top of page

FIRST LOOK Love Island 2026

  • 7 hours ago
  • 16 min read

It's time to meet this year's islanders!



More than one competition is stealing the spotlight this summer as Love Island returns Monday 1st June for its 13th series on ITV2, with Maya Jama returning as host, presiding over all the action inside the Villa.


Heading to sun-drenched Mallorca for the ultimate game of love, a brand-new batch of Islanders must couple up or clear out as they dive headfirst into a summer of twists, turns, and tests, all in pursuit of finding a connection.


With unexpected arrivals, shifting loyalties, and sparks flying, the new series promises even more unforgettable moments, unmissable messiness, and plenty of romance.


It's time to meet this year's islanders...

Aidan

23, Property Broker from Kent


Describe your 'type on paper'


I wouldn’t say I have a strict type on paper. Personality is the most important thing for me. Obviously, I know if I find someone physically attractive but if we’re not connecting, laughing, and having a good time, it just wouldn’t work for me. I like someone who’s fun, can take a joke and doesn’t take themselves too seriously. If we’re constantly laughing and getting on, that’s what matters most.


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?


Probably someone who’s a bit too dominant or controlling. Someone who gets involved in everything and inserts themselves into situations that don’t really concern them. I’d rather be around people who stay in their lane and don’t try to stir things unnecessarily.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


Finding love is definitely the goal. That said, I do enjoy a bit of drama. I probably wouldn’t get fully involved but I’d definitely be listening, taking it in - maybe stirring the pot a little bit.


If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card?


Honestly, I don’t think I’d get called for anything. I think VAR would check it and say, “No foul, play on.”


What’s your relationship strategy? Go straight for the goal or play it safe?


I’ll speak to as many people as possible and get to know everyone. For me, it’s about being myself. I’m confident in my personality, so I think that will come across naturally.


How do you plan to handle the competition?


I don’t really see it as competition. If someone chooses someone else over me, then it just wasn’t meant to be. I think everything happens for a reason, so I just stay in my own lane and let things play out.


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


Definitely knocked out in the first round. I haven’t really dated much and have only been on a couple of dates, so it hasn’t really taken off yet. Hopefully being in the Villa will turn things around. I’m just ready for it now!

Angelista

24, Nurse from Staffordshire


Describe your 'type on paper'


Tall, dark and handsome! A quietly confident man with nice teeth. Someone that is attentive, someone that is a listener and a doer. You can’t just be listening and not doing! Someone that puts actions behind words and is patient.


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?


Someone who wants to be in everyone’s face all the time, centre of attention all the time, that’s an ick! Someone that’s obnoxious I don’t like.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


Finding love is my goal. I’m not here for drama, I'm non-confrontational. It’s entertaining to watch from the sidelines, I just don’t want to be involved in it!


If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card?


Nothing! I back my flirting game. It’s not too much, it’s a nice in the middle, it’s smooth. I think I’m alright!


What’s your relationship strategy, go straight for the goal or play it safe at the back?


I’d say a bit of both. Someone will take your man if you’re playing it safe at the back and you’ll watch it happen and that’s not nice. You have to read the room with the guy as well, to see if he’s feeling the same.


How do you plan to handle the competition?


I’ll put myself in the position to be seen by the guys so they know I’m interested, but I’m not gonna beg it. I’ll be in the mix, 100%, I’m not watching in the back.


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


Knocked out in the first round. It’s been a decent experience but nothing has stuck. I’m tired!

Ellie

24, Real Estate Videographer from West Lothian


Describe your 'type on paper'


Simple… tall, dark and handsome. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. It’s a classic for a reason. Nice teeth, nice tattoos, partial to a blonde as well. Pretty face. Look like you’re going to break my heart but like, please don’t.


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?


I like confidence, but the minute you breach cocky? The door is there. No thank you.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


I want to find love but if drama comes from that then so be it. I want love and I’m not going to not fight for it.


If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card?


My game is too good! I don’t think I’d get a red card. They would actually be like ‘you know what, fair play, play on.’ Still have a VAR check just to be sure but I don’t think the ref is giving me a red.


What’s your relationship strategy, go straight for the goal or play it safe at the back?


You can’t go in too keen but you’ve got to make them know you’re interested. But, I also like someone that chases me. They’ve got to come up and meet me at the halfway line. But I will go to the goal if I need to. Offside? Who knows? I guess we’ll see.


How do you plan to handle the competition?


Just how I always do, with ease…with confidence. There’s nothing else I can do than be me. People love me and if they don’t then they’re clearly not okay. Listen, we’re all there for one reason, but I’m going to get my win.


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


Nowhere near qualifying. But just like Scotland, I’ve qualified this year. We’re bringing it home!

Jasmine

27, Fashion Business Owner from Dubai (lives in London)


Describe your 'type on paper'


Objectively hot, really charismatic, and confident.


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?


An insecure man. Honestly, how would he deal with me? That’s the real question. I don’t think insecure men could handle me. I pick up on insecurity straight away, and it just wouldn’t end well. By the end of it, he’d probably hate me.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


It would be nice, obviously but I love drama too. I live for it. I’m always involved in everyone’s business. I’m basically the auntie of the group. Everyone literally calls me “Jasmine Auntie.” So bring me love, bring me drama, bring all of it.


If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card?


Probably the fact that I flirt with everyone. And half the time, I don’t even mean it. Sometimes I might not even fancy someone. I’m just flirting because it’s entertaining to me.


What’s your relationship strategy, go straight for the goal or play it safe at the back?


Straight for the goal. Life’s too short to play it safe, that’s boring. You don’t go on Love Island to play it safe.


How do you plan to handle the competition?


Respectfully, what competition?


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


I’m definitely not the one getting knocked out in the first round. They are. So technically, I’m the winner.

Lola

28, Detective from Kent


Describe your 'type on paper'


I like tall, Italian looking. Dark hair normally, even though I always end up with blondes! Light eyes but again, I’m not too fussy. I like someone who is quite big as in a good cuddler, good muscles kind of way. In a personality, I like someone funny, I think funny goes such a long way. I like someone who is smart who can teach me things. I like book smart but even if they're not book smart I like someone who is like actually teaching me stuff. Someone who does everything for me but I can’t take the piss.


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?


Someone really cocky, but not in a fun, fit way, in an arrogant cocky way. I don’t love that or someone who doesn’t really have much about them - the same type of chat. So many things give me the ick! If someone says they are a cheeky chappy that makes me sick to my core. It’s such a thing people say and I’m like don’t ever say that again, horrible! My big ick is backpacks, but nobody is going to have a backpack on in there! With a backpack there’s too many things that can go wrong, I’m like “angel, stop”.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


I’m not overly into drama to be fair, I’m such a chilled person. I do like watching it but I don’t want to be a part of it. I’m really looking for love, I want a boyfriend again. I want to find someone who is actually the love of my life, like obsessed with me kind of thing. I think I’m missing someone who is obsessed with me!


If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card?


I can be a bit of a brat, I get really hangry! If you just feed me, I’ll be alright.


What’s your relationship strategy, go straight for the goal or play it safe at the back?


I go for what I'm into so I'll go for the goal, absolutely!


How do you plan to handle the competition?


I think if I’m interested in someone I’ll go for it. If people are actually together then I will back off but it’s everyone’s game isn’t it!


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


I think I’ve made it to the semi finals, we’ve done good but we’re not quite there!

Lorenzo

28, Business Owner from Hertfordshire


Describe your 'type on paper'


Traditionally blonde, but not always. I quite like a posh girl. One feature I look at is a girl’s arms, I don’t know why. It’s really strange! Imagine like a Jessica Alba or an Angelina Jolie kind of arm and neck, I find that very elegant. Very niche, I know!


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the villa door?


It’s a major turn off when someone doesn’t have manners. I like a little bit of high maintenance when it's done in the right way but if someone is rude with it and not good fun or good vibes, I’d find that quite irritating.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


I think drama is fun! As long as no one is crying, all is fair in love and war. It’ll be interesting to see what unfolds…


If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card?


I’m a teaser but sometimes that could go too far so it could be a red card in some people’s eyes.


What’s your relationship strategy, go straight for the goal or play it safe at the back?


Straight for the goal. I do what I want, I say what I want, I go after what I want. I wouldn’t be one to play it safe.


How do you plan to handle the competition?


I’m very much a self deprecating person, so if me and another guy were interested in the same girl I’d encourage her to go and speak to him, that’s how I’d navigate the situation. Sometimes it ends up working, reverse psychology!


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


If it’s love, I wouldn’t even qualify. I’d be like Italy, struggling to qualify for the last four tournaments or whatever it is! But this summer, we’ll have to wait and see…

Mica

21, Student from Barbados (lives in London)


Describe your 'type on paper'


Definitely someone that’s tall, I’m tall myself so I like to feel small. I like a little bit of a buffer, a bigger guy. The most important thing for me is personality. I just want someone that will make me laugh. I want to get along with someone.


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?


I do not want a really egotistical, cringey man. That’s not my vibe at all. I can’t have someone who’s more into themselves then they are me. They need to be obsessed with me.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


Ooh, I’ll dabble in both I feel. Obviously the whole point is finding love and that’s going to be my main goal. I’m not saying I’m going to start drama but if there is drama going on, I would obviously be a little bit nosey and want to know what’s going on.


If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card?


I am just myself. I’ll talk, I’ll laugh, I’ll look at them with those eyes. I don’t think I’m getting sent off! I don’t say any weird, cringe pick up lines. Maybe I do, I'm just not really aware. Check the VAR!


What’s your relationship strategy, go straight for the goal or play it safe at the back?


If I have my eyes set on someone, obviously I’m going to pursue them. But if they’re not reciprocating that then I’m going to take a step back, have a think, and change directions and think about who else I could explore with.


How do you plan to handle the competition?


I’m going to try to be as respectful as possible. If I’m going after someone’s man, I’m going to do it in a respectful way but I’m still ultimately trying to get what I want. It’s super important that I get along with the girls there.


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


I haven’t even qualified! Honestly, it’s been quiet but it’s been peaceful. I’ve been trying to focus on myself and protect my peace. But as a strict programme for 2026, I’m not taking the bullshit I used to.

Ope

27, West-End Performer from Lincolnshire


Describe your 'type on paper'


That’s so hard. I like shorter girls, I’m really big on hair, good teeth and a nice smile. I prefer Northerners because they’ve got better crack. That’s just a fact. I haven’t really got a type, I honestly just go on energy, vibes and if you find my jokes funny.


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?


Negative energy, someone not here for a good time. I’m always up for a good time and having a laugh and having fun. There’s people who just love to dwell on the negatives.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


I’m not here for the drama and I want to find love, however the drama could be funny. I love the ‘watching with a telescope, ooh what’s going on, sip the tea’ kind of vibe. I’m not here for the drama…but I’m here for the drama.


What’s your relationship strategy, go straight for the goal or play it safe at the back?


I’m never playing anything safe, that’s boring. My thing is to go for the goal and make someone laugh straight away. I think that’s the key to love and the key to getting girls. My ultimate thing in life is to make people feel comfortable around me, so as soon as that happens, I’m sweet. And I’ve got the best smile in Britain.


How do you plan to handle the competition?


No one phases me. I’m so confident in my ability to just do my thing. I don’t get phased, I don’t get impersonated, I don’t get threatened. It’s not even about them, it’s about me. I’m very confident in myself as a person. I love my beauty, I love my looks, I love my humour. If someone fancies someone else more than me, then that’s on them. I won’t take it personally.


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


Knocked out at the first stage. I’m awful. I last about 5 minutes with any girlfriend then it’s like ‘bye!’ I’ve got such a wandering eye.

Robyn

21, Quantity Surveyor and DJ from Liverpool


Describe your 'type on paper'.


Tall, fair, muscles, nice teeth, pretty boy. I’m more into personality though. They’ve got to make me laugh, be charming, and have good manners.


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?


Someone full of themselves or someone who thinks they’re better than everyone. You’re never better than anyone next to you. Also people who eat with their mouth open - it’s a no from me.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


Finding love is my only goal. There may be a little bit of drama but I’m going in there for myself so I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do. But I would like to think I’m a girl’s girl and that I handle situations quite well. I’ve got a mature brain.


If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card?


I like to flirt to get what I want. Is it bad to say that out loud? I feel like I can be a little bit of a brat but that’s what you’ve got to do in life.


What’s your relationship strategy, go straight for the goal or play it safe at the back?


I like to observe first. I wouldn't say I'm a slow burner, but I like to take in someone's personality, how they carry themselves, and how they interact with other people. I won't just rush into something; I have to genuinely like someone. And I'm an absolute star, they've got to tick all the boxes before they even have a chance with me.


How do you plan to handle the competition?


Oh, there’s no competition. Never has been, never will be. I’ll go in there and I’ll definitely get what I want.


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


I just feel like the right person hasn’t come yet. That’s the only reason I haven’t qualified, not because I can’t.

Samraj

25, Primary School Teacher from Galway


Describe your 'type on paper'


I don’t have a type, if you’re pretty. If you look at my history of dating, all girls have been different! I like the way a woman carries herself, her mannerisms. I like that.


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?


Someone who thinks they’re right by being the loudest person in the room, who wants to pick an argument. I don’t like getting involved in stuff that doesn’t involve me.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


I like a bit of both! Best case scenario I’m walking out with someone I really connect with. My first girlfriend. But I don’t mind a bit of drama, it’s fun! As long as no one is getting hurt.


If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card?


If you’re cheeky enough you can get away with everything! I’ll whisper in the ref’s ear to let it go and he’ll let it go.


What’s your relationship strategy? Go straight for the goal or play it safe?


Without sounding arrogant, in the outside world I don’t really chase that much, I’m used to girls coming to me. I know in the Villa it’s a different dynamic. In the beginning I’m not going to be pushing myself out there, I’m just gonna watch and see who I like and then go from there.


How do you plan to handle the competition?


I’m competitive with everything in my life, competition doesn’t phase me. I’m actually looking forward to it because Love Island is going to find the best single guys. I'm really intrigued to see how I match up against other people.


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


We’re not even qualifying for the tournament. It’s been a shambles! But we’ve got a better manager coming in. The team is bonding a bit more and it looks bright. I think we’re a dark horse this year and could do some damage in the tournament.

Samuel

25, Electrician from Dudley


Describe your 'type on paper'


My type on paper would be someone classy, mature, blonde, fun, and someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. I like people who can let their hair down and enjoy themselves.


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?


I don’t want someone who’s rude. There’s no reason you can’t get along with people. I also can’t stand fake or two-faced people. People who say one thing to you and another behind your back. I respect honesty and people being real about how they feel.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


I definitely want to find love. I’ve had a good year being single and dating, but I’m at a stage now where I want to settle down and find the love of my life.


If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card?


I’d say I can be too nice sometimes. In the past, I’ve gone on a few dates with someone, realised I wasn’t feeling it anymore, but avoided saying anything because I didn’t want to hurt them. Then things end up getting deeper, they get attached, and it becomes messy. I’ve definitely learned that being honest earlier is the better thing to do - I'm not going into extra time.


What’s your relationship strategy, go straight for the goal or play it safe at the back?


Definitely go straight for the goal. I always go after what I want. Life’s too short for games, and I’m very honest about how I feel. When I like someone, I’m the least nonchalant person ever. There’s no messing around.


How do you plan to handle the competition?


I’ve never really had to compete before, so it’ll be interesting. I know what I bring to the table, and I’m confident in what I have to offer. Like I said, I’ll go after what I want and hopefully score the goal.


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


Definitely a mixed tournament. It’s been busy, especially over the last year. I’ve been on quite a few dates. But things have slowed down recently because I’ve been travelling. Now I’m at the stage where I’m genuinely ready to settle down.

Sean

TBC


Describe your 'type on paper'


Female!


What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?


Cockiness and a dry personality I can’t stand.


Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?


I’m here for love but also here for drama. I won’t be getting involved in it, I might be mixing it!


If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card?


I play Gaelic football, so we’re called jersey pullers. I may pull out the county card, but maybe using the county baller won’t work in this sport!


What’s your relationship strategy, go straight for the goal or play it safe at the back?


Play forward and if it’s not on, pass it back and go forward again. Eventually, you’ll get a goal!


How do you plan to handle the competition?


If I see someone I like, I’m going for it and nothing’s gonna stop me.


In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?


Definitely not knocked out! A World cup winner and player of the tournament.



Love Island returns Monday 1st June at 9pm on ITV2

 
 
 

Comments

© I TALK TELLY

bottom of page