The wait is over – Love Island is officially back for its 12th season, and this year it’s extra special, marking the show’s 10-year anniversary since it first hit our screens in 2015. A fresh group of hopeful singles from across the UK (and beyond) have entered the villa in search of love, laughter, and a long summer of unforgettable moments.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Islanders, what to expect from the season, and the inside scoop from a former Islander herself…

Meet the Love Island 2025 Contestants

Alima Gagigo (23, Glasgow) – A wealth management client services executive, Alima says her type is a Disney prince, which she describes as “a tall man with a handsome face.”

Ben Holbrough (23, Gloucester) – The private-hire taxi driver is from Gloucester and describes his perfect woman as “someone sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact.

Blu Chegini (26, London) – Construction project manager Blu is looking for “someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive.” He adds: “Personality goes a long way.”

Conor Phillips (25, Limerick) – A professional rugby player from Ireland, Conor says his ideal partner is someone who doesn’t need him too much. The self-described CEO of “mischief” says he’s the “class clown” of a group and plans on bringing that energy to the villa.

Dejon Noel-Williams (26, Watford) – Dejon is no stranger to fame, being the son of former professional footballer player Gifton Noel-Williams, who played for Watford, Stoke City and Burnley. In the villa, the personal trainer is looking for “someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy.”

Harry Cooksley (30, Guildford) – Harry, 30, is from Guildford and boasts a gig as Declan Rice’s body double among his jobs as gold trader, model and semi-professional footballer. He says his type is “the girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me.”

Helena Ford (29, London) – Helena has been all around the world as cabin crew but prefers guys from the other end of the country. She describes her ideal type as: “Somebody funny or Northern.” Why? “I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners,” she explains.

Megan Forte Clarke (24, Dublin) – An actress and energy broker from Dublin, Megan says she loves a boy who’s “a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet.” She adds “I don’t mind scrawny, or a bit of a ‘dad bod’. I’m 5ft1 so any height really.”

Megan “Meg” Moore (25, Southampton) – Meg, a payroll specialist from Southampton, describes her love life as “bankrupt, right now”.

Remell Mullings (24, Essex) – The self-improvement content creator from Essex is looking for a “bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun girl” in the villa.

Shakira Khan (22, Burnley) – Hailing from Burnley, 22-year-old marketing professional Shakira hopes there’ll be someone in the villa who’s “tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny”.

Shea Mannings (25, Bristol) – A semi-professional footballer, Shea is entering the villa looking for a bubbly Islander to connect with.

Sophie Lee (29, Manchester) – Manchester native Sophie is a motivational speaker and author, she’s another singleton who was hoping to find love in the villa this year but unfortunately, her time came to an early end on day two.

Tommy Bradley (22, Hertfordshire) – A landscape gardener, Tommy says his ideal woman is “very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn’t take themselves too seriously.”

Antonia “Toni” Laites (24, Connecticut, U.S.) – A Las Vegas pool cabana server, Toni is the first international bombshell of the season who wants to date a British guy as they are “more polite, with better manners”, and “all Americans love a good accent”.

Olivia Hawkins shares her thoughts on the latest series

Former Love Island star Olivia Hawkins has teamed up with Mecca Bingo to share her unfiltered thoughts on the drama, twists, and couples taking centre stage in the villa this season.

What do you think about the producers’ latest twist, where Shakira has to steal a boy from an existing couple?

“Absolutely amazing. I was so here for it, I loved how Maya made the boys stand up if they fancied Shakira. I know they were all scared to stand up, but once one went, the others felt more confident to do so.”

“I thought Dejon would stand up, only because he pulled Shakira and was quite flirty with her, but then he reassured Megan, that confused me a bit.”

“I sensed a bit of tension between the girls and Shakira, but she’s just doing Love Island how it should be done, and she made a really good point – the girls are free to crack on with who they want to crack on with, and I wish I’d taken that advice when I was on the show.”

“When you go in on the first day, you’re like, “Oh, my friends! They’re my best friends!” and it’s like, you’ve just met these people, but you feel like you owe them loyalty, but really, you don’t know anyone, and you should just be putting yourself first.”

How do you feel about an American Islander joining the series? Do you think it’s going to add a new dynamic or chaos?

“First American and a female! I think that was an amazing decision from the producers. I’m a big fan of the last season of Love Island USA. Americans, especially the girls on the show, they’re just so confident and so forward. I don’t think the boys will know what’s hit them with Toni. I think she won’t be afraid to break up couples. She’s one to watch, I’m definitely intrigued by her.”

Who do you think could win? Do you have a good feeling about anyone in particular?

“I don’t think the winners have walked in yet, I reckon it’ll be potentially one of the bombshell boys that’s coming in today, but I don’t think the winners are in there yet”

Who do you think is the most and least compatible couple so far, and why?

“Most compatible, I have to say Tommy and Megan, going on the kiss, because I don’t kiss people I don’t want to, so I’m presuming they’re the same.
“Least compatible? I’d say Blu and Alima, I’m obsessed with her, and no one’s up to her standard yet.”

Are there any couples you already think are strong, who might make it to the end?

“I guess Tommy and Megan, I reckon they’ll come runner-up, he’ll get his head turned at Casa Amor, he’ll come back single and then he’ll be like, “I’ve kissed someone else”, that vibe.”

Sophie was a fan favourite and has been described as inspirational after rebuilding her life following a fire accident. What are your thoughts on her being dumped, especially given all the fan support?

“Yeah, I’m a big fan of Sophie, I’ve followed her for years and her journey, and I think she’s so inspirational. When I saw she joined the cast, I was really excited, so it’s such a shame.”

“Obviously, I love the show, I love the team, but it’s so brutal when someone gets dumped after 24 hours, especially when the process takes such a long time, like four or five months. I think she would have brought a different dynamic, and I know she would have been a fiery character. I think it’s a bit of a loss for the show, but someone had to go.”

Do you think anyone deserves the villain edit in the show?

“When I look back, and people call me a villain, I’m like, is it a bad thing? Because people love to hate a villain and I feel like it makes the show exciting. You look at people like Megan Barton-Hanson and Adam Collard, they’re called villains, but everyone remembers them, so I think it’s quite iconic.”

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