HERE’S the tanned, toned and totally gorgeous line-up for this year’s Love Island.
The Sun can exclusively reveal Maya Jama’s full squad for the summer includes a footballer, personal trainer and a series of stunning models.
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Maya Jama will be back with this summer’s Love Island singletons on Monday
But their beauty is more than skin deep, as ITV2 has amassed a group with real kudos.
Brilliant former fire-breather Sophie Lee has campaigned for real beauty since she was scarred for life when her act went disastrously wrong, whilst Alima Gagigo has a BA degree in international business.
Love Island bosses will officially confirm the OGs tomorrow, with the series to kick off next Monday.
But for now, take a look at the girls and guys who will be sexing up your summer.
Harry Cooksley
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Football player Harry Cooksley is known as The Surrey ZidaneCredit: Instagram
The dancer and model, from Manchester, was left with horror burns when an air conditioning unit blew flames back in her face.
Sophie has written a book about her experience and has worked with The Katie Piper Foundation, helping fellow burns victims
A source said: “Sophie is a gorgeous girl and a powerhouse of a woman who has overcome everything life has thrown at her.
“Just like Tasha Ghouri’s amazing time in the villa where she raised awareness for the hearing impaired, Love Island bosses are thrilled to give Sophie the same platform to discuss her accident and how she’s become comfortable in her skin since.”
Shakira Khan
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Stunning Shakira Khan is set to wow Love Island fansCredit: Instagram
The 22-year-old’s Instagram page is filled with gorgeous travel snaps from Haiti, Dubai and New York – and she’s not afraid of a bikini showcase too.
In one recent post, she showed off her impressive figure in black and silver bikini top and thong briefs.
Shakira captioned it: “Haiti cos u ain’t me 💋.”
One follower replied: “Wow!! 🤩 gorgeous lady x.”
A source said: “Shakira is jaw-droppingly gorgeous and will land a place in Love Island’s history books as a real beauty.”
Megan Forte Clarke
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Irish actress Megan isn’t afraid to have a laugh at herselfCredit: Instagram /meganforteclarke
Stunning actress Megan will definitely turn a few heads this summer.
Megan originally hails from Ireland but trained at The Brighton Academy of performing arts and musical theatre.
She has more than 20,000 followers on TikTok and isn’t afraid to take the mickey out of herself.
But once in the villa, she Megan might give the swimming pool a miss.
One of her TikTok videos shows Megan screaming and terrified while making her way through the rides at Siam Park water park in Tenerife.
Speaking of her experience, she told a follower: “It took 10 years off my life.”
Megan is already friends with Love Island alumni Harriett Blackmore.
Dejon Noel Williams
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Dejon Noel Williams is a fitness fanatic and already has big name sponsorsCredit: Instagram / dejonnoelwilliams
Hunky Dejon Noel Williams will definitely be making the most the villa gym this summer.
The personal trainer and semi-professional footballer is a fitness fanatic and has already worked with a string of big name sportswear brands.
Dejon’s social media accounts are full of sexy photos of his ripped body and he already has an Instagram following of more than 11,000 fans.
His bio reads: “I go beyond the gym—helping you build Strength, Confidence & Discipline for life.”
Dejon recently took part in his first HYDROX competition and told his fans: “I trained for the moment, and the moment didn’t break me. First Hyrox down.”
In 2021, he represented the Grenada national football team.
Blu Chegini
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Blu Chegini is a uni graduate who works in London’s FitzroviaCredit: Instagram / bluchegini
Businessman Blu will be swapping his wardrobe of smart suits for swimming trucks when he walks into the villa.
Blu is based in London and currently works as a construction project manager.
He graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2023 with a Bsc Hons in Construction Project Management and works for a firm in the captial’s swanky Fitzrovia.
Blu also spends a lot of time in Marbella, meaning he will feel right at home in the Spanish sun.
Alima Gagio
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Alima has both beauty and brainsCredit: Instagram / alimsssx
Alima Gagio is another of this year’s lot who brings a lot more to the table than just 10/10 looks.
The stunning Scot has an BA Hons degree in International Business and proudly posted online about her achievement.
Posing with a bunch of flowers on her graduation day from Glasgow Caledonian University, her 2,250 followers rushed to congratulate her.
Elsewhere the gorgeous travel fan shares images from her holidays around the world, posting updates from Lisbon, Mykonos, Ibiza and Morocco.
Alima also loves a trip down south to London for a bouji dinner and cocktails with her friends.
Ben Holbrough
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Ben Holbrough works as a modelCredit: Instagram / ben.holbrough
Buff Ben will feel right at home with his top off in the Majorcan sunshine.
The model is 6ft 2ins and is a big fan of showing off his six pack in mirror selfies on social media.
In a video on his Star Now modelling page, he says: “My main line of work is modelling, which I’ve been doing for about five or six years now.
“But when I’m not doing that, my hobbies are either going to the gym or playing football.”
Air stewardess Helena Ford has travelled all over the worldCredit: instagram
Blonde beauty Helena Ford hopes to find herself a match in the Love Island villa.
The gorgeous influencer is already mates with Love Island alumni Zara McDermott and loves travelling the world as a member of cabin crew.
Helena is based in the UK, the majority of of her social media snaps have been taken in the luxury destinations she has visited with her job.
She has been pictured in Dubai, Miami, Cape Town and Lake Como in Italy.
Helena also has a TikTok account where she posts ‘come with me’ videos as she jets off around the world.
Megan Moore
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Fans can look forward to getting to know Megan MooreCredit: Instagram / megann.mooree
Gorgeous girl Megan is another fan of travelling the world.
The influencer was last snapped in Spain just two weeks ago as she topped up her tan ahead of her big villa entrance.
Little is known about Megan but she already has several thousand fans on Instagram.
Commenting on a recent photo of her, one gushed: “Most beautiful girl inside and out.”
Another added: “Stunning my girl .”
And a third told her: “You are just delightful.”
Kyle Ashman
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Kylie Ashman keeps a low profile onlineCredit: Instagram/@kyleashmantr
Unlike most of Love Island’s line-ups, Kyle doesn’t come into the villa with a social media packed with model shots.
The hunk has just one snap online, showing off his rippling six-pack as he poses on a rooftop.
But he looks to be more than villa-ready – and will head straight to the garden gym.
On his Instagram page he has two emojis, one of which depicts a man lifting up a barbell.
The second emoji suggests he is a devout Muslim and will join the likes of Islanders including Nas Majeed who have practised the faith in the villa.
Viewers can look forward to filling in Kyle’s blank pages as we learn more about him.
Bombshells
IF the gorgeous gaggle of guys and girls above isn’t enough, then a troop of bombshells are ready to explode into the villa once the show is underway.
The Sun revealed last week that 6’5” Aaron Buckett was lined-up and can now share the update that he will appear later in the series to tempt the girls away from their partners.
The PT is such a hunk, execs have decided to hold him back until the early couplings look secure – then deploy him at the perfect time to lure a lass away and create maximum drama.
Elsewhere, two beauties have been named as in the mix for later on.
They are make-up artist Lucy Quinn, a 20-year-old from Liverpool.
A source told Mail Online: “Lucy is single and ready to mingle. She can’t wait to enter the Love Island villa and is counting down the days until it becomes a reality.”
Then there is beauty salon owner Rose Selway, who counts Islanders including Lucinda Strafford and Jessy Potts among her clientele.
A source told MailOnline: “Rose is friends with many former stars of the show so has a good idea what it’s like being in the villa and now she finally has the chance to experience it herself.”
The trio will join the throng of Islanders poised and ready to land in the villa throughout the series run.
An ITV spokesman said: “As always there is a lot of speculation around the Love Island line up – we will be announcing the Love Island 2025 cast in due course.”
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Beauty salon owner Rose will be a latecomerCredit: instagram
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Aaron Buckett will also arrive as a bombshell to tempt the girls awayCredit: Instagram/@aarxncb
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Make-up artist Lucy Quinn is single and ready to mingle
AN entrepreneur whose clients include former contestants on the show has passed the audition to join the cast of Love Island 2025.
Here’s what we know about Rose Selway, who could be looking for love in the latest series of the nation’s favourite dating show.
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Rose Selway is set to join the cast of singletons looking for love in the summer of 2025 as she swaps business for pleasure at the Mallorca villaCredit: instagram
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The beauty business owner comes from DevonCredit: Instagram
The 24-year-old beauty salon owner from Devon has passed the audition to join the cast of Love Island 2025.
With her background in the beauty industry, Rose would be somewhat of a breath of fresh air on the show — a change from the usual array of models and influencers.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and business experience could make her a formidable presence in the villa.
However, as of June 2, 2025, it has not been confirmed exactly if or when Rose will enter the Love Island villa.
She has opened up about her own plastic surgery, which includes a nose job and botox.
‘It’s my whole world’
Rose said of her company: “Aesthetics isn’t just my job, it’s my whole world.
“I absolutely love it and adore every single one of you I meet day in and day out.
“The confidence I bring you all makes me burst with joy.”
Maya Jama shares sweet video with rarely seen Scottish grandad on family holiday
Although Rose is ready to enter the show after passing the Love Island audition process, the show’s bosses are yet to make their final decision on the starting line-up.
A source told MailOnline: “Rose is friends with many former stars of the show so has a good idea what it’s like being in the villa and now she finally has the chance to experience it herself.”
Former Love Island star Dani Dyer shocked viewers when she revealed that her new mother-in-law actually voted for her and her ex-boyfriend, Jack Fincham to win Love Island in 2018
Jessica Clarke Digital Reporter
22:12, 01 Jun 2025
Dani Dyer shocked viewers on the ITV show Love Island: Decade Of Love (Image: Getty)
Dani Dyer has revealed who Jarrod Bowen’s mother voted for on Love Island. The reality star,who recently tied the knot, appeared on the ITV special, Love Island: Decade Of Love, where she revealed that her new mother-in-law actually voted for her and fellow islander Jack Fincham to win the show.
Ahead of a brand new series, Love Island shared a special episode where they celebrated an entire decade of the show, with many surprise guests commentating on old clips.
The show marked Dani’s first TV appearance, although it was pre-recorded, since she officially tied the knot with her footballer boyfriend Jarrod Bowen in a romantic ceremony on Saturday, 31 May. As Dani watched old Love Island clips with her friend Samira Mighty, she revealed that her now mother-in-law was actually rooting for Jack and Dani to win as a couple.
Former Love Island star Dani Dyer shocked viewers when she revealed that her new mother in law actually voted for her and fellow islander Jack Fincham to win Love Island in 2018(Image: Getty Images)
She said: “My mother-in-law voted for me and Jack to win Love Island,” leaving fellow former islander Samira shocked.
Entering the villa as a 21-year-old barmaid, Dani quickly became a fan favourite with her down-to-earth personality and relatable charm. Dani and Jack ended up winning the 2018 series by a mile with 79.66% of the vote.
Post-show, they moved in together, adopted a puppy, and began filming a reality series about their life. However, just six months later, Dani announced their split, stating they had realised the relationship wasn’t meant to be long-term.
Entering the villa as a 21-year-old barmaid, Dani quickly became a fan favourite with her down-to-earth personality(Image: PA)
Seven years on from stepping foot in the Love Island villa and Dani is now living her own fairytale with her family. The reality star began dating West Ham United footballer Jarrod Bowen in 2021, and the couple went on to welcome twin daughters, Star and Summer, in May 2023.
One year later, they announced their engagement in July 2024 and have just tied the knot in a ceremony at the end of May 2025, which was attended by close family and friends.
Seven years on from stepping foot in the Love Island villa and Dani is now living her own fairytale with her family
Dani’s father, former Eastenders actor Danny Dyer, walked her down the aisle while two-year-old twin daughters, Summer and Star, were flower girls. Dani’s four-year-old son Santiago, whom she shares with her ex Sammy Kimmence, was also a page boy.
The bride and groom and all their guests dressed to impress for the ceremony in the British countryside. Dani’s white off-the-shoulder gown by British designer Suzanne Neville cost a whopping £10,000 and was paid for by Danny and her mum.
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.
With the 2025 season of Love Island now just days away, increasing reports are emerging to suggest exactly who will be entering the villa – with a football fan the latest to be linked to the show
Football fan Tommy Bradley has been linked to the 2025 season of Love Island(Image: @_tommybradley_/Instagram)
Love Island casting agents have enlisted a “cheeky chappy” to take part as a contestant in the upcoming 2025 season of the long-running ITV reality dating show. A gym enthusiast named Tommy Bradley has been reported as cast in the upcoming new season, which will be the 12th to air over the past decade.
The Londoner, who appears to be an avid fan of Tottenham Hotspur, is said to have undergone a dramatic body transformation in preparation for his time in the villa. He will be flown to the Mediterranean, where he stands to find love with any number of beautiful women enlisted to join the contestants in the main house – or those who plan to wreck romances in the inevitable Casa Amor phase of the show.
It is reported that show bosses hope Tommy can bring some humour to the series as he is being described as a “cheeky” contestant. While ITV is yet to unveil the cast of the upcoming new season of their reality show, which airs on June 9, reports of potential contestants have become rife in recent days.
The Londoner is a Tottenham Hotspur fan(Image: @_tommybradley_/Instagram)
A source told The Sun: “Tommy seems to tick all the Love Island boxes as the cheeky chappy of this summer’s series. He looks to enjoy a night out with the lads and out on the boxing scene with his brother.
“But he’s also packed on serious muscle over the last year, ready for telly’s famous villa and is no longer just a personality hire. Execs are finalising who will be in the OG line-up and who will be a bombshell.”
The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment. While photos shared by Tommy via Instagram paint him as a classic tanned, toned and smily potential Islander.
Love Island is just over a week away from returning to screens, with an official synopsis reading: “A fresh batch of singles prepare for the summer of a lifetime in the ultimate search for love, with host Maya Jama overseeing proceedings at the villa in Majorca.”
Maya Jama has been teasing the upcoming new season – which marks 10 full years since the series first returned in 2015 with the late Caroline Flack as the host. The new season is set to kick off on Monday 9 June – and it could be the most dramatic season of all time.
The new series of Love Island starts in just a matter of days(Image: Instagram / @itv)
An advert for the returning show has been unleashed showing Maya sat in a brain storming session trying to think up new ways to keep viewers engaged on the show. The clip was shared via Instagram with a caption stating: “To the hottie this may concern, as per the last 11 Series, we’re staying loyal to the entertainment.
“Moving forward, we’ll be levelling up on the twists. The stakeholders are aligned, the Islanders will be laying it on Factor 50, and we’re on track to hit our KPI on drama. It’s time to crack on and deliver serious results. Let’s circle back soon. Warmest wishes x.”
The footage showed Maya saying to the team: “This year Love Island needs something bigger, something bolder. I want ideas.” One of the team suggests: “Move it to the Isle of Wight?” But this prompted an unimpressed expression from Maya.
Another suggested: “What if we turned it into a musical?” Only for Maya to ask: “Why?” Another suggested: “Love Island, on ice?” But Maya hit back, saying: “Never.” And when the suggestion of including robots is made, she yells: “No!”
Addressing the camera, and seemingly anyone who does want to take part in the show, she says: “This year I want more drama, more bombshells, more break-ups, more make-ups. I want more twists. I want more twists than ever.”
The series is set to return on ITV2 on Monday 9 June at 9pm – with footage then airing on ITV1 from 10:45pm following the conclusion of the 2025 launch episode.
The start date for Love Island’s 2025 summer series has been confirmed by ITV and while fans don’t have long to wait, it’s starting at a later date than usual this year
18:22, 28 May 2025Updated 18:23, 28 May 2025
ITV has announced the start date for Love Island’s upcoming series – and fans will have to wait just a little bit longer than they’re used to for the hit reality show’s return. Hosted by Maya Jama, the series will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year as a new line-up of singles descends on the Majorcan villa in the hopes of finding romance.
While the show has typically aired on the first Monday in June for the past few years, Love Island is hitting our screens at a slightly later date this time around. The 2025 summer series is set to premiere on Monday June 9 – a week later than last year’s series.
Maya Jama will return to host Love Island in June(Image: ITV)
ITV announced the return date on social media, writing: “Mark your calendar, you’re invited to this year’s hottest meeting… Agenda: Initial coupling, strategic navigation of red flags, and identification of potential long-term partnerships.”
“To the hottie this may concern,” Maya announced in the clip. “As per the last 11 Series we’re staying loyal to the entertainment and levelling up the twists. The stakeholders are aligned, the Islanders will be laying it on Factor 50, and we’re on track to hit our KPI on drama.”
She added: “It’s time to crack on and deliver serious results. Let’s circle back soon. Warmest wishes x.” Set in an office that’s decorated with neon signs and inflatable flamingos, Maya tells her team at Love Island HQ: “Right, this year, Love Island needs something bigger. Something bolder. I want ideas.
“This year I want more drama, more bombshells, more break-ups, more make-ups. I want more twists. I want more twists than ever.”
Earlier this year saw the return of Love Island: All Stars – and just months on from the 2025 series’ big final, couple Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Curtis Pritchard announced that they had split. Ekin-Su shared the news in an Instagram post, writing that they had decided to “go [their] separate ways” and that it had been a “tough decision”.
“He’s an incredible person and I’ll always cherish the memories we made both in and out of the villa. Thank you all so much for the love and support over the past few months,” she added.
“We’re both focusing on navigating this transition and would really appreciate privacy during this time. Love always, Ekin-Su xX.”
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.
MOLLY-MAE Hague is celebrating turning 26 in serious style – by jetting off to Disneyland Paris in a private plane.
The former Love Island star is pulling out all the stops for her big day, whisking herself away for a magical trip full of fairy-tale fun and first-class luxury.
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Molly-Mae Hague in a sweet moment with daughter Bambi as she jetted off to DisneylandCredit: mollymae/Instagram
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The star shared snaps of her Birthday celebrations with her loved onesCredit: mollymae/Instagram
Molly-Mae gave fans a glimpse into the lavish getaway – complete with champagne on board and a Mickey Mouse cake.
Wearing Minnie Mouse ears and a designer outfit, the star looked every inch the birthday princess as she soaked up the magic of Disney in VIP style.
The influencer shared snaps of the her and her daughter Bambi posing in the park, calling the trip “the most perfect birthday eve.”
In a YouTube video, Molly-Mae described the ordeal as a “weird bad dream” and how it was completely out of character for her to speak about it so candidly.
She also told how it came just hours after she’d been pictured rowing with fiancé Tommy, 26.
The former PrettyLittleThing creative director explained that after arriving back in the UK, she had very little movement for two days – first due to the long-haul flight, then sitting through a seven-hour hair appointment.
Along with dehydration and stress from travelling with her daughter Bambi, two, this led to severe pain in her left leg.
Molly-Mae said at the time: “Basically yesterday I thought I had a blood clot and half of today I thought I had a blood clot in my leg.
“Obviously flying home from Dubai I was on the plane for like nearly eight hours… I didn’t drink like hardly any water. You know when you’re in mum mode and you’re just not really thinking like you’re trying to tame your child.”
Watch as Molly-Mae reveals the moment she rekindled Tommy Fury romance by accident
She began to panic after feeling excruciating pain in the back of her knee that moved into her calf and foot.
After turning to ChatGPT to query the symptoms only made her more anxious, she then phoned 111.
From there, Molly-Mae was then told by a doctor to go straight to A&E.
She continued: “I was in so much pain, like it was in the back of my knee, so so strong. Like it didn’t feel like a dead leg, it was like a sharp stabbing pain…
Molly-Mae Hague – Five Ways She Spends Her Wealth
MOLLY-MAE Hague has raked in a whopping £48K a week. Yet what five things has the mum of one spent out on?
“Then it’s moving down into my calf, into my ankle, into my foot, like my whole calf is just in so much pain.”
The reality star described the hospital as “absolutely packed” and “such a sad environment”, saying she waited four hours before being told it would be another hour for a blood test – and then three more hours to get results.
Despite being advised by staff to stay, Molly decided to leave, worried about getting home in time to look after Bambi.
She said: “I need to leave. Like I can’t stay here any longer… We had like nothing with us this morning.”
Molly-Mae admitted upon waking up the the next day, the pain had mostly subsided, and she tried to carry on as normal – until she was hit with a wave of dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath later that afternoon.
She described: “I had this awful awful like dizzy spell where the room was spinning. I thought I was going to vomit… I had this really really funny time where I was like I couldn’t breathe properly… almost like a bit of a panic attack but like it was just horrible.”
The star went back to hospital and underwent a full round of tests, where, thankfully, everything came back clear.
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Molly-Mae posted a sweet video of her and Bambi on a rideCredit: Instagram
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The reality star shared snaps of the crepes on InstagramCredit: mollymae/Instagram
Wearing Minnie Mouse ears and a designer outfit, the star looked every inch the birthday princess as she soaked up the magic of Disney in VIP styleCredit: mollymae/Instagram
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She called it the “the most perfect birthday eve”Credit: mollymae/Instagram
The countdown to the 2025 season of Love Island is underway – with the new season expected to start next month. As the start date draws closer, the first contestant has reportedly been revealed.
The first Love Island 2025 contestant has reportedly been uncovered(Image: Instagram)
A personal trainer has been unmasked as the first Love Island contestant for the upcoming summer 2025 season. ITV’s long-running reality dating show is set to make a come back in a few weeks time – and rumours are emerging over the upcoming cast.
First to be linked to the show is a fitness fanatic called Aaron Buckett – who is set to turn heads down to his height alone. The personal trainer, from London, stands at an impressive 6 foot 5 inches tall and frequently shows off his muscles online.
The 2025 summer season of Love Island will be the 12th season of the show since it returned to ITV in 2015. After the show made headlines by casting The Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex in the 2024 season, show bosses are said to be desperate to ensure the 2025 season has a cast worth talking about too.
There are hopes that Aaron’s charm will also work in favour along with his good looks and athletic physique. As Love Island traditionally airs from early June, the new season could be just days away.
A source told The Sun of Aaron’s casting: “It’s a fact of life that girls go crazy for a tall lad and Aaron is a man mountain. He’s got great chat too.”
Aaron Buckett is a 6’5″ personal trainer from London(Image: Instagram)
The source added: “Aaron is in the mix for this year’s cast but execs are still finalising whether he’ll be in the opening line-up or as a tempting bombshell.”
When asked for comment, and ITV spokesperson told The Mirror: “The Love Island cast for series 12 is yet to be confirmed. The Islanders for the new series will be announced in due course.”
An exact start date for Love Island has yet to be revealed, however show host Maya Jama has been whipping fans into excitement over the new season. The presenter, 30, gave a recent update via Instagram Stories where she ordered her followers to stand by.
The video showed a letter which read: “Attention: Love Island is coming soon. Attendance mandatory. Signed, CEO of love, Maya x.”
Love Island host Maya Jama has urged fans to brace themselves for the new season(Image: Ricardo De Leca/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Soon after, the official Love Island account re-posted the clip and captioned the update: “100% our type on paper.” The news was like music to the ears of Love Island fans who reacted with excitement about the new show.
Fans are able to apply to be contestants on the show. The official Love Island application website declares: “ITV2 are looking for vibrant singles from across the UK who want to head to the sun, in search of love!
“The chosen cast will spend time in a luxury villa, getting to know one another, but to remain in paradise they must win the hearts of the public and their fellow Islanders who ultimately decide their fate on Love Island. If you think you’ve got what it takes, then we want to hear from you straight away.”
Strict rules and conditions are in place for those that want to find fame via the show – including the fact that applicants must be aged 18 years or over if they want to apply. A string of reality stars have gone on to find fame after appearing on the show.
Chris Hughes, who featured in season three of the show in 2017, recently returned to the spotlight as a contestant on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother. He is now drawing even further attention for his emerging romance with American singer JoJo Siwa.
With Love Island series 12 just around the corner, here is everything we know so far on the latest series, including ‘confirmed’ islanders, return date and the gorgeous host
Jessica Clarke Digital Reporter
20:11, 25 May 2025Updated 20:11, 25 May 2025
It’s confirmed, Love Island will be blessing our TV screens once again for a summer of drama, scandals, and most importantly, love!
The official Love Island Instagram page recently dropped a teaser for the latest season, claiming that it is ‘coming soon’. The teaser displayed a pink printer which printed, “Attention: Love Island is coming soon. Attendance mandatory. Signed, CEO of love, Maya x.”
Love Island is coming back ‘soon’
Fans were sent into a frenzy, with many sharing their hopes and dreams for the new series. One fan commented, “Please bring back the ‘step forward if you fancy’ at the beginning!!”, while another added, “The population has been waiting for this”.
As the first islander has been ‘revealed’, fans are keen to know as much information as possible. So, let’s dive into what we know so far…
Who are this year’s islanders?
Does a personal trainer who is 6 feet and 5 inches tall sound good? Well, that’s how tall Londoner Aaron Buckett is, and he is the first islander who is ‘confirmed’ to join the 2025 series of the popular dating show. Aaron isn’t short on muscles or followers as he boasts hundreds of thousands of fans on Instagram and TikTok.
A source claimed to The Sun: “It’s a fact of life that girls go crazy for a tall lad and Aaron is a man mountain. He’s got great chat too.” They continued, “Aaron is in the mix for this year’s cast but execs are still finalising whether he’ll be in the opening line-up or as a tempting bombshell.” Other islanders are yet to be ‘confirmed’.
Londoner Aaron Buckett is the first islander who is ‘confirmed’ to join the 2025 series(Image: Instagram)
When will Love Island return?
Unfortunately, all we know is that Love Island series 12 will be starting ‘soon’, so we all have to sit and wait impatiently. Last year’s series began on Monday 3 June, so we imagine the date won’t differ too much this year.
This year’s Love Island is expected to return to its usual stomping ground in Mallorca, Spain, where islanders will be surrounded by the iconic fire pit, rectangular pool and large kitchen. It is also expected that the terrace and the hideaway will be making a welcome return, as that is where most of the drama goes down.
It has been confirmed that Maya Jama will be returning to her hosting position(Image: Dave Benett/Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Gordon’s Premium Pink )
Who is hosting the series?
It has been confirmed that Maya Jama will be returning, delighting fans. Ever since stepping into the role in 2023, fans have found her to be a perfect fit to host the show.
What channel is Love Island on?
Love Island will be returning to ITV and ITVX.
Who won last year’s Love Island?
Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan were crowned the winners of the 2024 summer series(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan stole the hearts of the nation and were subsequently crowned the winners of the 2024 summer series. The sweet couple made history as the first Black couple ever to win the UK’s franchise.
Sadly, the couple decided to go their separate ways after a few months and announced their split in an emotional statement.
Mimi said: “I know a lot of you gave been wondering about Josh and I and why we haven’t been making appearances. The truth is we have been trying to figure it out since leaving the villa, but unfortunately things aren’t going to work between us right now.”
Together, they have addressed the Oxford Union after being invited there to tell Oxford University students about their work.
Sharon has since shared several black and white photos that were taken backstage at the talk, which show her in a stunning long-sleeved dress and Matthew in a tux.
But after the law graduate posted the pictures on Instagram, fans couldn’t help but spot the ring on Sharon’s left hand.
Sharon told her followers: “I can’t wait to tell our future child that mum and dad were once guest speakers at the union they’ll one day be members of 👀.”
Replying, one follower wrote: “It’s giving engagement announcement pics tbh.”
Much to everyone’s delight, Sharon and Matthew both confirmed that an engagement is very much on the cards.
“It’s coming,” Sharon replied.
Matthew added: “Trust me, it’s coming.”
Sharon even went one stage further in response to a follower who had written: “This is so gorgeous. I’m seeing the not too distant future here.”
The former reality star replied: “Everyone get ready for the wedding content 😂.”
Sharon Gaffka’s love life
What we know about Sharon’s private life since she left Love Island…
Sharon appeared on Love Island in 2021 because she had grown tired of “being the only single one” in her group of friends.
The former beauty queen and law graduate said she was on the look out for someone intelligent.
Sharon was paired with Hugo Hammond on the show but later accused him of ‘touching her inappropriately’ outside of the villa. Hugo flatly denied her allegations.
Sharon went off the radar in terms of her private life following her villa stint.
But in 2023, she made a rare admission about her love life – revealing she had enjoyed a celebrity romance.
Sharon confessed: “I have only ever dated one person in the public eye in the past two years, it lasted for the best part of five minutes, so it’s no even known about outside my inner circle.
“I’d want a relationship that was known of, not known about.”
She alleged her friendship with Hugo ended because of his behaviour following Love Island, however he described her claims as “completely false” on social media.
Sharon has since remained tight-lipped about romantic liaisons but revealed two years ago that she had suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage.
Opening up as she marked what would have been her baby’s first birthday, the women’s rights campaigner said: “Grief is not a linear process.
“I’m tired of being told that time is healer and this truth is especially evident in the aftermath of miscarriage for those who never planned to have children. Feelings of loss, confusion, guilt, and even relief can surface unexpectedly, and these emotions are all valid.”
Sharon told her fans she wasn’t sharing her story for sympathy, but as part of her healing process.
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Sharon appeared in Love Island in 2021Credit: PA
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She was coupled up with Hugo Hammond but it did not end wellCredit: Rex
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Sharon has now told fans to ‘get ready’ for wedding contentCredit: TikTok
Love Island will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a one-off special episode called Love Island: A Decade of Love, which will look back on the show’s most iconic moments
02:52, 18 May 2025Updated 02:52, 18 May 2025
ITV2 will celebrate 10 years of Love Island with a one-off anniversary special
ITV2 is set to commemorate a decade of Love Island with a special anniversary episode, celebrating the cultural phenomenon that’s dominated reality TV over the last decade.
The one-off special, ‘Love Island: A Decade of Love’, will air on ITV2 and ITVX, revisiting some of Love Island’s most seminal moments and catching up with unforgettable Islanders who’ve become household names.
The show promises to take fans down memory lane, reliving heart-stopping recouplings, shocking bombshells, and romance for the ages which have gripped viewers nationwide. It promises exclusive interviews and a peek behind the Love Island curtain to look at how it’s shaped television and impacted its alumni.
But, the question on everyone’s lips is which show legends will return for one-off 10th anniversary special? ITV has revealed exactly which Islanders will be back on screens with Dani Dyer, Curtis Pritchard and lovebirds Liam Reardon and Millie Court all set to return.
Georgia Steel will no doubt revisit her iconic ‘I’m loyal’ catchphrase as she will make a comeback alongside series two winners Cara De La Hoyde-Massey and Nathan Massey. The show’s other successful couples Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan and Indiyah Polack and Dami Hope will also be back to give fans an update on their love stories.
Returning favourites include Gabby Allen, who recently split from her All Stars boyfriend Casey O’Gorman, and other iconic Islanders such as Hannah Elizabeth, Anton Danyluk, Whitney Adebayo and Catherine Agbaje. Montana Brown – who welcomed her second child with fiancé Mark O’Connor at the start of the year – will also be gracing screens again, reports the Daily Record.
Cara De La Hoyde-Massey and Nathan Massey(Image: Getty Images for Asda)
Mike Spencer, Creative Director, expressed excitement about the upcoming special: “We’ve had an incredible 10 years of love, drama and unforgettable moments in the villa – now it’s time to look back and celebrate the icons who made it all happen.” He added, promising a nostalgic trip full of emotions, “Expect big laughs and plenty of heart as we revisit a decade of Love Island magic.”
Paul Mortimer, Head of Reality, has shared his enthusiasm about the show’s impact: “Love Island has become a true phenomenon over the past decade, delivering must-see TV moments every summer.” He also highlighted what fans can look forward to: “This special offers viewers a chance to relive some of the show’s most iconic moments with the Islanders who made them so memorable.”
The highly anticipated special is set to air on ITV2 and ITVX, acting as a precursor to the fresh summer series returning to Majorca this June. What do you think of the cast? let us know in the comment section below.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives returns to screens for a second season this week, taking viewers right back into the world of #MomTok
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The scandalous Secret Lives of Mormon Wives returns in 10 new episodes this week
One of last year’s most viral reality series is back this week as The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives returns for a brand-new season. The hit reality series plunges viewers into the world of #MomTok, following a group of mum influencers in Utah’s Mormon community.
During season one, their ‘scandalous’ world imploded when they were caught in the midst of a sex scandal that made international headlines. The eight-part series broke viewership records when it premiered in September, becoming the most-watched unscripted season premiere on Disney+ in its first four days on the platform.
Now it’s back for season two with 10 new episodes available to stream exclusively on Disney+ on Thursday, May 15. The series follows the lives of influencers Taylor Frankie Paul, Demi Engemann, Jen Affleck, Jessi Ngatikaura, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews and Whitney Leavitt.
A lot’s happened since we last saw the group, with Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley and Jen Affleck all announcing their pregnancies. Elsewhere, Taylor took to social media to confirm she is no longer dating Dakota. Season two will see new cast member Miranda McWhorter re-joining the group.
Disney+ now costs as little as £4.99 a month, but members can get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront on the ad-free Standard or Premium plans.
Disney+ is the only place to stream hit shows like Rivals, The Bear and Shōgun, plus blockbuster franchises like Star Wars and Marvel.
The official synopsis reads: “The scandalous world of Mormon #MomTok is back and bigger than ever. When an original swinger from their infamous sex scandal makes a surprise return, friendships threaten to unravel as secrets, lies, and allegations explode.
“In a battle for the soul of #MomTok, will betrayal shatter the sisterhood, or will the truth set them free?”
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives centres around a group of influencers in Utah
Following the success of season one, Disney+ confirmed The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives will return for 20 new episodes, suggesting a third season is already in the works. The latest instalment follows the return of Molly-Mae: Behind it All, the Love Island star’s hit docuseries that returned to Prime Videoearlier this month.
Disney+ dropped the final trailer for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives in April, with fans flooding the comments in anticipation. One fan said: “I’m so ready for this wild new season.” Another said: “Finally, I just watched the entire first season and it was fire. I’m so excited for the new season.”
A third said: “I need this yesterday. ”Not everyone will be tuning in though, as other YouTube comments said ‘Why do people watch this’ and ‘None of the stuff seen in the show is real’. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season two will be available exclusively on Disney+ from May 15.
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.”
