” as a third added: “All this screaming on entering the villa is so unnecessary, your not 10.”
A fourth fan posted: “I can’t bare the screaming,” as another said: “The start of the season is always PAINFUL bc of all the damn screaming.”
KEY EVENT
Fans spot clue couple is doomed
Viewers have already predicted one couple will not last… with fears they may even hate each other!
Meg was introduced to her match Dejon after she selected his dating profile, however when he stepped out Meg admitted she was “50/50” with what she saw. Host Maya asked what was holding her back, as Meg admitted she was struggling as she couldn’t see Dejon’s eyes.
When they were fully introduced, Dejon asked Meg if her rating had gone up now that she could look into his eyes. However, in an awkward moment Meg didn’t give an answer and quipped she didn’t know him yet.
Fans think it has spelt disaster for the couple as one said: “Meg is not on it.” Another added: “Nah they way Blondie Meg was lowkey disgusted.”
Someone else commented: “Yeah Meg doesn’t like Dejon, he is definitely not her type but she cannot outrightly say it.”
Meg didn’t seem sure on Dejon when they met (
Image:
ITV)
Mia O’Hare
Islander slammed over shock comment
Shakira has already ruffled some feathers with viewers with her very candid comment as she entered the villa. Within just moments of being on screen, the beauty wasted no time in getting to know her co-star Meg.
Shakira admitted she is “too glamourous for a 9-5” and that she needs to do something exciting for a job. However, Meg revealed she is a payroll specialist with Shakira calling her a “corporate girlie”.
Some viewers were not impressed with the remark as one said: “not too glamorous for a 9-5, oh dear”. Another person asked: “what does too glamorous to do a 9-5 even mean?”
Someone else agreed, also wondering: “Too gorgeous to do a 9-5??? What does that mean?”
Mia O’Hare
First boy enters the villa
Ben Holbrough has become the first boy to enter the Love Island villa and has already been coupled up. He has been greeted by his match Shakira – who was pleasantly surprised by what she saw! Ben admitted: “I’m just trying to play it cool.”
Ben Holbrough entered the villa first (
Image:
ITV/Shutterstock)
Mia O’Hare
Huge twist revealed
In a major shakeup for the series, the girls have been presented with dating profiles instead of meeting the boys. They have been told their names, ages, jobs and one headline statement about themselves.
The girls have made sure to share their mixed reactions at the dating profiles before having the big decision of picking who to couple up with.
The boys’ dating profiles were presented to the girls (
Image:
ITV/Shutterstock)
Mia O’Hare
Maya Jama returns to the villa!
Host Maya Jama has made a stunning entrance to the villa – and she had some very important news for the girls.
In a surprise move for the series, the girls have been presented with their ‘types on paper’ rather than the boys standing in front of them.
Host Maya made a dramatic entrance to the villa
KEY EVENT
Fans spot problem with series already
Love Island fans have noticed a problem with the series already – which could cause havoc during the show. As the Islanders have entered the villa in pairs and met each other for the first time, two girls were surprised to find out they have the same name.
Megan Moore and Megan Clarke have rocked up to the villa in the hopes of finding love, yet their co-stars are likely to encounter moments of confusion as they try to chat about the girls.
Viewers picked up on the issue as one said: “It makes it easier for me to remember names if there’s the same name.” Another added: “I’ve already lost track of which Megan is which.”
Viewers already fed up with ‘joke’
Just moments into the series, fans have already become fed up with a joke that has been used multiple times already. Shakira has been hit with references to pop star Shakira already and her famous “hips don’t lie” lyric.
Some viewers have become tired of the joke as Shakira’s fellow Islanders have mentioned it to her when finding out her name. One said: “Shakira is getting that hips don’t lie joke the whole time she meets someone isn’t she.”
Another added: “already can tell you Shakira is gonna hear “those hips don’t lie” and “Shakira Shakira” for now til the end of days.” Someone else commented: “second Shakira joke whew.”
Shakira has already had two jokes about her name
Mia O’Hare
Its begun!
The first episode of the series has finally kicked off as all the new Islanders have been introduced. Let the drama begin…
Mia O’Hare
Sophie’s life-altering accident detailed
Sophie Lee once fought for her life after a devastating on-stage accident and endured a life-altering ordeal in 2019 while performing in Chicago.
Just 22 at the time, Sophie was performing a fire-breathing routine when a powerful air conditioning system blew a fireball back into her face and chest. The injuries were catastrophic. Alone in the U.S., Sophie spent a month in intensive care, relying on machines to stay alive.
As she recovered, Sophie faced the emergence of a facial tumour resulting from the burns, which transformed her appearance permanently. But from that trauma came a rebirth – one that now has secured her reality TV fame.
Sophie, now 29, has built a career in beauty and fashion, rising as a sought-after influencer and winner of the 2023 Beauty Awards’ Influencer of the Year.
Sophie [right] has been open about the horror injury (
Image:
ITV/Shutterstock)
Mia O’Hare
Molly-Mae Hague’s audition tape resurfaces
Arguably one of the most successful stars to come out of Love Island, Molly-Mae Hague has a lot to thank the ITV2 dating show for. She met her fiance Tommy Fury in the villa, with the pair going on to welcome daughter Bambi.
After a rocky patch last summer, the pair have reunited their romance and appear as loved up as ever. As Love Island marks its 10th birthday, Molly-Mae watched back her audition tape in a bid to enter the villa.
In the tape, Molly-Mae talks about how a ex told her she was “too much to handle” before they split up. However, in her vlog Molly-Mae admitted “what am I actually talking about” as it seemed she was struggling to recall the moment. She previously said that she gave herself “the ick” watching her audition tape back.
Molly-Mae admitted to getting the ‘ick’ over her tape (
Image:
ITV)
Mia O’Hare
New Islander snubs advice from ex star
Dejon Noel-Williams, who is the son of former Premier League striker Gifton Noel-Williams, is a close friend to a former islander. While you would think that being a friend of someone who made it to the final of the show would mean you get all the lowdown and ins and outs of the love island experience, this was not the case for Dejon.
Dejon shares a close bond with Tyrique Hyde, who finished in third place alongside his then partner, Ella Thomas. Their friendship stems from their fathers’ profession and shared experiences growing up.
Interestingly, Dejon chose to keep his Love Island participation a secret from Tyrique. “Actually, I didn’t tell Tyrique I was going in,” he told us. “He’s going to be surprised. I had to keep the whole thing secret – even when I saw him recently, I didn’t say anything. So no advice from him!”
Dejon decided to not seek advice from a past Islander (
Image:
ITV)
Mia O’Hare
What time does the series kick off?
There’s not long left to wait until this year’s series of Love Island gets underway. As always, we can expect plenty of drama and a bumper hour and a half show.
The villa will open its doors at 9pm tonight on ITV2 as Maja Jama welcomes the fresh set of Islanders.
Mia O’Hare
Islander gets villa-ready with £2k makeover
Shakira Khan, 22, has been busy preparing in true style – dropping over £2,000 on clothes, beauty must-haves, and other essentials to ensure she’s villa-ready from day one.
“I wasn’t messing about,” she told us exclusively. “I’ve got three suitcases packed with everything I might need. I even bought things last year just in case.”
Clearly, this isn’t Shakira’s first rodeo when it comes to being camera-ready, and she’s pulling out all the stops to make an impact. Away from the glitz and glamour, Shakira’s real-life job is as a children’s entertainer, specialising in kids’ parties dressed as Disney princesses.
Shakira Khan has splashed the cash to be villa-ready (
Image:
ITV/Shutterstock)
Mia O’Hare
Unexpected Anthony Joshua link
Tommy Bradley is ready to make his mark as he enters the villa tonight – and he’s already packing some heavyweight connections.
The 24-year-old fitness buff from London just so happens to have brushed shoulders with boxing royalty. Yep, none other than Anthony Joshua. While he hasn’t met him just yet, Tommy’s brother works closely with the boxer.
But it’s not just AJ-level abs Tommy’s proud of – it’s that signature slicked-back hair. “It sounds weird,” he confessed, “but I blow-dry it for 20–25 minutes, style it, hairspray it, and sleep in a woolly hat to keep it in place.” Yes, really.
Mia O’Hare
Islander’s flirty texts to celebs revealed
One Islander sure knows how to catch the attention of celebrities already as Helena Ford reveled she is bringing more than just stunning looks and cabin crew charm to the villa.
The 29-year-old Londoner is already well connected in celebrity circles, counting Zara McDermott, Justin Bieber, and the sons of British TV royalty among her friends.
“I know Zara [McDermott] through one of my best friends who managed her after she left Love Island,” Helena revealed to the Mirror. “I didn’t actually speak to her before going in — she’s super busy filming documentaries at the moment.”
Helena Ford counts celebrities among her pals already (
Image:
ITV)
Despite the lack of last-minute advice from Zara, Helena’s no stranger to reality TV culture. She’s also familiar with some famous faces off-screen, including the sons of Piers Morgan and Gary Lineker.
“I haven’t actually told them!” she laughed. “So they’ll find out with everyone else. I imagine their reaction will be positive, though.”
Mia O’Hare
Axed Islander returns home
Axed Love Island star Kyle Ashman insisted he’s ‘not a bad guy’ and shared hopes to still be able to take part in this year’s ITV dating show – despite being chopped from the line-up hours after he was announced.
His time in the spotlight was abruptly cut short as it was reported the water operative was arrested and questioned by police alongside another person over an alleged attack in Stafford, which took place in February this year.
Kyle strongly denied having any involvement in the incident. He said: “I fully cooperated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.”
Kyle has been axed from this year’s Love Island line-up (
Image:
ITV)
Meanwhile, ITV told the Mirror: “For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.”
In a post on social media upon his return to the UK, Kyle said: “I’m not a bad guy, honestly, I’m not a bad guy. I’m a normal guy from a normal place. And opportunity arose to find love. I grabbed it with both hands and it’s been taken away from me.
“I’ve seen all the support pages and, who knows, maybe I’ll get a chance to go on Casa Amor or as a bombshell – get back in and show you who I really am, show you that I’m not a bad guy. We’ll see.”
Mia O’Hare
Rule break already
Rugby hunk Conor Phillips is just hours away from making his Love Island entrance but has already broken show rules. Conor admitted he spoke to former winner Greg O’Shea before flying out to Majorca to get some advice.
However, Islanders are not meant to reveal that they are going on the show beforehand. Brushing off his strict rule break, Conor said: “I know Greg through rugby circles so I spoke to him about going on Love Island.
“He just said ‘be yourself, it’s a really really really cool experience that not many people get. So enjoy it and yeah take it day by day and if you can be yourself you can’t really go too far wrong’. So that’s my plan. He was like ‘my advice might be a bit different from others because I won’.”
Mia O’Hare
Replacement Islander gives wild confession
Professional rugby player Conor Phillips is the new singleton entering the Love Island villa, stepping in at the eleventh hour after the shock removal of original contestant Kyle Ashman. Kyle was axed from the line up over a previous arrest.
In his place, Conor, 25‑year‑old Irishman, is ready to bring fresh energy – and hasn’t been shy about his racy past.
In a chat with the Mirror, when asked about where is the most random place he has had sex, Conor quipped: “Probably behind a nightclub. Nothing too crazy – I was young.”
Conor Phillips is not shy about his racy past (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Share
Sam Elliott-Gibbs
Freddy Brazier: why I said no to Love Island
Hours before lauch night, Freddy Brazier says he turned down the chance to appear on Love Island.
The 20-year-old – the son of TV presenter Jeff Brazier and the late Big Brother legend Jade Goody – says he doesn’t need the dating show to find someone special.
“I’m on Instagram, I don’t need Love Island!” he told MailOnline. “I’ve got Love Island on my phone from my bed.
“I need to do something without him [my dad]. I don’t want to be seen as “Freddy from Race with his dad.” I want to be known for something on my own.
“I’m more interested in modelling. I’ve got some good opportunities coming up, but this stuff with my dad isn’t helping that.”
Freddie Brazier says he doesn’t need the show to find a girl (Image: BBC)
Share
Sam Elliott-Gibbs
‘If sex happens, we’ll show it’
ITV bosses say they will give fans the complete story this summer – and that includes sex scenes.
Executive producer Mike Spencer-Hayter told us during a tour of the villa that they won’t shy away if things turn really racy.
“If sex happens, we’ll show it,” he said. “The Hideaway will be open 24 hours.
“We need to keep the show fresh and exciting. After 10 years, the stats speak for themselves. The show will continue to thrive.
“We the producers need to stay ahead of the curve. The whole ‘twists and turns’ thing is about making the show fresh. We’re going to give it all we’ve got.”
Is Giovanni Pernice’s ex set for the villa?
Giovanni Pernice’s ex girlfriend Molly Brown has been ‘eyed up’ for a summer of love in the villa as she tries to find a new romance.
The 26 year old, who dated the Strictly star for several months last year, has reportedly been approached by ITV producers.
Molly and Giovanni began dating at the beginning of 2024 but split after a few weeks before rekindling their relationship until July. The couple were together while allegations were being made by Amanda Abbington against Giovanni regarding his actions on Strictly.
The allegations reportedly grew too much for the couple, and they went their separate ways. A source claimed that Molly could ‘spill the beans’ on her previous relationship.
They teased: “TV execs love a famous ex and the chance for Molly to spill the beans on the biggest scandal for their rival channel the BBC was very tempting.”
Giovanni Pernice’s ex girlfriend is being eyed up for Love Island
Share
Sam Elliott-Gibbs
Twist leaves fans baffled
It’s fair to say there’s been a mixed reaction to the show’s biggest twist in quite some time.
This weekend, the show’s fans discovered the first bombshell to enter the Love Island 2025 villa is Toni Laites – BEFORE the programme even kicks off.
“How can we get a bombshell before the show starts?” one asked. “A bombshell before it’s even started is crazy but whatever pays the bills,” said another.
A third person wasn’t so keen writing on X: “I don’t like seeing the bombshells prior to them bombshelling… cuz like what’s the point?”
(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Share
Lucy Needham
The boys’ line-up in full – jobs and Instagram handles
This year six new hunks are heading into the villa to try and woo the single ladies.
From a taxi driver to a rugby player, the girls will have a good batch to take their pick from.
And it’s the girls choosing first this year – but it won’t be based on looks. This time the girls will have to scour through the boys’ dating app profiles to make their first coupling.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s OG boys.
The new series of Love Island kicks off at 9pm tonight (Monday, June 9) (Image: ITV)
Share
Lucy Needham
Love Island’s first bombshell arrives
After the newly coupled up Islanders spend a bit of time getting to know one another, later that evening, Maya makes a shock return to the Villa with some huge news.
Gathering everyone at the firepit, Maya reveals the day isn’t over yet and someone new is already on their way.
Suddenly, the series’ first bombshell Toni makes a dramatic entrance into the Villa. The Islanders are quick to realise she’s come all the way from the US as Toni teasingly says: “Good evening UK! Surprise!”
The Islanders can’t believe there’s an American bombshell and there’s clearly some excitement amongst the boys… and some concerns for the girls.
Maya then drops some more big news: not only has Toni just arrived all the way from the States, but she is also going to immediately steal one of the boys.
Hearing the power is in her hands, Toni coyly replies: “Interesting…”
And that’s not all, Maya has more news for one Islander. The clock is ticking and their time in the Villa could be over quicker than you can say señorita…
Love Island bombshell Toni is already causing trouble! (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Share
Lucy Needham
Love Island twist with ‘dating app’ theme revealed
Maya then has a big announcement, which shocks the girls as she explains: “This year things are slightly different. You’ve told me what your type on paper is, but does that match your ideal man in reality? Come and join me by the pool.”
As the girls line up, Maya explains: “Girls, in front of you there are six love hearts and each boy has given me their dating profile which is written on each of these hearts – shall we have a look at what these boys have to offer?”
On the boards the girls see descriptions for this year’s boys: Ben, Dejon, Harry, Conor, Blu and Tommy.
The girls have to decide who they’d like to couple up with based on these key stats with the boys’ name, age, job and a headline, such as “I like to play hard and work harder! I love to play, so I work very hard…”, to help them decide who to pick.
After discussing the profiles and trying to work out who might be right for them, Maya counts to three and they must run to a heart, with only one girl allowed to stand by each heart.
With only seconds to make a decision, will they all get the boy they wanted? Or will the girls be left eager to swap?
Now it’s over to the boys. Decisions made, they enter the Villa one-by-one to meet their match…will it be love at first write or were the girls too quick to judge their type?
(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Share
Lucy Needham
Love Island first look as girl admits “my bar is low”
Love Island is back tonight, with 12 brand new singletons all looking to find ‘the one’. The girls – Shakira, Meg, Alima, Sophie, Megan and Helena – enter the stunning Mallorcan Villa first and get to know one another. But it’s dating that’s on their mind and they quickly start talking about being excited to meet the boys and start shouting for boys to enter the Villa.
They don’t have to wait for long as host Maya Jama arrives and takes them to the firepit for a chat. Getting straight to the point, Maya asks them what each of their types are with Shakira saying: “Tall, muscly, nice smile but for me it’s all about personality. Witty, funny, charming.”
Helena laughs as she adds: “Personality always, my bar is low, I’m not fussy!”
Meg teases that she wants: “Tanned skin, taller and naughty eyes.”
Sophie says: “I want someone that’s a gentleman, not a man child.”
Megan says: “I’m easily charmed, which is the problem…”
Alima says she’s looking for: “A Prince Charming Disney Prince… with no facial hair.”
(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Share
Jasmine Allday
Maya Jama’s recycled looks
Maya Jama always looks incredible in the villa – and this year will be no different. Except there will be one big change.
All of Maya’s items she wears will be pre-loved, as the show tries to promote sustainability in fashion. This will also be true of the Islanders, with some of their outfits for the parties being pre-loved too.
Share
Jasmine Allday
A missing villain!
Don’t worry, we’re not talking about any members of Destiny’s Chaldish… they won’t be back either!
We don’t mean to alarm anyone but there’s something BIG missing from this year’s villa – the famous yellow beanbag!
Some of the Islanders have said they are “scared” of the infamous piece of furniture, which has “cursed” many people who have sat on there. In the 2022 series, Josh found himself dumped from the island days after sitting on the yellow bean bag, whilst Ekin-Su was confronted by the girls for game playing whilst sat on the infamous beanbag.
One less things the Islanders have to worry about this series at least!
No more cursed yellow bean bags! (Image: ITV)
Share
Jasmine Allday
You’ve got a pizza my heart!
For the first time ever, Islanders will be filmed eating. For years, we’ve never seen the Islanders enjoying their meals together.
There’s been the odd breakfast date – when someone’s done something wrong and is begging for forgiveness! – and the awkward group dinners where exes have to sit opposite their current partner as their former lover looks on.
It’s not just breakfast you’ll see anymore! (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
But now things could get even more awkward, with the addition of a big dining table. The show is also hoping that they can promote healthy eating habits to viewers with their new set up!
Share
Jasmine Allday
Hideaway open 24/7!
The Hideaway is open for business for 24 hours a day – and bosses are hoping that could bring some steamy action of its own.
Executive producer Mike Spencer said: “If sex happens, we’ll show it. The Hideaway will be open 24 hours. We need to keep the show fresh and exciting … We need to keep the show fresh and exciting. After 10 years, the stats speak for themselves.
“The show will continue to thrive. We the producers need to stay ahead of the curve. The whole ‘twists and turns’ thing is about making the show fresh. We’re going to give it all we’ve got.”
Share
Jasmine Allday
Terrace changes!
The Love Island terrace – the pinnacle of ALL the drama!
And this year, it’s getting a huge change. Ekin-Su managed to crawl to the terrace to share a secret steamy kiss with another Islander, but there’s no chance of that happening this year.
The terrace walls have been pulled down and replaced with smaller fences. If any of our Islanders are thinking of sharing a secret smooch or a private word on the terrace, there’s nowhere to hide anymore!
No crawling across the terrace this time! (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Share
Jasmine Allday
Former Islanders are out!
If a former Love Island star who didn’t quite find love the first time around – and there’s quite a few! – were hoping for another chance at love, that’s looking unlikely, for now at least.
It has been confirmed that no former Islanders will be entering the villa this series – and no famous faces either. Joey Essex was one of the biggest bombshell arrivals one year, as well as former Islanders Kady McDermott and Adam Collard.
Joey Essex reacted to his ex, Grace Jackson’s, recent drama on Love Island All Stars, after a heated disagreement with Luca Bish
If the new contestants are hoping to find an already well known person joining them in the villa, they won’t be in luck this time around!
Share
KEY EVENT
Major changes this series!
Executive producer Mike has revealed some major changes for the new series including:
No famous / former Islanders returning to the villa!
A shortened wall on the terrace!
The Hideaway is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Contestants will be shown eating for the first time ever.
No more beanbags!
Maya Jama is renting ALL of her iconic Love Island outfits.
We’ll take a look at each of these, and how it might change the series!
There’s some big changes in the Love Island villa! (Image: ITV)
Share
Jasmine Allday
Bombshell alert!
For the first time ever, we’ve found out the first bombshell to arrive in the Love Island villa – before the show even airs.
Las Vegas pool party VIP host Toni has crossed the Atlantic to find love this summer! Speaking about why she’s turned to the UK to find The One, she said: “I’ve lived in three different states and I’m still single. It’s time to try something new! I have some British friends and they’re pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent.
“British men are just more polite, with better manners … I have been to London. It was around Christmas time. We stayed in King’s Cross and it was gorgeous. It’s so diverse. Literally people from everywhere.”
Share
KEY EVENT
Chaos – already!
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Love Island launch without a bit of chaos – and there’s already drama ahead.
It has been revealed that one Islander has already been booted from the villa as new arrival Toni causes trouble.
Love Island bombshell Toni is already causing trouble! (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
“This girl will be sorely missed as was already proving to be a big character. The was absolutely gutted to leave. But the series has twists and turns at every stage and this isn’t the usual dumping viewers might expect after a bombshell arrives,” a source said.
“Executive producer Mike Spencer-Hayter has promised drama for the tenth anniversary and this format point will not disappoint.”
Share
Jasmine Allday
Love Island returns tonight!
Eager Love Island fans need not wait too long for the new series – we’re only hours away now!
The ITV2 show is back for a brand new series, hosted by Maya Jama, as 12 sexy singletons hope to find The One this summer! From twists and turns, to more sex, bosses have promised the new series will be steamy than ever!
Executive producer Mike Spencer-Hayter told us during a tour of the villa: “If sex happens, we’ll show it. The Hideaway will be open 24 hours. We need to keep the show fresh and exciting. After 10 years, the stats speak for themselves. The show will continue to thrive. We the producers need to stay ahead of the curve. The whole ‘twists and turns’ thing is about making the show fresh. We’re going to give it all we’ve got.”
