We're rapidly approaching our peak season of fun: it's actually sunny outside, every evening feels like it requires a chilled glass of rosé and Love Island is officially coming.
That's right, season 10 of Love Island is finally here – and ITV bosses have confirmed the cast and that we'll be treated to some ‘twists and turns' along the way. Producers are probably doing all they can to build up hype for the summer series since the January show saw ratings slump to the lowest in seven years.
Ahead of the show's premiere this month, ITV bosses have just announced that for the first time in the show's history, female and male Islanders will actually enter the Mallorcan villa at the same time and begin getting to know each other right away, forming those romantic relationships from the get-go.
In previous years, it was always the girls who arrived first, excitedly strutting in and popping open a bottle of bubbly before being joined by the boys, who typically enter one by one.
Ready for some summer Casa Amor drama? Here's everything we know about the summer Love Island 2023 so far.
When does Love Island 2023 start?
Very soon! Producers have confirmed the ITV reality show will return to our screens on Monday, June 5, following weeks of speculation.
A press release for Love Island says: "Returning to ITVX and ITV2 in June, the Islanders must do their best to flirt, date and couple up in a bid to avoid being ‘dumped’ from the Island.
"With new arrivals, heads may turn, while others will prove their true feelings. From romance and heart-to-hearts to betrayal, bombshells, and broken hearts, there’s never a dull moment in the ultimate search for love.
"More texts, fire pit gatherings, and challenges await the lovestruck Islanders, meaning there’ll be plenty for them to dish the dirt on in the Beach Hut.
“Twists and turns will follow every step of the way, with shock recouplings, unexpected breakups and dramatic dumpings.”
Who will host Love Island 2023?
ITV have confirmed that Maya Jama is returning as the Love Island summer 2023 host, after taking over from Laura Whitmore in the last season. ITV said “Love Island will see Maya Jama make her return as host presiding over all of the Villa action.”
Jama said she was ‘overwhelmed’ by the support from fans following her appearance in the winter series.
ITV also confirmed that comedian and narrator Iain Stirling “returns to voiceover each and every episode of the much-loved format.”
What is the cast for Love Island 2023?
The Love Island summer 2023 cast has officially been announced. Let's meet them…
Ruchee Gurung
Age: 24
From: Sutton
Occupation: Beautician
Why Love Island and why now?
I’m single and looking for love, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to find someone. I’m a relationship kind of girl, but so far it’s not worked out for me. So I’m looking forward to hopefully finding the right person in the Villa.
What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?
I’m really caring, when I’m with someone I’m all about them. I’m also really loyal and love doing nice things for the people that are special to me. My love language is gift giving, so I’m a real giver when it comes to relationships.
What gives you the ‘ick’?
Guys with no ambition. I also get the ick if I see a guy wearing white jeans and red trainers. Another one is super skinny jeans when they look like leggings. Fashion is such an important thing for me. If I go on a date and the guy isn’t wearing something I like, I’m going home.
Tyrique Hyde
Age: 24
From: Essex
Occupation: Semi-Professional Footballer
What do you think you’ll bring to the Villa?
I’ll bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty. I don’t sit on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want.
If there was one thing you’d want your new fellow Islanders to know about you, what would it be?
That I’m deaf in my right ear. I’ve got a tattoo next to my left one that symbolises strength and power in my good one.
Do you have a claim to fame?
Toby Aromolaran is one of my best friends, we grew up together and were in the same class at school.
Molly Marsh
Age: 21
From: Doncaster
Occupation: Musical Theatre Performer and Social Media Creator
Why Love Island and why now?
I think it’s ideal timing and the perfect way to find someone. I don’t go out and party and I don’t use dating apps, I’m actually quite old-fashioned, so there’s no better way to meet someone than by going into a Villa in the sun with the potential ‘one’ in there.
Do you have any claims to fame?
With my job being in social media, I’ve had some amazing opportunities to go on press trips and I’ve actually been out to the Love Island Villas in Mallorca and South Africa. Having the experience to walk around both was amazing but to now actually live in the Villa is going to be incredible.
Tell us something not many people know about you?
I live on a farm with my mum, dad, sister, grandma, grandad, aunty, uncle, cousin, cousin’s husband, their baby and chicken.
George Fensom
Age: 24
From: Bedford
Occupation: Business Development Executive
How would friends/family describe you?
I’m the first person to bring the vibe up, I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants to go out. My go-to dance move is what I call the Dad Dance, I’m gonna bring dad jokes and dad dancing to the Villa.
If you had to pick three of the most important things you look for in a partner what would they be?
Drive: I want them to be passionate about something, whether it’s a job or enjoying trips to the zoo on Saturdays. I prefer a girl who is naturally good looking, and someone who has even more banter than me- although I don’t believe that’s physically possible. I think those three qualities make for a perfect mix in a partner.
If you had to pick three celebrities to be in the Villa with you as fellow Islanders who would they be and why?
I’m going to go with a little sweetheart called Megan Fox, if you’ve seen Transformers. The second would be Anne Hegerty from The Chase, I wouldn’t crack on with her but I’d have a laugh with her. I’d also like Nigella Lawson to cook something sexy.
Catherine Agbaje
Age: 22
From: Dublin
Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Agent
What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?
I’m fun, I’m flirty, I’m just never boring. I can chat your ears off!
How would friends/family describe you?
Someone who is fun and a loving character. They know I have so much love to give. I’m always smiling, I’m always happy, I’m always laughing. You’ll always see me with a smile on my face.
Tell us something not many people know about you?
My teeth are real, people always think they are veneers! I had braces when I was younger. I have two degrees, I have my undergrad and my masters in Psychology and Sociology and Real Estate.
Mehdi Edno
Age: 26
From: Bordeaux/London
Occupation: Communications Manager
Are you ready to find ‘the one’?
Yes. I’ve been busy for the last few years with work, and doing my Masters degree but now I’m done with the busy schedule, and ready to find love.
What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?
I’d simply start by speaking French, that usually gets girls interested.
If you had to pick three of the most important things you look for in a partner what would they be?
Looks are important but they aren’t everything, a good sense of humour and someone who is outgoing and up for an adventure is what I’m looking for.
Ella Thomas
Age: 23
From: Glasgow
Occupation: Model
What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?
I'm the whole package, I know what I want in life and I’ve got a big heart.
If there was one thing you’d want your new fellow Islanders to know about you, what would it be?
I’d let the boys know that I’m wifey material so don’t play with me!
Do you have a claim to fame?
I’ve been in a Headie One and Burna Burna Boy music video and I was once an extra in World War Z. I was 12 years old when I filmed it and got to meet Brad Pitt which was cool.
Mitchel Taylor
Age: 26
From: Sheffield
Occupation: Gas Engineer
What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?
I thrive on being a gentleman. I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates, I’ll fill your bedside drawer with your favourite sweets and chocolate. I’ve been single, I’ve had my fun and now I want to settle down.
Why would you say you’re single?
I’m just really picky. I’ve got to find the girl that I want to marry and have kids with. I’m nearly 27, I don’t want to play the field anymore, I want to find the one.
What gives you the ‘ick’?
Food in your teeth and counting coins in your hand- when a girl stands at the bar counting out the coins to pay for a drink, it’s not for me!
Jess Harding
Age: 22
From: London
Occupation: Aesthetics Practitioner
What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?
Firstly I think I’ve got quite a big personality and I’ve got a heart of gold. I can stand up for myself if I need to. I’m honest, and I love, love. I’m also a really good girlfriend.
Why would you say you’re single?
Because every boy is giving me the ick at the moment. I feel like it’s fate because I’m saving myself for Mr Right in the Villa!
What gives you the ‘ick’?
When a guy stunts for money, that’s an ick. Showing off all their designer clothes because most of the time they’re probably fake anyway! Another one is when a boy runs for the train and the train goes without him. Lunch Boxes also - just go to Tesco and get a meal deal!
André Furtado
Age: 21
From: Dudley
Occupation: Business owner
What do you think you’ll bring to the Villa?
I’m charming, I’m going to bring good looks and some language lessons. I’m going to teach the other Islanders Portuguese, Spanish and a little bit of Creole. I think I’ve got every slice of the pie.
Do you fall in love quickly?
I would say I fall too quickly to be honest. When I look at beautiful ladies, before I’ve said hello to them I’ve already fallen in love. I’m already planning the wedding.
If money was no object, what would be your ideal first date?
I would love to go strawberry picking, I’d want to have a field spelt out in her name, then I’d have to ask her to be my girlfriend. So I’d like to plant a field full of strawberries.\
Where will Love Island 2023 be filmed?
While the winter series took place in South Africa, this year’s summer edition will see crews return to the Majorca villa.
What duty of care protocols are there for Islanders in Love Island 2023?
The mental wellbeing of Love Island contestants has increasingly taken centre stage in the ITV dating show after Islanders have been subjected to trolling and criticism during and after the show has aired.
In 2021, ITV outlined its duty of care protocols for contestants, following the suicides of two former Love Islanders: 26-year-old Mike Thalassitis in March 2019, and 32-year-old Sophie Gradon in June 2018, and the show's original presenter: Caroline Flack, who died by suicide in 2020.
These protocols included access to a welfare team during the show and afterwards, a minimum of eight therapy sessions offered to each contestant after leaving the show, and ITV keeping in touch with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series finishes.
In the 2023 winter series, for the first time all contestants were asked to pause social media activity for the duration of their time on the show so nothing was published on their behalf. For Love Island season 10, ITV have confirmed this protocol will resume, alongside ‘training in language and behaviour and ongoing support before, during and after filming' which bosses state ‘reflect former Islanders’ feedback.’
Islanders will also receive enhanced training around behaviour in relationships, something that came to light after the 2022 series where male contestants were heavily criticised by viewers for displaying controlling behaviour.
In a statement ITV said: '"All Islanders will complete video training and guidance across a range of topics to include mutually respectful behaviour in relationships, behaviour patterns associated with controlling and coercive behaviour and language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, and microaggressions before they meet their fellow Islanders. The inclusion training consists of conversations chaired by BCOMS (Black Collective of Media in Sport) founder Leon Mann MBE with DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) consultant Hayley Bennett, disability specialist Shani Dhanda and broadcaster Sean Fletcher. First introduced ahead of Series 8 in 2022, these discussions will tackle topics including inclusive language and behaviour, creating safe spaces and being a good ally.
“Prior to appearing on the show, prospective Islanders will also watch a video fronted by the show’s Executive Producer and Head of Welfare, interviewing former Islanders about their experiences on the show. This includes details on the two week period before they enter the Villa, how to cope being filmed 24/7, the interaction they will have with producers in the Villa, the support provided to family members, dealing with social media trolling, and adapting to life away from the show.”
How are fans reacting to Love Island season 10?
It's been a mixed bag since series 10 was confirmed. While some fans are clearly looking forward to the drama coming our way, posting memes celebrating its much-awaited return, others weren't so enthralled by the news.
“I hope the producers learnt from the previous season!! Don’t get rid of the interesting islanders, don’t set them up and please get rid of the baby challenge!!!!” said one.
Another wrote: "It’s almost time to complain half way through the season but still tune in! Get innnn.
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