LOVE Island star India Reynolds has shown off her ‘new face’ after having fat pockets removed from her cheeks.
The TV beauty rose to fame as a finalist in the fifth series of the show before returning for the ITV2 show’s All Star edition earlier this year.
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India has shared an initial before and after of her new faceCredit: lovefromreyn/Instagram
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She underwent a skin treatment for a more defined faceCredit: lovefromreyn/Instagram
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The TV beauty was famously dubbed Love Island’s most attractive Islander everCredit: Instagram
India has taken to social media this week to show off her latest facial procedure in order to gain a more defined look.
The star, once labelled as Love Island’s hottest contestant ever, underwent a tightening and uplifting skin treatment which helped to give her a more defined jawline along with a slimmer face.
She opted for a “High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy”, known for being “a minimally invasive procedure to rejuvenate and lift skin”.
India admitted her treatments could take up to 12 weeks to show clear results but she shared an initial before and after snap in which she revealed she was already very happy with the results.
Read More on India Reynolds
Alongside the snap, India said: “Here’s my before and after, results take up to 12 weeks but this was my immediate result which I’m thrilled with!”
She then added alongside an arrow to a part of her cheek: “This little fat pocket has already reduced.”
India will continue to document her facial procedures on her Instagram page.
Earlier this year, she made her return to TV after taking a backseat in the spotlight.
She signed up for All Stars but left after one week amid a failed connection with Scott Thomas.
However, India has since found love with someone new since her return to dating on TV.
India Reynolds mocks her most awkward Love Island moment with throwback clip – do you remember iconic scene-
Appearing on Olivia Attwood‘s So Wrong It’s Right podcast earlier this year, India revealed: “After I came out of this series, the All Stars in January, I was like ‘I need to get my act together’ because I haven’t dated anyone properly in ages, I’m getting older, I want to have kids… get a move on.
“I downloaded Hinge and thought this is going to be great for me and then they deleted my profile for impersonation, they thought it was a fake account.
“I had to redownload it and I had to send my passport and go through this whole palaver just to go on a first date with someone.”
She then shared her excitement of her blossoming new romance, saying: “But I finally got it back, went on a first date and the first guy I went on a date with was really nice.
Olivia then asked if she was still dating the mystery man and a smitten India confirmed they were an item.
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She returned to the spotlight earlier this year after appearing on All StarsCredit: Rex
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India shared snaps from the treatment onlineCredit: lovefromreyn/Instagram
And The Sun can reveal Helena Ford is among those on the wish list and is in early discussions for her second villa stint.
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Helena is in talks to appear in the next series of All StarsCredit: Shutterstock
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Her villa antics mean she can’t return to her day jobCredit: Getty
An insider told us: “Helena was a huge hit on the last series of the show and her on/off relationship with Harry and her deadpan jokes were a hit with viewers. She’s been in super early talks.
“Tyrique from series 10 was also in tentative talks before leaving for Love Island Games in the US.”
Helena recently revealed she won’t be able to return to her old job as a flight attendant after her time on Love Island.
Speaking the Daily Star, she said: “I don’t think they will take me back after that roast I did.
“Plus all the passengers will think, ‘Oh no, I’m going to get roasted now.’ Never say never but I’m not looking to go back at the moment, definitely not.
“I think I need take a break and to do some therapy first – I watched a lot of things back that I didn’t like in myself, so there’s that to work on first.”
Helena paired up with Harry Cooksley on Love Island, but after they split, he started dating another Love Islander Shakira Khan.
Shakira accompanied Harry to the recent NTA Awards, while Helena attended alone.
During her time on the ITV show, Helena became known for her catty comments and not taking any nonsense from fellow contestants, ensuring she became one of the more memorable cast members in recent times.
But despite believing her on-screen antics may have put a return to her old job in jeopardy, Helena is more than happy with how things have turned out.
She said: “It’s been mad since leaving the show.
“I’ve had so many new opportunities and people recognise me everywhere.
“For me, it’s about moving forwards and seeing where this crazy journey takes me.”
If you’re jetting abroad soon, you’ll likely know that watching Love Island overseas can be tricky.
That’s because streaming ITVX outside the UK is blocked -luckily, there’s a simple (and legal) solution.
You can use a VPN, such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, to stream ITV content from overseas.
Read on to learn how to use a VPN to access Love Island abroad.
How to watch Love Island 2025 abroad with a VPN
The whole process for watching Love Island 2025 while you’re outside the UK is actually pretty simple.
VPNs are online tools that can simulate a UK-based IP address, allowing you to bypass content restrictions.
Here’s what you need to do:
Download a VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to whatever device you use to stream content.
Load the VPN app on that device, and select a UK server.
Head to ITVX, and search for Love Island. Play, sit back and enjoy!
ITVX is where you can catch up on episodes that are already live.
You can also use a VPN to watch Love Island live on ITV2, but remember: you need to have a TV license to watch any live UK television from overseas.
When does Love Island Series 12 2025 start?
It’s already started! Did you not get the memo?
Luckily, you haven’t missed much.
The latest series of Love Island kicked off on Monday 9th June at 9pm, so it’s barely been a week.
As ever, it’s available to watch on ITV2.
How many Love Islands will there be in 2025?
Unless there’s a surprise instalment later this year (unlikely), there will almost definitely be two seasons of Love Islands this year.
Back at the beginning of 2025, we had the All Stars edition of Love Island, bringing some sunny fun to the gloom of the New Year.
And now we’ve got the Series 12 Summer Edition to look forward to. Yay!
If we hear any more news about forthcoming series, we’ll keep you posted on this page.
Can you watch Love Island in the US?
We’re thrilled that Love Island has been a hit across the pond, and American fans can access this year’s season using a VPN, as outlined earlier in this article.
FORMER Love Island star Anna Vakili has pulled out all the stops – and tan lines – and flashed a saucy bit of skin in a slashed dress.
The reality TV contestant dared to bare in a figure-hugging cut-out number at Manchester‘s Parklife Festival.
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The striking star showed off her hip tattoo in the barely-there dressCredit: Getty
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The Love Islander displayed a white tan line in the show-stopperCredit: Getty
The brunette bombshell showed off her intimate tattoo in the revealing black cut-away dress as she enjoyed her day out.
Held at Heaton Park, the Love Island star, 34, looked high-fashion at the two-day event where acts including 50 Cent, Charli XCX and Rudimental performed.
The podcaster wore her long dark highlighted hair slicked back into a chic ponytail with gold hoops earrings.
Wearing natural glossy make-up, the star looked more red carpet primed than down-and-dirty festival ready.
Reality star Anna was joined at the music spectacular by reality stars Matilda Draper and Demi Sims at SHEIN‘s VIP party.
She was joined by her sister Mandi who looked equally glam in a strapless blue mini dress and trainers.
They mingled amongst fellow Love Islanders including Nicole Samuel, Jessy Potts, Kaz Crossley and Matilda Draper.
Also on hand were Towie’s Frankie and Demi Sims looking dressed to impress.
Vakili shot to fame after appearing on Love Islandin 2019 – but she failed to find love in the villa.
Love Island star SPLITS from boyfriend just months after getting back together
However, they’ve recently split shortly after getting back together.
Earlier this year, she revealed that she’d dropped out of the last series of All Stars Love Island at the last minute.
She explained that even though she went through the whole process to appear on the ITV2 show – including multiple meetings and STD and drug testing – it wasn’t for her again.
Looking for serious love, she told fans that she decided against it saying ‘the kind of man I want to settle down with wouldn’t really want a woman that’s going on Love Island’.
Anna recently posted a photo in a hospital gown, and revealed she’d completed her first round of egg freezing.
The pharmacist admitted that although appearing on the 2019 series changed her life for the better financially, returning to the show would be “greedy”.
“The guy that I would want to marry now, would look down on that ‘why you on there snogging different guys in a bikini’.
“I’m a 34-year-old woman.”
It comes after Anna spoken candidly about a series of botched procedures she had in the hope of getting her ‘perfect’ body.
She also revealed how much money she has wasted and what she has had done including three BBLs [Brazilian Bum Lift] and a boob job.
Along with her sister Mandi, the pair host the popular podcast Sisters In The City.
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Anna and her podcasting sister Mandi looked glam at the festivalCredit: Getty
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The newly-single star posed up a storm at Heaton Park VIP areaCredit: Getty
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Anna joined a host of reality star at the Manchester festivalCredit: Getty
THERE was seriously cringe moment in the first Unseen Bits episode of the series.
One of the stunning new villa girls was confused with a famous Love Island star from the most recent All Stars series.
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Blu kept on getting two beautiful Islanders confusedCredit: Eroteme
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He muddled up a past Islander with a current oneCredit: ITV
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He also referred to her as ‘blondie’Credit: ITV
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Blu was chatting to Ben and Tommy at the time of one of the blundersCredit: ITV
In tonight’s episode of Unseen Bits, now-axed Blu referred to Helena as Harriett a few times.
Seemingly getting Helena Ford confused with Harriett Blackmore from Love Island: All Stars, Blu got muddled up and kept referring to Helena as Harriett.
In a conversation with Ben and Tommy, Blu repeatedly said “Harriett” when talking about Helena.
Even in the beach hut doing in a confessional, Blu kept referring to Helena as Harriett.
Read More about Love Island
In the clip where he was chatting to the boys, Blu asked what “blondie’s name” was again.
Ben and Tommy were then forced to correct him.
Blu was dumped from the villa in Friday night’s episode after on Thursday, he and Shea were left single and vulnerable when they were failed to get chosen by the girls to be in couples.
Between both of the lads, they were tasked with deciding who should stay and who should go.
But both lads were determined to stay and refused to back down.
Blu confidently said: “I ain’t f****** leaving.”
Dumped Love Island star Blu is already back in the UK and ‘demands justice’ after savage villa exit
And Shea echoed: “I ain’t either.”
The Sun then revealed that the pair got into a war of words, with this seen in Friday night’s episode before the Islanders were tasked with deciding on who would be dumped from the Island.
Ultimately, Blu was dumped from the Island, despite him not agreeing with the outcome.
Taking a final jab at Shea after his exit, Blu didn’t hold back as he made a veiled dig.
Love Island 2025 full lineup
Harry Cooksley: A 30-year-old footballer with charm to spare.
Sophie Lee: A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident.
Shakira Khan: A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads.
Blu Chegini: A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa.
Megan Moore: A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish.
Alima Gagigo: International business graduate with brains and ambition.
LOVE Island fans reckon they have the first Casa Amor bombshell sussed after an explosive two days on the 2025 series.
Their suspicions flooded in shortly after ITV2viewersthreatened to call Ofcomafter Shakira Khan, 22, was left single – when American bombshell Toni, 24, chose her man Ben, 23, to couple up with.
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Love Island fans are convinced they’ve sussed the first Casa Amor bombshellCredit: Eroteme
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It came after Shakira Khan was left single after just hours in the villa – and forced to graft and re-coupleCredit: Eroteme
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Influencer Sophie Lee was evicted last nightCredit: Eroteme
Manchester model ShakirapickedHarry Cooksley, 30, during the most recent re-coupling ceremony – meaningSophie Lee, 29, was dumped from the island immediately.
Now eagle-eyed Love Island regulars are convinced the TV star, who wasleft scarred for lifefollowing a terrifying accident, will be back.
She also added fuel to the fire as she admitted “summer isn’t over,” during her exit interview.
Now fans think a spot in the Love Island spin-off villa would be a perfect comeback, and one wrote on Instagram: “Get her back for Casa cos she came across so sweet definitely was hoping Alima was gunna go.”
A second put: “Get her back on!!!! we loved her!!!”
A third noted: “Bring her back in Casa Amor! She deserves another chance,” as a fourth put: “Get her back in for Casa!! She seems so genuine.”
One then added: “BRING SOPH BACK!”
Love Island bosses have form for calling back former show stars for the second villa.
LOVE Island star Kyle Ashman was sensationally axed from the show last night over a machete attack.
ITV chiefs scrapped the 23-year-old from the line up, plunging the show into chaos ahead of Monday’s launch.
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Kyle Ashman was axed from the showCredit: Instagram
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The Sun revealed he was one of two quizzed but released with no further actionCredit: Instagram/@kyleashmantr
Eyebrows were raised after the cast member was removed from the show at the final hour.
Unlike most of Love Island’s line-ups, Kyle wasn’t going into the villa with a social media packed with model shots.
He has just one snap online, showing off his rippling six-pack as he poses on a rooftop.
The mysterious 23-year-old water operative, fromStafford, previously described his flirting style as traditional and laid-back.
He said: “I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there.”
The chopped contestant said he was looking for “someone that’s fun, confident and just themselves”.
Not much else is known about Kyle’s private life.
His flight back home fromMajorca came after masked thugs stormed a wake in Stafford and hacked at a dad with a blade in February.
Ashman, 23, was one of two quizzed but released with no further action.
Sources said the channel was unaware of the incident and he was not flagged as part of contestant checks.
Love Island 2025 cast revealed as footballer, actress and beauty influencer who cheated death sign up
The victim, 38, nearly lost his arm. He was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and kept in for around two weeks.
Another mourner was glassed, one struck with a metal pole, and two people run over by a car during 15 minutes of terror at a social club in Stafford.
Ashman, who lives in the town, was one of two men to be nicked on suspicion of affray and bailed.
Police confirmed yesterday that after the matter had been investigated the pair were released with no further action only last month.
A source said: “This was a horrific attack which could have been even worse.
“Ashman may have signed up to one of the biggest shows on TV with this hanging over his head.”
It is not suggested that Ashman, whose job involves laying and repairing water pipes, was involved in the attack.
Last night he insisted he was not a violent person.
Confirming his show exit, an ITV spokesman said: “For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.”
The mass brawl broke out at The White Eagle Club on February 28.
Sources said three balaclava-clad thugs armed with machetes and metal poles stormed the venue and attacked the dad over an alleged £3,000 debt.
They attacked him with a blade and left him with a deep gash on his arm — with witnesses wrapping towels over it to stem the bleed.
Pals say he has suffered tendon damage and is unable to drive due to his injuries.
Witnesses said the mob made off in a white Vauxhall Astra waiting outside.
Around 70 mourners, some elderly and some children, had gathered to pay their respects to local Stanley Reid.
Our source continued: “This seemed to be a targeted attack — they knew who they were looking for and where he was.
“People wrapped a towel around the man’s injury while waiting for emergency services.
“Children were taken into a room and locked in there to keep them away from the violence.
“People were screaming and crying in fear. They had gathered to pay final farewells to a man who was really well-respected within the local community.
“They could have killed someone that night. They are nothing but scumbags. They ruined what was a lovely send-off for a good person.”
Staffordshire Police said yesterday: “We were called to a social club on Riverway, Stafford, at 7.40pm on Friday, February 28 following reports that someone had been glassed outside and a fight was taking place. Some of the men involved were wearing masks and were carrying weapons.
“Two men went to hospital after suffering injuries at the scene. Both have since been discharged.
“A man and a woman suffered minor injuries at the scene but did not want any medical treatment.
“Officers have reviewed CCTV footage and have been actively carrying out enquiries to find out more about what happened.
“A 22-year-old man, from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of wounding and affray.
“Another man, also 22 and from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of affray.
“Both were questioned in custody and bailed with conditions while our enquiries continue.”
A force spokeswoman later confirmed that both suspects had been released with no further action last month.
Ashman said last night: “I fully co-operated 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.”
A show source said: “ITV were entirely unaware of Kyle’s past and, as he was not charged, it was not flagged as part of Love Island’s stringent DBS checks.
“It’s only right he can now return home to the UK to share his side of the story and therefore bosses took the decision that it was best for him not to enter the villa.”
Love Island host Maya Jama will kick off the brand new series on Monday, June 9.
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Sources said the channel was unaware of the incidentCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
WE’RE about to jump head first into another long hot summer, brimming with bikinis, fire pit chats and cringe new slogans, with the sultry tones of Iain Stirling’s “tonight… on Love Island” wafting through our living rooms.
And while that might spark excitement for diehard fans like me, there’s also a creeping sense of deja vu – because once again, despite vocal feedback from viewers, we’re getting the same recycled formula: a villa full of 20-somethings and influencers.
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We’re about to jump head first into another long hot summer, brimming with bikinis, fire pit chats and cringe new slogansCredit: Instagram
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Many of this year’s Islanders have sizeable social followingsCredit: instagram/sophirelee
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Olivia and Alex were a success story – but an Insta following wasn’t a guarantee on their seriesCredit: Rex
This year’s summerLove Island cast is a who’s who of social media stars. There’s from Sophie Lee’s popular Instagram account, Helena Ford’s travel diaries, and TikTok personalities Megan Forte Clarke and Aaron Buckett.
Megan Moore and Rose Selway also boast impressive followings – the latter rubbing shoulders with Love Island alum, thanks to her celeb-favourite tweakment clinic. And then there are the 20-year-old’s among the cast, who are apparently “looking for love,” on the show.
Now I’m not saying you can’t fall in love and meet ‘the one’ at 20 – Olivia Bowen was just 22 when she met her now-husband Alex Bowen, and Love Island superstars Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury were only 21 when their jacuzzi date turned into one of the show’s most iconic love stories.
But things were different then. Love Island wasn’t a guaranteed career launchpad. A deal with PLT was a bonus, not a certainty.
Now, those going on the show have seen the roadmap to fame paved before them, and enter the villa with eyes on the prize – and the prize is not love.
Frankly, there really aren’t enough success stories to say that casting 20-year-olds on the show is a winning formula. In fact, Love Island is more likely to move to Canvey Island at this rate, than it is to find a couple of 20-year-olds who put all their eggs in each other’s baskets.
So doesn’t it feel a bit odd that we’re all sat, every night from 9-10pm, investing all our time into people who, let’s face it, are on the show to further their followings, and not to recreate a storyline out of a Nicholas Sparks novel?
Would it not be more rewarding to watch people in their 30s, – those who may be genuinely starting to question if love is still out there- given a real shot at finding their someone? It would surely make the show a lot more relatable for a lot of people, instead of seeing influencers sling one-liners at each other on a Balinese bed, before heading into the outside world to land a situationship and a podcast deal.
And nostalgia for the old Love Island is running high on social media. Viewers seem keen to bring it back to the days of construction workers and fishmongers walking onto our screens, not people who are friends of a friend with an Islander, or have famous football star dads and brand deals lined up.
Love Island 2025 cast revealed as footballer, actress and beauty influencer who cheated death sign up
But let’s be honest, you can hardly blame the 20-year-olds and influencers for going on to the show.
Of course, given half the chance, they’re going to want to further their careers on the UK’s biggest dating output. You’d take one look at Molly-Mae’s business empire and flashy mansion, Olivia Attwood fronting huge TV shows, and Tasha Ghouri strutting her stuff on Strictly and think, I want a slice of that. And if you’re presented with a stepping stone to pop you closer to fortune and fame, wouldn’t you jump onto it?
Still, it’s starting to undermine what Love Island was originally about. It’s less of a search for soulmates, and more a talent pipeline for the nextPrettyLittleThing ambassador or social media star, as opposed to sourcing the UK’s most enviable romance story.
But then you could also argue, if it’s not broken don’t fix it?
Love Island winners – where they are now
EVERY year Love Island opens its doors to more sexy Islanders who are hoping for a holiday romance that could turn into more.
I just worry that it will become broken, that people are starting to fall out of love with the island of love.
As a huge fan of the show, I’m not ready to switch off just yet.
But I no longer watch with rose tinted glasses, I watch with a lot more scepticism than I once did, which is a shame. I find myself trying to decipher between showmance and serious, instead of sitting back and enjoying the chaos of it all.
And I guess the big question is, can Love Island ever get back to how it once was? Can people still find true love over fame? Well we could at least give it the best chance to prevail by choosing age and career wisely when casting.
Maybe then we could rekindle that magic of the earlier seasons, you know, the ones that made Love Island iconic in the first place.
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Are people starting to fall out of love with the show?
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Contestants aren’t wrong for wanting to find success on the showCredit: Instagram
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Can people still find true love over fame? Well we could at least give it the best chance to prevail by choosing age and career wisely when casting
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Molly and Tommy were a rare love story on the show, in their early twentiesCredit: Rex Features
IN 2015, 12 twentysomething singles walked into a Majorcan villa for the very first time – and viewers fell head over heels for Love Island.
The premise was simple: couple up and don’t get dumped, to win £50,000.
Ten years on, psychologist Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley says: “Love Island rewired the way we think about love, attraction and even language. It normalised enhanced beauty.”
With the 12th series kicking off next Monday, here we look at how the show shaped the nation.
SKIMPIER SWIMWEAR
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Antigoni Buxton wears a bikini top upside downCredit: Instagram
THE Islanders’ clothes — or lack of — made us reassess our own poolside wardrobes.
Thongs stole the show in 2018, with contestants including Laura Anderson and Georgia Steel wearing the painful-looking cheese-string variety.
Sales of thong bikinis subsequently soared as the nation got on board.
But a family-friendly pool in Lincolnshire banned customers from wearing “thongs or see-through” garments, dubbing it the “Love Island effect”.
In 2019, Molly-Mae Hague and Yewande Biala helped spark an underboob revolution, while 2022 contestant, Antigoni Buxton, inspired us to turn swimwear tops on their head, with searches for “upside-down bikini” rising by 203 per cent.
Sun Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend says: “At the start of each series I’m hit with a barrage of emails from retailers reading, ‘Get the Love Island look’ as they all quickly roll out the on-trend swimwear for that year.”
MAKE-UP RITUALS
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Dani Dyer uses a hairdryer to dry her false lashes in 2018Credit: ITV
AS well as putting their love lives under the spotlight, the Islanders revealed their beauty hacks.
In 2018, Dani Dyer brushed her false eyelashes with a spoolie and blasted them with a hairdryer to give them a fluffy look.
The following summer, Molly-Mae sparked the top-knot trend after she gave a tutorial on how to achieve her trademark hairdo, while in the show’s Beach Hut.
And last year, Ella Thomas changed the way we cleanse our faces when she blew on a cotton pad soaked in micellar water — causing the liquid to foam.
Series two’s Malin Andersson has given up BotoxCredit: Rex Features
BOOB jobs, fillers, Botox — you name it, a Love Island contestant has had it.
Every summer, fans take to Google to see what islanders looked like before their tweakments, with bombshell Megan Barton-Hanson’s transformation one of the most talked about.
The “Love Island Effect” has been blamed for a boom in the number of women — many of them young or even teenagers — seeking cosmetic procedures.
One plastic surgeon said that requests for dermal fillers increased twelve-fold after last year’s series. Demand for other tweakments at High Street salons is up 31 per cent in five years.
However, many former contestants such as Molly-Mae and Shaughna Phillips have had their filler dissolved.
Adam Collard was accused of ‘gaslighting’ Rosie WilliamsCredit: Rex Features
THE show has made headlines over the years for demonstrating the problematic and toxic behaviour of both men and women.
In 2019, domestic abusecharity Women’s Aid accused Adam Collard of “gaslighting” Rosie Williams by denying he was flirting with Zara McDermott, who he later ended up with.
Similarly, in 2022 the charity was “forced” to speak to ITV after being tagged by viewers in social media posts criticising Luca Bish for his “misogynistic and controlling behaviour” towards screen partner Gemma Owen.
Earlier this year, media watchdog Ofcom received thousands of complaints about All Stars contestant Elma Pazar’s “alleged bullying” of co-star Ekin-Su Culculoglu during an argument.
However, the pair were soon shown working through their fall-out before making up.
THE LINGO
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‘The ick’ was made popular by Olivia AttwoodCredit: Getty
REMEMBER the time when “muggy” referred to the weather and “my type on paper” was just a font?
The show’s catchphrases have left a lasting impression on the English language.
“The ick”, made popular by Olivia Attwood, was added to the Cambridge Dictionary in 2024, defined as “a sudden feeling of dislike or loss of attraction towards someone or something”.
Linguist and interpreter Ana Clarke says the show’s own lingo has even helped British men drop the stiff upper lip and better express emotions.
She said: “Now we see younger males talking about their feelings. They talk about ‘my type on paper’, ‘being mugged off’, ‘keeping their options open’.
“They often talk about relationships and use the word ‘journey’.”
Other terms popularised by the show include “pied” (to be dumped); “it is what it is” (that’s the situation); “putting all my eggs in their basket” (focusing on one person); and “melt” (liking someone so much that you don’t mind embarrassing yourself to prove it).
MENTAL HEALTH
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Former presenter Caroline Flack’s suicide threw ITV into turmoilCredit: Rex
SADLY, Love Island has been hit by a number of tragedies, which highlighted how reality TV shows that thrive on conflict and emotions can harm the mental health of contestants.
After the suicides of former Islanders Sophie Gradon (series two) and Mike Thalassitis (series three) and presenter Caroline Flack within a period of 20 months, ITV was thrown into turmoil.
Bosses introduced new duty-of-care protocols including pre-show psych-ological and medical assessments, training on social media impacts and ongoing support both during and after the programme aired.
Following Caroline’s shock death early 2020, Love Island and its sponsor JustEat replaced advertising with messages from charity Samaritans.
PR expert Nick Ede said: “ITV understood that they do have a duty of care. They put in place stringent guidelines to really support each of the contestants.
“After Caroline, it was important for them to support their viewers as well.”
A STAR IS BORN
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Ovie Soko poses for Asos after signing a brand deal
A BEVVY of beauties have found fame on the show — becoming some of the our most talked about and successful celebs.
Even the losers have walked away winners thanks to lucrative brand deals or showbiz gigs.
Nick Ede says: “They are kind of relatable. Millions feel they could be with them or be on Love Island.” Season five runner-up Molly-Mae has been the most successful influencer.
She has made an estimated £6million from deals with Pretty Little Thing, L’Oreal and Beauty Works.
She now has a daughter with her Love Island boyfriend boxer Tommy Fury, her own clothing line and a docuseries with Amazon Prime Video.
Alex and Olivia Bowen have a son and are worth almost £10million, mainly due to sponsored Instagram deals. Maura Higgins has fashion and beauty deals and hosts a US Love Island spin-off.
Olivia Attwood makes document-aries and a podcast.
CUT-OUT dresses and co-ords and, for men, spray-on jeans were all popularised on the show.
The early seasons’ contestants were dressed by sponsors including fast-fashion retailers I Saw It First and Missguided, but it soon sparked a backlash.
In 2022, the show made headlines by announcing it would now dress the Islanders in pre-owned outfits from eBay, to promote more sustainable shopping habits.
PR expert Nick Ede said it was a savvy move by ITV to appeal to eco-conscious Gen Z.
“It opened them up to a whole new generation,” says Nick. “We know younger audiences are more conscious when it comes to clothing.”
ONE SIZE FITS ALL
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Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan became the first black couple to be crowned winnersCredit: Rex
YOU can’t deny there is a stereotypical Love Island look.
While the show has included contestants such as Tasha Ghouri, who is deaf and wears a cochlear implant, raising awareness around her disability, it has been criticised for failing to include any plus-size contestants.
Dating coach Eimear Draper says: “TV shows such as Love Island are putting a huge amount of pressure on beauty standards. For those who already struggle with self- esteem, this is concerning.”
Eimear, founder of Kindling Dating, adds: “All the women look the same with their bikinis, tanned skin and long, flowing hair.
“The Love Island guys likeChris Hughes are all hunks. They are buff. They, too, are tanned and tattooed.”
Young blokes have been warned by the group UK Anti-Doping not to resort to performance-enhancing drugs to achieve “ripped” physiques,
Periodically, Love Island has also been accused of tokenism, with often only one or two black contestants each series. Last year, Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan became the first black couple to be crowned winners.
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX
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Alex Bowen and Zara Holland have sex on TV in series 2
IN the early days, the show was a bit of a bonkfest.
Ofcom received complaints about one couple getting busy in front of their rival housemates in series two.
And Miss Great Britain Zara Holland was stripped of her pageant title after getting it on with Alex Bowen.
Series three winners Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies were also at it like rabbits.
In 2018, producers decided to stop showing sex scenes. Nowadays, you might just get a glimpse of a headboard banging or happy feet under the sheets.
But experts reckon the show has, in some ways, sexually empowered women.
Therapist Sergio Rebelo says: “Many women on the show are unafraid to talk about their bodies and sexuality. This can encourage others to discuss their own sexuality.”
Case in point: Maura Higgins talking about which of the men gave her “fanny flutters”.
Then there’s ex-stripper Megan Barton-Hanson, who was on Love Island in 2018 and later paired up with Ann Summers to launch her own range of sex toys.
LOVE Island star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has fallen out with her best pal – with the star being branded a “narcissist”.
Ekin-Su, who shot to fame on Love Island in 2022 and again on the All Stars series earlier this year, had previously been championed by close friend Mabel Asojo during her time on the reality show.
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Love Island’s Ekin-Su and best pal Mabel have fallen out and unfollowed each otherCredit: Instagram
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Mabel addressed her falling out with her former palCredit: Instagram
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A source said there is a big division in Ekin’s friendship groupCredit: Instagram
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An insider has said a pal is disappointed at Ekin for being ‘disloyal’Credit: Getty
But now the pair have unfollowed each other on social media and sources say that they are no longer friends after a falling out.
Mabel recently shared a post to address her fallout with Ekin-Su.
It read: “To everyone flooding my inbox with updates and questions, save it.
“We are not friends – I don’t need to write an unsold self help book on loyalty for someone who can’t even grasp how to be a decent human.
“I don’t deal with liars, cheaters, bullies, or narcissists. So please stop involving me.
“Consider this your final update. I hope she discovers peace.
“It just won’t be through me.”
She then followed this up with a screengrab of one of Ekin-Su’s pals defending the star, while taking a swipe at Mabel.
They claimed: “Imagine smiling to someone’s face, claiming you were best friends, then selling stories behind their back – and trying to turn me against her too.
MAFS Georges slams ex Ekin-Su for having sex with Curtis on Love Island while ‘still in a relationship him’
“That’s next level snake behaviour. She’s real, loyal and solid and she doesn’t deserve the lies.
“Some people will do anything for attention.
“Glad we know who the rat was all along in the friendship circle.”
Taking a swipe at former friend Ekin, Mabel captioned it: “Wish you both the best.”
While a source said: “Ekin-Su’s friendship circle is at war. They’ve fallen out in a major clash and there is a big division between the group.
“The fallout worsened after Ekin-Su’s stint on All Stars, one of her long term friends has cut ties with her.
“One of her pals is not happy with her behaviour and has called her out for it.
“They’ve tried to be a good friend to her but think fame has gone to her head and she’s changed for the worse.
“Right now they’ve washed their hands of her and think she’s been a narcissist and disloyal in a bid to further her career.”
But another insider said Ekin-Su is not fully to blame.
They shared: “Ekin-Su has been under a lot of stress, those closest to her have unfairly turned their back on her.
“Ekin has always been a good friend and they should have had her back.”
The Sun have reached out to Ekin-Su’s rep for comment.
They said in a joint statement: “After much thoughtful consideration, Gabby and Casey have decided to go their separate ways romantically.
“This decision was mutual, and they both remain on good terms as friends with a shared respect for each other.”
“Gabby is grateful for the memories they’ve created together and wishes Casey nothing but the best as they both move forward on their individual journeys.
Love Island star Gabby reveals she is FINALLY Casey’s girlfriend two months after winning show
A source said: “Both have confided in quite a few friends about this and so it’s not really a secret in their circles, but they’ve made the decision to part ways this week.”
They added: “They had a really good relationship and enjoyed each others’ time but the reality is that they are focusing on different things and they both have realised that.
“Neither of them have parted ways badly but they just knew it wasn’t going to work anymore.”
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