Love Island

Love Island’s Zara Holland announces pregnancy as she shows off baby bump in sweet post

Zara Holland, who shot to fame on the second series of Love Island, has announced that she and husband Elliott Love are expecting a baby together, due in September

Zara Holland is pregnant. The reality star, 30, shot to fame when she took part in the second series of Love Island in 2016 but opted to leave just over three weeks in.

In 2023, Zara married Elliott Love and took to social media on Bank Holiday Monday to reveal that they are expecting a little one due later this year.

She wrote on Instagram: “Baby Love On The Way Due September [white heart emoji] We are so excited & we love you so much already!” The star was then inundated with comments from fans, all sending her congratulatory messages.

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One wrote: “Aww congrats you look fabulous Zara!” whilst another said: “Aww gorgeous!” A third wrote: “Ohhh cute !!! Congratulations.” Zara shared the news of herself standing outdoors in the sunshine as she proudly cradled her growing baby bump.

In 2023, Zara married Elliott in an idyllic Greek wedding after he popped the question in Dubai, but her big day came seven years after she endured quite the controversial time amid her rise to fame. Prior to her stint on the ITV2 show, Zara had been crowned Miss Great Britain, but was stripped of her title after she had sex during her time in the villa.

At the time, beauty pageant organisers claimed they had “no problem with sex” but didn’t condone her relationship with Alex Bowen, who is now married and has children with fellow Islander Olivia Bowen (nee Buckland).

However, no explicit scenes were ever shown and late presenter Caroline Flack criticised the decision, saying that Zara was a “very sweet girl” and quizzed the relevance of the Miss GB contest.

Two years later, Zara announced that she had quit fame and said that having sex on TV had “destroyed her life”. She went on to call for the show to be banned, claiming that she sought professional help with her own struggles after her mother encouraged her to – and claims show producers failed to offer after care.

Over recent years, ITV have put in place rigorous aftercare procedures following guidance from former Islanders’ feedback.

“You think you’re on a summer holiday and you might find love, but you are in a posh prison where you don’t know what time it is and a voice in a wall tells you what to do,” Zara previously told the Daily Mail as she detailed her experience on the show. “That show screwed me up. I blame it for everything. What it does to the contestants is terrible,” she continued – saying she felt she had been “brainwashed” during her own time on the show.

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Proud girlfriend Zara McDermott watches side of stage as Louis Tomlinson performs at BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend

ZARA McDermott looked proud as punch as she watched boyfriend Louis Tomlinson perform from the side of the stage.

The reality star stood in pride of place throughout his set at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland.

Zara supported Louis during his Big Weekend performance Credit: Getty
The former Love Island star appeared in high spirits as she watched on Credit: Getty

Zara, 28, kept it casual for the festival outing in a black cropped T-shirt teamed with low-rise green trousers.

The former Love Island star accessorised with a beige Miu Miu baseball cap while wearing her brunette hair loose over her shoulders.

Holding a can of Diet Coke, Zara appeared animated as she chatted and clapped from the VIP viewing area while watching Louis, 33, perform.

Their relationship was recently rocked by rumours Zara was more than just good friends with Joey Essex.

hot water

Zara McDermott’s fury over online storm after ‘innocent’ pics with Joey Essex


proud partner

Zara McDermott pays rare tribute to Louis Tomlinson after his tour troubles

The TV star watched on as Louis took to the stage Credit: Getty
Louis took to the stage at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend Credit: Alamy

The pair formed a tight-knit bond after meeting while starring together on ITV’s Cooking With The Stars.

In pictures taken after filming wrapped on the reality show, Zara and Joey were seen together, with him leaning in to kiss her on the cheek.

Zara was met with furious trolling despite multiple reports insisting the snaps were completely innocent.

Zara and Louis were first linked in March 2025 after fans noticed they had followed each other on Instagram, with many believing the pair were introduced through the singer’s sisters.

The pair were first linked back in March 2025 Credit: Instagram
Louis wowed the crowd with his Big Weekend performance Credit: Alamy

The couple have proved an unlikely match given the singer’s past views on Love Island, the ITV2 dating show that made her famous in 2018.

When Zara’s series came to an end, Louis publicly celebrated online, tweeting: “Can I just say, thank f**k Love Island is over!”

He later doubled down on his criticism of the programme, claiming the hit reality series was “not a good message for the younger people watching”.

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Maya Jama’s ex Ruben Dias caught ‘toe-dipping’ with stunning influencers and ex-Love Islander amid shock split

NEWLY single Ruben Dias hasn’t wasted any time dipping his toe back in the dating pool since his split from Maya Jama. 

The showbiz couple called time on their relationship after 18 months at the end of April, just before the Love Island host flew to Inverness to film The Celebrity Traitors.

Maya Jama and Ruben Dias shockingly split after a smitten romance Credit: Instagram
As Maya prepares for another summer hosting Love Island, her ex has been reaching out to stunning singles online Credit: instagram/mayajama

But The Sun can reveal he’s already been casting his net and reached out to women online – including just days after the split.

Aussie Love Islander Amelia Marni caught his eye, as has a sexy blonde called Georgia.

But this is nothing new for the Manchester City ace, because Ruben has been accused by fans of “toe dipping” for years.

Toe dipping is a practice where one user follows another on social media to invite a response, then if the targeted user doesn’t return the favour, the follow is retracted.

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CASA NO MORE

Truth behind Maya’s split from Dias REVEALED after couple ‘reached crossroads’

Aussie Love Island star Amelia Marni is one of the women Ruben has reached out to Credit: ameliamarni / Instagram
Amelia often shares stunning snaps on Instagram Credit: ameliamarni / Instagram
Georgia is a stunning social media influencer Credit: TikTok
Georgia is another of the slew of women Ruben has reached out to Credit: @xgeorgia.b.x/ / TikTok

Fans have been tracking Ruben’s toe-dipping for years and noted that he tends to follow a woman in the evening, then unfollow them the next day. 

The footballer’s antics are so well-known among his supporters that they track the instances. 

One joked on a gossip site in March 2024 – when Ruben was single – writing: “Our favourite alpha sex god keeping us entertained with following, unfollowing, re-following and liking the pics of a random assortment of women on IG.”

And now he’s back on the market, Ruben has been hitting that follow button.

On May 6 he allegedly “toe-dipped” Aussie Amelia, who lives in London and has a boyfriend. 

On May 20 he is accused of follow and unfollowing a blonde called Georgia, who has now mysteriously deleted her profile.

There is no suggestion that Ruben has met up with the women or interacted further than just following, nor that they responded. 

Ruben followed Amelia online…
Then Ruben unfollowed her
Ruben followed Georgia online
Then Ruben unfollowed her

Maya and Ruben met in November 2024 at the MTV European Music Awards and went public with a loved-up appearance in May 2025. 

Yesterday The Sun revealed that the couple had split after “reaching a crossroads” ahead of a hectic summer for both of them. 

They both cleared their Instagram profiles of any loved-up snaps.

A source close to the pair said: “Maya and Ruben had a wonderful time together and there’s still a lot of love and respect between them.

“But with both of their careers going into overdrive this summer, they realised that the relationship had run its course and it was better to separate.

“Maya is heading into an intense filming schedule and Ruben’s focus is fully on the World Cup, so they’ve decided to part ways.”

A representative for Ruben Dias did not respond to request for comment.

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Olivia Attwood signs HUGE seven figure beauty deal after it’s revealed she’s cracking US with podcast

OLIVIA Attwood has signed a huge seven figure beauty deal after it’s revealed she’s cracking US with her podcast.

Olivia, 35, was announced as a new brand ambassador for beauty giant Lookfantastic last month.

Olivia Attwood has signed a huge seven figure deal with Lookfantastic Credit: Splash
Olivia was announced as a brand ambassador last month and stepped out in London on Friday to support the brands new pop up Credit: Splash

Today, the former Love Island star stepped out in London for a new pop up event in the capital as part of her new role.

Now, The Sun Online can reveal Olivia’s deal with Lookfantastic is worth seven figures.

A source said: “Olivia’s lookfantastic deal is worth a high seven figures and she also signed an exclusive deal with La Roche Posay as part of it.

“Olivia loves the brand and they love working with her so it’s a perfect fit. She’s got so many deals on the table right now”.

DACK-ED OUT

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FIRED UP

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Olivia is making great strides into cracking the US with her podcast, Olivia’s House Credit: YouTube
Olivia has spoken about her fan base in the US and working across the pond more Credit: Getty

Olivia, who rose to fame on series three of Love Island in 2017, has also featured in a Maybelline campaign for its Sky High mascara in recent weeks.

That’s alongside her fashion collaboration with River Island, her TV and radio work and her popular podcast, Olivia’s House.

Olivia launched the podcast in the US last year, telling Deadline at the time: “I wanted to do something that felt like a real extension of who I am.

“When I’m doing television and radio, people ask, ‘Why a podcast?’. The podcast is a connection with my audience that’s so direct.

“I also wanted it to aesthetically represent the vibe that I feel like it reflects me and my style more.”

She also added to Mail Online in March after her ITV series Getting Filthy Rich and The Price Of Perfection were picked up by Disney+: “Love Island is huge in America, the UK one so I feel really lucky there was already quite a large US audience on my Instagram, they are definitely happy to have the shows available, also in Australia as well.

“I’m very happy with my career as it is right now. I mean I’ve had offers, I’m not looking to jump ship right now, but yes, at some point I’m sure we’ll do something over there.”

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Love Island’s Ty Isherwood reveals he’s had a hair transplant as he shows off bandaged head

LOVE Island’s Ty Isherwood has revealed he has undergone a hair transplant.

The reality star, 24, who rose to fame on the show last year, took to Instagram following the surgery to show his bandaged head.

Love Island’s Ty Isherwood has revealed he has had a hair transplant Credit: Instagram / tyishi98
The reality star revealed that his hairline had bee receding for several years, admitting he masked it with his fringe but often felt insecure over the loss Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Filming himself the day after undergoing the procedure, Ty admitted that despite covering it well, hair loss is something that has impacted his confidence for years.

Dressed in a grey hoodie and bandaged up, Ty told the camera: “For me, this has been something that has played in the back of my mind for a long time now.

“I’ve managed to keep it under wraps pretty well, I’ve always had a fringe since I was younger and It has always hidden it.

“I noticed it started slowly receding when I was about 19/20 and it has slowly gone back ever since.”

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Detailing the procedure, Ty said it was painless, but is left with some swelling Credit: Instagram / tyishi98
His girlfriend, Angel, was on hand to provide moral support as she drove him to the clinic for the transplant
The couple have been going strong since meeting on the show last year Credit: Instagram
Angel said she was ‘so proud’ of Ty for opening up about his confidence struggles due to his hair Credit: tyishi98/Instagram

Ty, who is in a relationship with Love Island co-star Angel Swift after meeting on the show, said he had been taking hair growth medication such as Minoxidil for the last three years.

But in search of a long term solution, he opted to undergo the transplant for his hairline.

Admitting it all went fairly smooth, Ty continued: “The transplant itself took about 6 and a half hours, it was completely pain free.

“The only thing I didn’t like was the local anesthetic in the donor at the back. I’m not gonna sugarcoat that, it wasn’t very nice. But, once you’re over that, the rest of it was fine.

“For men, I think that losing your hair is a tough pill to swallow. For me, it was, I think it has affected my confidence for a couple of years. I’ve not been able to go about my day without actually thinking what my hair looks like.”

Urging his male followers to take the plunge if they are considering a transplant, Ty then said: “I wish I’d had it done sooner, I think it’d have put my mind at ease. I just feel so much more relieved now it’s done.”

Posting the clip to his 159K followers, Ty thanked Manchester-based clinic KSL for carrying out the transplant on him.

His girlfriend and Love Island co-star Angel took to the comment section to show her support as she wrote: “Proud of you my handsome boy”.

Other show alumni such as Wil Anderson, Giorgio Russo and Harry Cooksley also supported Ty in the comments.

Angel went along with Ty for the procedure, with the reality star revealing the couple were up at 6AM to drive to the clinic together.

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Love Island’s Matilda Draper strips off to yellow bikini as fans say she’s in her ‘single era’ after Roman Hackett split

REALITY TV star Matilda Draper sizzled as she stripped off to a yellow bikini on holiday in Ibiza.

The 25-year-old split from her TOWIE boyfriend Roman Hackett back in March and fans were quick to point out how stunning the star was looking in her “single era.”

Love Island’s Matilda Draper stripped off to yellow bikini in her ‘single era’ after her split from Roman Hackett Credit: Instagram
Stunning Matilda split from TOWIE’s Roman back in March Credit: Instagram

Brunette bombshell Matilda flaunted her incredible abs as she posed on a balcony in the famous party isle.

The TV personality put on a busty display in a beautiful yellow bikini and gold belly chain.

She surely to sent pulses racing in the sexy ensemble as she gave the camera a sultry pout.

Matilda stunned as she pulled her locks back from her face, soaking up the last few rays as the sunset.

Read more on Matilda Draper

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LIKING WHAT HE SEES

Towie’s Roman Hackett likes sexy bikini vid of ex Matilda despite split

The busty star shared a series of snaps from her trip to Ibiza Credit: Instagram
TV star Matilda enjoyed a boozy night out with her pal Albie Credit: Instagram
Matilda was seen wearing matching plaid yellow trousers as she posed in a taxi Credit: Instagram
The 25-year-old looked incredible as she flaunted her abs Credit: Instagram

In another snap, Matilda flashed a smile as she showed of her enviable physique.

The star donned a pair of pink lensed Miu Miu sunglasses as she prepared for a night out on the town.

Matilda was spotted wearing a matching pair of plaid low-waisted trousers as she posed next to her pal Albie in a mirror at their hotel.

The pair went on a boozy night out at a beach club as Matilda was seen flashing her middle finger and kicking her leg up in the air as she laid on a sofa.

It seems the star is living it up post break up and fans were quick to applaud her.

One fan penned: “Entering her hot single era,” followed by three heart eye emojis.

Another fan wrote: “I’m actually obsessed with you.”

Meanwhile, her Love Island pal Uma said: “OH SHE’S SEXAAAAAY.”

Matilda and Roman, 23, went Instagram official in December 2024 but parted ways earlier this year after just over a year together.

The split left fans baffled as the pair looked very loved-up on social media.

A source told The Sun at the time: “Matilda is absolutely devastated about the split.

“They tried for a while to make things work but they aren’t together any more.”

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Reality star Maura Higgins asks former Strictly Come Dancing pro to help her train for US version of show

REALITY star Maura Higgins has asked former Strictly Come Dancing pro Karen Hauer to help her train for the US version of the show.

The Love Islander will start filming for Dancing with the Stars in America in July.

Maura Higgins has asked a former Strictly Come Dancing pro for help training Credit: Getty
She asked former Strictly pro Karen Hauer to help her train for the US version of the show Credit: BBC

But she has already begun training in London with Karen, 44, who was axed from the BBC1 show this year.

An insider said: “Maura is a complete novice when it comes to dancing so Karen has kindly offered to show her the ropes and teach her the basics.

“Maura is determined not to be the first voted off so is giving it her all.

“She has her sights set on becoming a huge star in America.”

READ MORE ON MAURA HIGGINS

SHOW ME MAUR

Maura Higgins, Demi Moore & Heidi Klum dazzle on red carpet at Cannes


MAUR STYLE

Maura Higgins seen for the first time since quitting Love Island USA job

Maura is walking away from Love Island USA Credit: Getty
Karen was axed from Strictly this year Credit: BBC

Earlier this year Maura, 35, lost out in the final of the US version of The Traitors.

We revealed this week how Maura  is walking away from Love Island USA.

She revealed that she’s ready for a fresh start after three years.

Speaking to Vulture about whether fans would see her back on screens this summer, she said: “You won’t. I’ve done it for three years, and they’ll always be family to me, but I think it’s time to try something different.

“I’ve got amazing opportunities coming in the door.

“I think it’s time to say good-bye. But you know what? I won’t say forever.”

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Love Island All Stars couple SPLIT after five months after struggling to keep up their long-distance romance

LOVE Island stars Whitney Adebayo and Yamen Sanders have split after five months.

The pair found love in the ITV All Stars villa in South Africa in January – finishing in fifth place.

Whitney Adebayo and Yamen Sanders at carnival in Jamaica.
Whitney Adebayo and Yamen Sanders have split after five months Credit: Instagram
'Love Island All Stars' TV Show, Series 3, Live Final, South Africa - 23 Feb 2026
The pair found love in the ITV All Stars villa in South Africa Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

However, rumours have swirled of their break-up after the couple were navigating a long-distance relationship.

Whitney was based in the UK while American footballer Yamen was in the US.

A source told me: “Whitney and Yamen did try and put everything into their relationship.

“But it has inevitably been tough to keep up their romance long-distance.

OH MA-YA MY

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YAS HOT

Love Island’s Yasmin looks incredible in thong bikini

“Whitney has been spending more time with her girls and has been leaning on them while navigating her break-up.”

Earlier this week, Whitney was spotted on TikTok with fellow Love Island star Millie Court having a girly night in.

The pair were seen in their pyjamas clinking glasses of red wine together with the audio ‘so we’re going to heal’ playing.

Sounds like Whitney has a hot girl summer pending.

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Love Island’s Yasmin looks incredible in thong bikini as she shows off sexy pole dancing routine

LOVE Island’s Yasmin Pettet left fan’s jaws on the floor as she stripped down to a thong bikini and showed of her sexy pole dancing routine.

The ITV2 show alum, 25, was seen gracefully swirling around the bar in her tiny brown swimwear.

Love Island’s Yasmin Pettet flashed her incredible abs as she showed fans her latest pole dancing routine Credit: Instagram/yasminpettet111
Yasmin, 25, left little to the imagination as she twirled around the pole Credit: Instagram/yasminpettet111

Yasmin nearly popped out of her bikini top as she arched her toned body.

She was seen jumping up onto the bar and wrapping her legs around it. Yas then carefully let go as she elegantly dangled in the air.

The telly star engaged her incredible abs as she pulled herself up to be completely horizontal.

Yas did her whole routine in the daring bikini but was careful not to flash her fans during the sizzling scenes.

Read more on Yasmin Pettet

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POLE POSITION

Love Island’s Yasmin strips off to tiny bikini for racy pole dancing class

The ITV star appeared on season 12 of Love Island and finished in third place Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Love Island’s Yasmin has been keeping fans updated on her life post the show on Instagram Credit: Instagram/yasminpettet111

Stunning former Islander Yas had her brunette locks tousled in loose waves as she put on quite a show on the pole.

She captioned the racy Instagram story: “Layback slay.”

Yas has been updating fans on her progress with her pole dancing hobby.

She often frequents London‘s Akila Pole Studio, which focuses on “movement, self-expression and community.”

Last month, she was spotted in the studio at another practice session.

Yas opted for a more casual look, donning a white sports bra from Gymshark and grey shorts from Garage Clothing.

She was snapped hanging of the bar and posing with her arm outstreched.

Yasmin skyrocketed into the spotlight after appearing on season 12 of the summer dating show Love Island.

She entered the famous Mallorca villa as a bombshell on day five and 25 days later she was finally happy in a couple with Jamie Rhodes.

They came in third place and left the show together; but it wasn’t meant to be as they called it quits just weeks after it ended.

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Love Island’s Millie and Whitney continue to fuel rumours they’ve split with Zac and Yamen in new video about ‘healing’

LOVE Island stars Millie Court and Whitney Adebayo have left fans confused as to if it’s all over with their American boyfriends Zac and Yamen as they continued to fuel split rumours.

The pair have posted a string of cryptic clues, hinting they have called it quits with their partners just months after the All Stars series ended.

Love Island’s Millie and Whitney continue to fuel rumours they’ve split from Zac and Yamen in new video about ‘healing’ Credit: Tiktok
The Islanders posted a cryptic TikTok during their boozy girls night Credit: Tiktok

Taking to TikTok, Whitney, 28, shared a video of her and Millie having a boozy girls night – and fans are convinced they’re now single.

Sitting in their PJs on a bed they could be seen cheersing their drinks as the words, “so we’re gonna heal” played over the top of the clip.

The sound continued: “We’re gonna start again. You’ve bought the orchestra, synchronised swimmers. You’re the magician.

“Pull me back together again, the way you cut me in half.”

beauty is pain

Millie Court shows off her bleeding face after very painful beauty treatment


LOVED UP

Love Island’s Millie Court shares love letter from Zac as they prepare to reunite

Millie has just returned the UK following a month long trip to the US to visit Zac Credit: Instagram
Love Island’s Whitney and Yamen have holidayed together since leaving the show Credit: Instagram

Millie, 29 and Whitney burst out laughing while the sound played and she captioned the post with six laughing face emojis.

While some fans in the comments thought the pair were joking with their viewers amid the break up rumours, others were certain they had parted ways with their villa hunks.

One fan penned: “Sounds like another break up.”

Another fan wrote: “The healing journey continues.”

Meanwhile, a third fan said: “They’re joking, rage baiting I love it.”

Whitney’s man Yamen first sparked split rumours earlier this week following a bold social media post to his “exes.”

He shared a montage of him in various places around the world and added: “Never block your ex. 

“Always let them see what they missed out on.” 

Stunning blonde Millie also made waves this week when she replied to a fan’s message asking if she was ok.

Millie said: “I am all good… I do feel like I have been very quiet with content and haven’t been posting much on any platform really. 

“I was away for a whole month and then last week was really busy with work and things I couldn’t actually show you guys. 

“And then catching up with friends and family and I didn’t want my phone to be in my face or their faces… big catch ups were needed.”

Rushing to the comments fans were quick to point out that she didn’t mention Zac at all.

Both Whitney and Millie are yet to officially address the rumours.

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Maura Higgins, Demi Moore and Heidi Klum dazzle on red carpet at Cannes film festival

REALITY star Maura Higgins pads about in Cannes.

The former Love Islander sashayed around the city in a 1980s-style shirt dress with big shoulders and collar.

Maura Higgins stunned in a dramatic Guinness-like black and white gown for the opening ceremony of the Cannes film festival Credit: EPA
Actress Demi Moore posed in a pearl sequinned gown on the French Riviera Credit: Getty

Irish model Maura, 35, later changed into a dramatic Guinness-like black and white gown for the film ­festival’s opening ceremony on the French Riviera.

She was joined by actress Demi Moore — in a pearl sequinned gown — and model Heidi Klum in a peach dress with floral decoration.

Maura will be Dancing with the Stars next — we revealed last month that she has landed a place on the US ­version of Strictly.

Reality TV star Maura has confirmed she’s walked away from her Love Island USA: Aftersun hosting job after three years.

TOWIE TRAGEDY

Towie’s Jake Hall had debts of £1.5m before tragic Majorca death at Airbnb


FREQUENT FLIAR

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Heidi Klum looked sensational in a peach dress with floral decoration Credit: Getty
Maura, 35, will soon appear on Dancing with the Stars Credit: Getty

The Irish star told Vulture that she won’t be returning to Fiji for the upcoming eighth season.

She said: “You won’t. I’ve done it for three years, and they’ll always be family to me, but I think it’s time to try something different.

“I’ve got amazing opportunities coming in the door.

“I think it’s time to say good-bye. But you know what? I won’t say forever.

“I’ll still be watching from afar and I love them and miss them. It’s just time to move on.”

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Crippled by drugs & crushed dreams… dark side of the Towie fame machine as Jake Hall’s death raises ‘serious red flags’

PLUCKED from obscurity and then dropped when fans lose interest, men in reality TV shows often fare worse than their female counterparts.

While women regularly earn a fortune from brand endorsements, the guys can find themselves struggling after they are no longer on our TV screens.

Former Towie star Jake Hall was found dead at a villa in Majorca Credit: Shutterstock
Right from the start of his telly career, Jake was open about being uncomfortable with fame Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Now the untimely deaths of The Only Way Is Essex cast members Jake Hall and Jordan Wright within a few months of each other has raised fears that ITV is failing in its duty of care for former reality TV stars.

Jake, 35, died last week in a Spanish villa following a night of partying while Jordan, 33 was found dead in a ditch in Thailand in March.

A TV insider told The Sun: “The tragic deaths of Jake and Jordan have raised some serious red flags.

“No one is blaming ITV but there is definitely a pattern which emerges time and time again on all reality shows.

“Measures were put in place a number of years ago but it doesn’t seem to be enough.”

Artist and designer Jake, who joined Towie in 2015, had been living in Spain.

He was found dead in a pool of blood in a villa in Majorca last Wednesday morning after he seemingly crashed through a window.

A police source said witnesses described Jake as “agitated”, possibly from “alcohol and other substances he may have consumed”.

He had a number of struggles in recent years, from losing his fashion brand Prevu to being hit with a restraining order by ex-girlfriend Misse Beqiri, a model and the mother of his eight-year-old daughter River.

Jake had faced struggles from being hit with a restraining order by ex Missé Beqiri to losing his fashion brand Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Tragic Jake with his eight-year-old daughter River Credit: Instagram

Yet right from the start of his telly career, Jake was open about being uncomfortable with fame.

Shortly after his debut on Towie, Jake said on This Morning: “The privacy part has been quite difficult because everyone knows your life within days of being on the show.”

Jordan, from Basildon, Essex, also admitted he struggled with life in the spotlight.

The former firefighter said: “I had an enjoyable career for six years before I resigned to pursue a life in the limelight of reality TV — a choice that left me hugely unfulfilled, stagnant and lost.

“People think it’s glitz and glamour but the truth is very far from public perception.

“I really struggled.

“When I left I lost a huge part of myself and my sense of purpose.”

Jordan returned to firefighting in 2023 but he struggled to settle and in December moved to Thailand where he was looking forward to a “very exciting year ahead”.

He shared his new life with his 21,500 Instagram followers, but in March was found dead face down in a drainage canal on the island of Phuket.

Jordan Wright, 33 was found dead in a ditch in Thailand in March Credit: MTV
Jordan returned to firefighting in 2023 but he struggled to settle and in December moved to Thailand Credit: instagram

CCTV footage appeared to show Jordan pacing erratically outside a hotel before bolting out of the complex shortly before his body was found.

Unfortunately, the two deaths were not Towie’s first.

In January 2021, Mick Norcross took his own life, aged 57.

The Sugar Hut owner and businessman had joined the show with his son Kirk, who now runs a waste removal business.

Addiction has also taken hold of a number of cast members, including James Argent, who suffered two near-fatal overdoses at home.

Arg’s drug binges cost him his relationship with co-star Lydia Bright, his job on Towie and other high- profile TV work.

Last year he was in trouble after pushing his former Miss Sweden partner Nicoline Artursson down some steps on holiday in Spain.

He admitted an offence of gender violence and was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

CCTV footage appeared to show Jordan pacing erratically outside a hotel Credit: Asia Pacific Press via ViralPress
Jordan was found dead in a drainage canal on the island of Phuket Credit: Asia Pacific Press via ViralPress

Jake and Jordan’s deaths sent shockwaves through fans of Towie and its stars.

Charlie King, who was on the show in 2012 and 2013, has faced his own demons since he left the programme but believes his fellow cast members must “take responsibility”.

He told The Sun: “Reality stars in general are seeking something — whether it’s fame, attention or validation.

“It’s a two-way street — stars want to appear on the shows for that lifestyle and experience, and shows need the participants.

“I can’t say Towie gave me the best support when I finished on the show.

“I remember feeling lost and redundant, trying to navigate a life post the show and still having eyes on me.

“It was hard.

“I missed the show deeply and all that came with it.

“I think access to a counsellor or therapy in those first months or years after appearing is always a good idea.

“But I also don’t think it’s fair to point the finger at these shows for how individuals live their lives after — we have to take responsibility.”

James Lock battled body dysmorphia and says he has spent around £100k on getting work done Credit: Instagram
Following his stint on Towie, Charlie King was diagnosed with body dysmorphia Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Charlie added that producers offer much better support for their on-screen talent these days and that ITV “isn’t afraid to pull out cast members if they think it’s getting too much or they need a breather, which is great to see”.

Following his stint on Towie, Charlie was diagnosed with body dysmorphia and had a botched nose job.

Other lads from the show have also gone under the knife in a quest for perfection.

Bobby Norris is now almost unrecognisable after having a full deep plane facelift, neck lift and lower eyelid surgery.

James Lock has also battled body dysmorphia and says he has spent around £100,000 on getting work done.

On rival ITV show Love Island, telly bosses brought in a revised set of welfare measures in 2021, including “comprehensive” psychological support, after former stars Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis took their own lives.

Their relatives blamed a lack of support from the show for contributing to their mental anguish.

Love Islanders are offered a minimum of eight therapy sessions when they return home.

They also get advice on coping with their finances.

Bobby Norris is now almost unrecognisable compared to when he was on the show Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Bobby has had a full deep plane facelift, neck lift and lower eyelid surgery Credit: Andrew Styczynski

But unlike Love Island, Towie cast members often appear on the show for years at a time.

A number of its former stars, including Yazmin Oukhellou and Tommy Mallet, have praised the support they have received while on the show — but what happens when the cameras stop rolling?

A telly insider revealed: “When women finish on a reality show, brand deals, an influencing career and other avenues are open to them — but it’s very different for men.

“They can get club PAs but that involves late nights and lots of booze.

“Some people like Jake or Tommy launch a career in fashion, but many struggle to achieve the dizzy heights they once enjoyed.”

Women, meanwhile, have made millions off the back of Towie, thanks to very successful business models.

Former glamour model Sam Faiers owns global collagen brand Revive and is worth £9million, and Gemma Collins is now a huge TV star with £7million in the bank.

Lucy Mecklenburgh — famed for throwing drinks on cheating Mario Falcone — now owns a thriving fitness brand and shows off her happy life on social media.

But there have also been a number of male Towie successes too.

Lucy Mecklenburgh now owns a thriving fitness brand and shows off her happy life on social media Credit: Getty
Gemma Collins is now a huge TV star with £7million in the bank Credit: Getty

Mark Wright landed I’m A Celebrity and Strictly at a time when Z-listers were reportedly banned, as well as enjoying a stint on US TV.

Now a radio DJ, he is married to actress Michelle Keegan, and the couple live in a £3.5million Essex mansion with one-year-old daughter Palma.

Joey Essex also became a huge breakout star.

These days he is worth at least £10millon thanks to a lucrative reality TV career, savvy personal branding and business ventures.

Another success story is Tommy Mallet, who launched luxury footwear and apparel brand Mallet London and more recently Ctrne trainers.

Tommy, Joey and Mark are living up to Towie’s theme tune The Only Way Is Up — and fans will hope there will be more men from the show who enjoy similar success.

ITV was approached for comment but declined.

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Maura Higgins seen for the first time since quitting Love Island USA job as she puts on leggy display in Cannes

MAURA Higgins turned heads at Cannes film festival as she was seen for the first time since quitting Love Island USA.

The brunette beauty looked as flawless as ever as she put on a leggy display in France.

Maura Higgins flashed her legs at Cannes Film Festival as she made her first appearance since confirming she has quit Love Island USA: Aftersun Credit: Splash
The 35-year-old gave the camera a sultry pout as she posed for snaps Credit: Splash

Reality TV star Maura has confirmed she’s walked away from her Love Island USA: Aftersun hosting job after three years.

As she continues to make big moves cracking America, Maura has revealed she’s ready for a fresh start.

The 35-year-old stepped out today at the festival wearing an incredible structured white shirt dress.

She flaunted her sizzling figure as the dress, with pops of aqua and hot pink, cinched her waist and flashed her legs.

Read more on Maura Higgins

casa no maur

Maura Higgins QUITS huge Love Island USA gig after three years


MAUR!

Maura Higgins proves she’s cracked US as she walks red carpet with Emily Ratajkowski

It was recently revealed Maura has landed another gig in the US – a stint on Dancing with the Stars Credit: Splash
Maura has been making big move in the US after her successful appearance on Celebrity Traitors US Credit: Splash

Maura kept the rest of her ensemble simple, donning a pair of matching white heels, some silver studded earrings and opted for no bag.

The Celebrity Traitors US star had her locks scrapped back into a sleek bun, leaving one piece to frame her face.

She gave the cameras a sultry pout as she posed for snaps.

Maura looked very glamourous, opting to have her makeup glowy and bronzed and finished with a nude pink lipstick.

The Irish star – who is heading for the Dancing With The Stars ballroom – told Vulture that she won’t be returning to Fiji for the upcoming eighth season.

She said: “You won’t. I’ve done it for three years, and they’ll always be family to me, but I think it’s time to try something different.

“I’ve got amazing opportunities coming in the door.

“I think it’s time to say good-bye. But you know what? I won’t say forever.

“I’ll still be watching from afar and I love them and miss them. It’s just time to move on.”

Maura has been dominating the US since her successful stint on Celebrity Traitors US.

She has certainly been busy, appearing on US chat shows, red carpets and has even been seen rubbing shoulders with Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker and model Emily Ratajkowski at industry events.

Irish beauty Maura skyrocketed to fame after debuting on season five of Love Island in 2019 – she’s among the show’s most successful participants.

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Jedward’s John Grimes reveals Ex On The Beach villa went under security lockdown

Jedward star John Grimes has revealed that the Celebrity Ex On the Beach was put under security lockdown after the building was stormed by curious fans wondering what was going on

Jedward star John Grimes has revealed that the Celebrity Ex On the Beach villa was put under security lockdown. The former X Factor contestant, who shot to fame alongside his twin brother Edward on the ITV talent show in 2009, can currently be seen taking part in the fourth series of the Paramount+ hit, which began airing in March.

The former Celebrity Big Brother star, 34, filmed the show alongside Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan as well Toby Aromolaran and Curtis Pritchard, both of Love Island fame, and Towie’s Dani Imbert amongst a host of others, but this is one of the very rare times he has appeared on-screen alongside his twin.

The programme, which sees famous faces staying abroad and beginning relationships only for their former flames to get involved, is all filmed in Tenerife and John has now explained all about the fan intrusion that all took place in the sunny location. He said: “People knew the location of the villa.

READ MORE: Helen Flanagan axed from Celeb Ex On The Beach after just four episodesREAD MORE: Curtis Pritchard spills on villa ‘sex’ and ‘compulsive liar’ claims

Speaking to The Sun, he continued: “Fans and people in the local area were trying to come into the grounds. Things kept happening. It was the only lit up place in a desolate area, so people were like, ‘What’s that? Let’s try to get in…’ Producers were like, ‘We’re trying to film a show.’ Security stopped anyone from getting in!”

John, who alongside his twin, enjoyed hits with tracks like Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby) and Lipstick after finding fame on The X Factor, recently explained what it was like going solo for the reality show.

He said: “Every now and again there are some pre-judged opinions about me out there, but I think going on this show marks a new chapter because I did it on my own, away from Edward. It’s a different situation.

“I was just talking to [Edward] there on the phone. He was a huge supporter of me doing the show, as was Gemma [Collins]. She was very excited. At first, I was a bit kind of touch-and-go. I thought, “Oh, will I do this?”

The star, who was greeted by his ex-girlfriend Sarah Carragher during his time filming the series, also spoke of how he asked his brother for advice when he was approached to to the show.

“But obviously, I always confide in Edward and he was like, “Oh yeah, you should do it,” because you always end things on a neutral note with your exes. If they wash up on the beach, you possibly rekindle something, maybe start cleaning slates,” he added.

“I think it’s like, obviously, you take that risk going on the show. You don’t know who’s going to pull up, but the one that does pull up may say, “You know what, maybe I’ll give them another chance.” John recently revealed via social media that he and Sarah are back together, but the move was said to have angered bosses behind the scenes.

A source said: “John posting that he’s back with his ex was terrible timing as it makes his whole storyline on the show pointless. Cast were asked to keep a bit of mystery around who got back with their ex and who hooked up with who so people tuned in, but clearly John was so thrilled he just went ahead and posted without thinking.

“Bosses are fuming but it’s not like he did it on purpose. Sarah has been quietly telling her pals, as well as John, that she’s really nervous to be thrust into the spotlight and so John wanted to throw his support behind her all the way.”

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Olivia Attwood shows off £26k designer bag after wild birthday celebrations as she jets off to US again

OLIVIA Attwood is certainly embracing the luxury lifestyle after forking out for a handbag worth close to what many Brits take home in a year.

The bag, equivalent to around eight months’ pay for the average worker, was bought by Olivia a few months before turning 35.

Olivia forked out £26k on a Hermes Birkin bag Credit: Instagram
Olivia is taking her flash new bag on ‘an adventure’ to the US Credit: Instagram

Sharing snaps online, Olivia wrote: “I got this baby in Paris in Jan and today is her first day out,” before adding: “Taking her on an adventure.”

The former Love Island star is continuing her celebrations by jetting off to the US – taking her new handbag with her.

The £26k Hermès Birkin Olivia was travelling with appears to be a Birkin 30 in Rouge H leather with palladium hardware – one of the fashion house’s most sought-after styles.

Birkin bags are famously difficult to buy, with shoppers often facing years-long waiting lists and needing a strong purchase history with Hermès before being offered one.

LIV’S PAIN

Olivia Attwood ‘been to hell and back’ over split – & turned to Love Island pals


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Olivia Attwood reveals ‘face like a foetus’ after facial treatment

Olivia’s bag is currently listed for sale at a whopping £26k Credit: Love Luxury
Olivia’s birthday celebrations included a bizarre Barbie cake Credit: Instagram

The stunning star celebrated her birthday over the weekend as she hosted what she called “Olivia’s Birthday Bender” with pals.

The TV favourite was all smiles in green as she was presented with a birthday cake featuring the message “Another year around the pole” alongside a naked Barbie doll.

There was no sign of rumoured boyfriend Pete Wicks in the official snaps shared by Olivia.

However, eagle-eyed fans spotted him in Olivia’s vlog from the night where he was seen smiling in the reflection of a mirror.

Eagle eyed fans spotted Pete’s reflection in Olivia’s vlog Credit: Instagram / olivia_attwood
Pete and Olivia were snapped snogging earlier this year Credit: Alamy

Longtime friends and radio co-hosts Olivia and Pete were caught snogging in a popular bar in Soho earlier this year before jetting off to France on a secret holiday last month.

A source close to the pair previously told us they were “dating and enjoying their time together.”

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Celebrity Traitors star Ross Kemp flashes thumbs up as he lands in Scotland ahead of filming

The line-up for Celebrity Traitors season two was revealed on Saturday, with Ross Kemp joining his new co-stars for filming in Scotland

Ross Kemp is ready to bring some East End magic to the Celebrity Traitors castle after he was spotted landing in Scotland ahead of filming.

It was previously confirmed that the EastEnders icon, 61, was among the star-studded line-up for season two of the hit BBC game show, alongside Richard E. Grant, Michael Sheen, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Rob Beckett.

Hours after the castmates were revealed, they were seen making their way to the Scottish Highlands, with Jerry Hall, Bella Ramsey, Amol Rajan and Saltburn actor Richard photographed on their journey.

In new pictures, Ross appeared to be thrilled to join them, flashing a thumbs up at a camera before getting into a waiting car. Other snaps showed his fellow soap legend Julie Hesmondhalgh jetting to the area ahead of filming.

Teasing what led to the Grant Mitchell star deciding to take part, an insider told the Sun: “He loves Traitors and thinks it’s a programme on another level, which is why he really wanted to take part.

“Ross loved the mix of psychological intrigue paired with some of the very physical trials that the group have to complete – both suit him perfectly.”

He is also reportedly hoping to appeal to a younger generation of viewers, who could be less familiar with his career so far.

“Plus he knows The Celebrity Traitors won’t just be watched by people who are familiar with his work, but by younger viewers who may be less familiar with Ross, and this opens him up to a whole new audience. He’s also a very BBC name and this is another big BBC show,” they added.

Joanne McNally, James Acaster and Joe Lycett were also named in the line-up, alongside social media content creator King Kenny, Love Island presenter Maya Jama and Romesh Ranganathan.

Industry actress Myha’la and Professor Hannah Fry rounded out the cast with Sharon Rooney, James Blunt, Sebastian Croft and Sharon Rooney.

While the gang have been all smiles so far while heading to Scotland, things will get very tense once filming kicks off and suspicion over the game sets in. Shortly after filming, the 21 celebs will be sorted into “faithfuls” and “traitors” as they battle it out for the charity cash prize.

It will be up to those faithfuls to weed out the sneaky traitors, who have been tasked with secretly killing them off in nightly visits to the turret.

Following the huge success of the first season, where around 15million people tuned in to see Alan Carr win the competition as a Traitor, fans have been eagerly-awaiting news of a second series, and have already predicted Michael, Richard and Miranda could be this year’s “big dogs ”.

The air date has not yet been announced, but the hit show is expected to return to screens in autumn.

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Some of my exes didn’t want me to overshadow them, reveals Maura Higgins as she talks love and her new role

AS Maura Higgins’ career has soared since making the final of Love Island in 2019, her romantic life has gone the other way.

The Irish beauty has been linked with famous hunks including Pete Wicks, Curtis Pritchard, Giovanni Pernice and Joey Essex

Maura Higgins says her soaring career has come at a cost, with high-profile exes struggling to cope with her success Credit: Getty
Maura, pictured with ex Curtis Pritchard, says that her friends tell her she needs to find a partner who is quieter than her Credit: Rex

But Maura, 35, reveals that some high-profile stars actually struggle to cope with her popularity and success.

She said: “My friends tell me that I need someone quieter than me.

“Some of my ex-partners didn’t like me overshadowing them — it was probably an ego thing.

“My friends keep saying that my next partner needs to let me shine and be who I am.”

The former hairdresser and grid girl showed she was not afraid to speak her mind on Love Island seven years ago. 

Fans loved her and TV companies could not wait to snap her up.

She was soon signed for Dancing On Ice, and by 2024 she was starring on I’m A Celebrity.

Now she has cracked America, too. 

Maura dated Strictly dancer Giovani Pernice – before a sudden split Credit: Eroteme
She also had a relationship with TOWIE lothario Pete Wicks – who is now dating Olivia Attwood Credit: BackGrid

She has just been announced as a competitor on Dancing With The Stars, the US version of Strictly, which follows on from her presenting Love Island USA and ­finishing runner-up on the American version of The Traitors in February. 

It has led to her walking some of the biggest red carpets Stateside, including at the Oscars

And her work there has seen her gain American friends, including ­fellow Traitors star and Melrose Place actress Lisa Rinna. 

Maura recently went to Lisa’s home for an event and was blown over by the relationship she has with husband of 29 years, Clash Of The Titans and L.A. Law star Harry Hamlin

Maura told Cosmopolitan: “Harry gave a speech, and I sat there thinking, ‘That’s exactly what I want’. He spoke about her with so much respect, and he adores her. 

“I genuinely thought, ‘That’s the type of relationship I want. I want a man to let me be me and not try to dim my light’.” 

It was during her stint on the fifth series of ITV2 reality series Love Island that she began her first high-profile romance, with Curtis Pritchard. 

After leaving the villa, they dated for eight months but Maura says: “I feel like starting on Love Island is why everyone is so invested in my love life and wants to know whether I’m single or dating.” 

The former hairdresser and grid girl showed she was not afraid to speak her mind on Love Island seven years ago Credit: Rex Features
She has become a regular on our screens since – including a stint on I’m A Celebrity Credit: Rex

It is probably also because there have been so many relationships with fellow celebrities.

Next came another ex-Love Islander, Chris Taylor, in 2020, followed by Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice in 2021. 

At the time, friends said he had “never felt like this about anyone before”. But four months later it ended, leaving Maura reportedly “blindsided”.

In October 2022 she was photographed kissing Towie star Joey Essex at an awards bash. 

A ten-month relationship with American stuntman Bobby Holland Hanton followed. 

Next came Towie lothario Pete Wicks. The pair split in February last year after a series of rows. 

And on Valentine’s Day she was overheard telling a friend who asked where he was: “I don’t know, probably cheating”. 

But the following month, she was caught in a cheating drama of her own — kissing married I’m A Celeb campmate Danny Jones, the McFly guitarist, at a Brit Awards after-party. He later apologised to his wife.

Maura is now becoming a star in the US – where she is cementing her place as ­America’s Irish sweetheart Credit: Rex Features
Maura is appearing on Dancing With The Stars in the US and says she cannot believe it Credit: Getty

Maura then started to spend more time in America.

Now, the announcement that she will star in the new series of the US dance show cements her place as ­America’s Irish sweetheart.

But many people are now ­commenting on her accent, with American fans on social media ­joking about her saying, “tink”, instead of “think”. 

Maura told Cosmo mag: “Everyone’s spelling it T-I-N-K! Even I’m doing it now.

“My Irish fans — they’re all DM-ing and making videos. I’ve seen a few Irish people get defensive and say, ‘You shouldn’t be doing this’.

“But look, if I’m OK with ­people making fun, then I tink it’s fine.” 

After she landed the job on Dancing With The Stars she told fans: “I tink I’m very excited.” And she told American TV show ABC News how she “manifested” her appearance on the dance show.

She said: “I was asked to do ­Dancing With The Stars Ireland when I first came off Love Island. But around that time there was a lot going on. 

Maura says she was previously tempted to do Strictly – but wanted to save herself for the US version Credit: Rex Features
Maura says when she is feeling at her best she is ready to take on the world Credit: Rex

“And then when Strictly came about I was very tempted because I always wanted to do a dance show. 

“I dunno, like my sights were always set on Dancing With The Stars America and I didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardise that position. 

“It’s something I’ve been manifesting. I’ve had it on my vision board for the past couple of years. 

“And now it’s actually happening. I cannot believe it.”

Maura revealed that although she rarely cries, she was overcome with emotion when she landed the gig. 

She said: “I don’t get like that about anything. I don’t think I’ve ever had a moment like that, but because I really wanted it . . . 

“If I could get to the finale I’d be over the moon. Obviously I’d love to win. I’ve never won a show in my life.” 

It does mean, though, that she will be spending more time in America — and less in the £1.25million home she bought last year in a gated community in Essex. 

Maura was so excited when she got the keys that she set up her own Casa A’Maura Instagram — a nod to the Casa Amor villa on Love Island.

But since then she has barely been at the house and only posted twice — one picture of her bean bags in an empty lounge and a second of her cooking pasta, with Sex And The City playing on a TV in the background. 

She previously revealed she has not had time to furnish it as she has not been home due to her hectic schedule.

As well as her TV career, Maura has also landed lucrative tie-ins with brands including Primark, L’Oreal Paris, Mac, Ann Summers, Victoria’s Secret and Uber.

Her face may be everywhere, but it has also come under scrutiny on social media, with some asking if she has had tweakments.

Others have commented about her weight loss since her days on Love Island.

Maura told Allure mag: “I have never in my life had cheek filler. If they’re talking about Botox, however, yes, I do get Botox.

“But the only filler I’ve ever had was lip filler, and I’ve not had it in years.

“I’ve had my teeth done. I had Invisalign when I came out of Love Island, and then I had bonding over my teeth, which obviously is going to change my face a lot.”

But one thing she is never without is a spray tan — something that will hold her in good stead as she ­competes for the glitterball as ­Ireland’s current hottest export. 

She said: “When I’m tanned I feel good, and I’m ready to take on the world”. 

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Maya Jama’s plea to fans after Celeb Traitors reveal

Love Island presenter and Entrepreneur Maya Jama is heading in to the Traitors castle for the new series for Celebrity Traitors but she is pleading with fans to do this one thing…

The BBC has revealed the full line-up of 21 celebrities joining series two of Celebrity Traitors – with this year’s “big dogs” appearing to be Jerry Hall and Miranda Hart, or possibly Michael Sheen and Richard E Grant.

Another huge name for the show is Love Island presenter and entrepreneur, Maya Jama, who will join the stars to work out the traitors from the faithfuls. Filming for the programme, which takes place at the stunning Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, begins next week with celebrities expected to arrive today.

Maya, who is currently on a break from filming Love Island, took to Instagram to react to the news of her being a part of the iconic TV game show, which will air later this year.

Posting the announcement on her Instagram Story, she said: “Secret’s out,” before pleading with fans with a hand over the eye emoji and said: “wish me luck”.

This message suggests that the star might not be the most confident, with the presenter herself unaware just yet whether she will be a goodie or a baddie in this game.

Once filming begins this weekend, the 21 contestants will be divided into Traitors and Faithfuls, following extensive interviews with host Claudia Winkleman and production staff.

From then on, their objective will be to identify which participants are making nocturnal trips to the turret dressed in those distinctive hooded cloaks – selecting which remaining contestants will be murdered.

Also taking part is BBC presenter Amol Rajan, The Last of Us actress Bella Ramsey and comedian James Acaster – not to be mixed up with You’re Beautiful singer James Blunt, who has also signed up.

This comes after Maya recently admitted she “is ready to move on” from presenting, as she eyes up a new career in acting. Drama was actually the TV star’s first love, with Maya, 31, auditioning for Channel 4 ‘s hit teen series Skins when she was just 15.

Despite getting to the final stages, she didn’t make it into the cast, which launched the careers of the likes of Nicholas Hoult, Dev Patel and Daniel Kaluuya. And now the Bristol-born star, who is in a relationship with Man City footballer Ruben Dias, is ready to leave presenting to go back into acting.

Speaking to the BBC , Maya revealed she got “disheartened” after having to many unsuccessful auditions as a teen, leading her to give up on her dream. But now, after filming has wrapped for the upcoming release of the second season of Netflix crime thriller The Gentlemen, Maya’s love for the art has been reignited.

She told the broadcaster that her “dream role” would be to play a villain, but she “naturally fell into presenting roles” after starting out on YouTube . After a few years on social media, she made the move to TV to co-host ITV game show Cannonball, as well as MOBO Awards in 2017.

The year after she booked to host reality show The Circle and then ITV2 panel show Don’t Hate the Playaz. Of course, Jama’s big break came in 2022 when she replaced Laura Whitmore as the host for hit ITV reality dating show, Love Island.

Maya added: “I always remember when I started being like ‘how on Earth am I going to get on primetime TV as a girl from Bristol doing YouTube videos’ – it seemed like a massive reach.”

She added: “I naturally fell into presenting when I was young because I got to be myself on camera and I’m interested in humans”, adding: “Now it just feels like the doors opened up again [to get into acting]”. Maya said she is “ready to do something else after presenting for so long.”

Maya reportedly plays the glam wife of a friend of lead character Eddie Horniman, alongside the likes of Vinnie Jones and Ray Winstone. She spent time in 2025 filming at Gloucestershire’s Grade II listed building Badminton House, which is Eddie’s home.

The TV personality soft-launched her new gig with the streamer on social media at the start of last year. She teased her followers on Instagram when she posted a snap of a cast list with the Netflix logo on it.

She also shared a peek of a Netflix script, and posted a photo of her and Skins star Kaya, who plays mob boss Susie Glass in the show. Further adding to the speculation around what is next for Maya, she posted a photo of a Netflix mug, with fans then certain she was working on something big.

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Love Island winner Mimii’s hunky new boyfriend’s identity revealed after she hard launched mystery man

JUST weeks after Mimii Ngulube revealed she was in a fresh relationship, The Sun can reveal the identity of her hunky new man.

The Love Island winner hard-launched her other half by sharing a TikTok dance clip with him this week, but fans have been wondering who the man behind the screen really is.

After Mimii Ngulube revealed she was in a fresh romance, The Sun can reveal who her hunky new boyfriend is Credit: Instagram
Mimii’s new beau, Denzel, keeps a low profile with just 2000 followers online, unlike his realiy star girlfriend Credit: instagram

Mimii’s new boyfriend, Denzel, keeps a much lower-profile than the reality star and has just 2.3K followers on Instagram – with little about him on the internet.

The pair have been getting close over recent months, and a source tells The Sun that the smitten couple are “really happy” after making their romance official.

They revealed: “Mimii and Denzel are really happy together.

“She keeps a fairly low profile compared to a lot of the Love Island winners, so for her to hard launch him on her socials means she is definitely smitten.

STEPPING BACK

Zayn Malik cancels two UK gigs after hospitalisation and Louis punch-up


ROCK ON

Moment Lewis Capaldi forced to halt US gig after huge blunder

The pair have been keeping details of their romance under wraps over recent months Credit: m
However, fans did get a sneak peek of the new couple together in Mimii’s most recent TikTok as she hard-launched the relationship Credit: TikTok
Pals say that Mimii is ‘so happy’ since meeting Denzel Credit: Instagram
It comes after Mimii split from Josh Oyinsan, whom she won Love Island with in 2024 Credit: Rex

“He is a good guy, with good values. He is very religious, as is Mimi, so they have that in common.

“Friends have commented how she hasn’t been this happy in ages and it’s great to see her with such a huge smile on her face.”

In March, Mimii first revealed that she was seeing someone new as she dubbed Denzel “Mr. Mimii”.

However, she kept details to a minimum, other than revealing he treated her to some luxury birthday gifts.

But in Mimii’s latest TikTok, fans finally got a glimpse into the romance as she danced whilst Denzel was spotted busting a move in the frame behind her.

However, she still refrained from naming or tagging Denzel, who has around 2,000 followers on Instagram and is thought to hail from Kent.

Mimii won Love Island in 2024 with her ex Josh Oyinsan.

However, the pair split shortly after appearing on the show as they failed to make things work outside of the villa.

Whilst the ITV2 show may not have found her lasting love, Mimii has, however, maintained friendships with several her co-stars.

Showing they approve of her new romance, a number of Mimii’s fellow Love Islanders commented on her new TikTok with Denzel.

“Ugh YES You’re GLOWING,” wrote Uma Jammeh.

While Matilda Draper wrote: “love this for u”.

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Maya Jama reveals she’s having tests at doctors after smear test scare as she sends warning to fans

MAYA Jama has shared a health update after being told by doctors she had to receive more tests following a smear test.

The Love Island presenter sent a warning out to fans to get checked, as she admitting to feeling “very nervous” over the trip.

Maya Jama has revealed that she has had to undergo tests after having a smear test scare Credit: Instagram
The Love Island presenter admitted she was feeling nervous as she headed to get checked after an abnormal test result Credit: Instagram

Taking to her Instagram Stories on Thursday, Maya shared a snap of her feet as she sat in the waiting room at the doctors.

She explained: “At the drs now as a follow up from my smear test the other day.

“I have to get those cells burned off, feeling nervous but this is why smears are so important!”

In the next picture, she explained that the cells actually didn’t have to be burned off in the end, but she did have to undergo more tests.

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Maya headed straight to the doctors upon landing home from a quick trip to Ibiza Credit: Instagram
The star hopped over to the White Isle after a romantic few days in Rome with her boyfriend Ruben Dias Credit: Instagram

Sharing a mirror selfie from the bathroom following the appointment, Maya said: “So turns out I didn’t need the cells burned off but a mini biopsy to monitor the cells further.

“Again reminder to go in if you are putting it off.”

Cells are removed or “burned off” to stop them from developing into cervical cancer in the future.

Smear tests can determine whether any abnormal cells are present and whether this needs to be done.

The medical trip came as Maya had just touched down back home after a quick trip to Ibiza, with the star sharing that it was a “fun 24h” before returning home.

Before that, she spent a romantic few days in Italy with boyfriend Ruben Dias.

Maya shared an Instagram photo dump of the break to Rome, which included visits to the Sistine Chapel and the classical Vatican Gardens with with her Man City star boyfriend.

And she gushed about the trip to her three million fans, writing: “Can you tell I love it here?”

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Love Island’s Cach cosies up to stunning TikTok star just weeks after split from Toni Laites

LOVE Island winner Cach Mercer has shared a new video with a stunning TikTok star as they appeared to get to know one another better, weeks after his split from Toni Laites.

The ITV2 star won the show with Toni last summer and she even moved from Vegas to London following the series, but things took a turn for the couple following a row at the BRIT Awards in February.

Love Island’s Cach Mercer has shared a video with a stunning influencer, weeks after his split from Toni Laites Credit: Instagram
Cach and Toni parted ways in March after an explosive argument at the BRIT Awards the month prior Credit: Splash

Toni and Cach attended the star-studded awards ceremony together earlier this year, but The Sun revealed they had an explosive row inside the ceremony.

This led to them unfollowing one another on social media, before promptly adding one another back. We revealed they had split the following month.

Now, Cach has been getting cosy with influencer Tallulah Metcalfe, who boasts over half a million followers on Instagram and a whopping 5.4 million on TikTok.

In an unexpected crossover, the pair recorded a video dancing together on Tuesday, which Tallulah shared to her Instagram.

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In his new post, Cach danced alongside TikToker Tallulah, who has been single since splitting from her boyfriend late last year Credit: Instagram
Cach and Toni began dating last summer on Love Island and bagged the show’s £50K prize pot Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

She captioned the post: “Made this dance ourselves btw”.

Fans were shocked to see the pair together, with several commented that they were an “unexpected duo”.

Cach and Tallulah were both staying at celeb hotspot Soho Farmhouse for an event with Snapchat when they filmed the dancing clip.

Also in attendance was the likes of new couple Samie Elishi and Tyrique Hyde.

Tallulah is thought to be single since her split from fellow social media star Owen Lazenby late last year.

Whilst both Cach and Toni are yet to speak out on their split.

However, it appears things are over for good this time around as the former couple unfollowed each other on Instagram yet again earlier this month.

At the time of their split, a source confirmed to The Sun: “It’s definitely over with Toni and Cach and they’ve called it quits.

“It’s a really sad situation but after being on the rocks for a while, the Brits ended up being the final straw and they couldn’t make it work.

“They kept talking and tried to make things work but have now called it a day.”

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Maya Jama looks heaven-sent in slinky black dress as she poses in Vatican Gardens on romantic Rome break

TELLY star Maya Jama is a divine inspiration on a trip to Italy.

The Love Island host, 31, wore a slinky black dress to pose at the classical Vatican Gardens.

Maya Jama wore a slinky black dress to pose at the classical Vatican Gardens Credit: Instagram
Maya’s Instagram photo dump of a romantic Rome break included her clutching a bunch of keys Credit: Instagram

Maya’s Instagram photo dump of a romantic Rome break included her clutching a bunch of keys and at the Sistine Chapel with Man City star boyfriend Ruben Dias.

And she gushed about the trip to her three million fans, writing: “Can you tell I love it here?”

Maya and 28-year-old Portugal footballer Ruben have been ­dating since last year.

She is back at work soon, filming the next series of dating show Love Island which starts in June.

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MAYA’S VERDICT

Maya Jama wades into I’m A Celeb row & reveals why live final ‘went wrong’

Maya at the Sistine Chapel with Man City star boyfriend Ruben Dias Credit: Instagram
Maya and Ruben have been ­dating since last year Credit: Instagram

Maya has waded into the I’m A Celebrity row as she revealed why the live final “went wrong”, and also sent a message to presenters Ant and Dec.

In Friday night’s explosive grand finale, both David Haye, 45, and Jimmy Bullard, 47, clashed with hosts Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin, both 50, leading to one of the biggest showdowns ever on live telly.

Viewers watched with their jaws dropped as an on-air argument erupted, after Jimmy called out Adam Thomas, 37, over the “aggressive” way he handled their now infamous camp row.

The former footballer was backed up by boxer David during the fallout, which was broadcast live on ITV, as they both ranted at hosts Ant and Dec.

However, ever the professionals, the Geordie duo were seen trying to calm down the pair, as they tried to stop the shambles which was being aired to millions of viewers.

Maya, who, like Ant and Dec, is a pro at live TV, has now given her verdict on the huge on-air bust-up.

Taking to X/Twitter, the popular presenter, 31, shared a clip of the fallout between Ant and Dec and Jimmy, and penned: “Didn’t watch but from this clip alone (laughing emoji).

“This is why I love live tv so much and hosting the (Love Island) Aftersun show because barely any channels do it anymore out of fear of what can go wrong but people want real reactions and an edited show will never compete to the live experience!”

Showing her support for the I’m A Celebrity hosts, she added: “Ant and Dec I love you forever also.”

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