'Love Island' is back in Mallorca for its second series of 2023
What, you thought summer could roll around and we wouldn't be treated to a brand new cast of singletons looking for "love" under the Mallorcan sun?
Yes, it's that time of year again as 'Love Island' returns to our screens and as is the norm now, the show will be drip-feeding the cast as the day rolls on.
Maya Jama will once again be our host as we get settled in for a summer of trysts, tears and tantrums with a slew of new Islanders. We'll update throughout the day as the cast is revealed and introduce themselves.
'Love Island' returns for its tenth series on Monday 5th June at 9pm on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Player.
Are you ready to meet your new Islanders?
Ruchee Gurung
Ruchee Gurung is a 22-year-old beautician from Sutton.
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
Tyrique Hyde is a 24-year-old semi-professional footballer from Essex.
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
Molly Marsh is a 21-year-old musical theatre performer and social media content creator from Doncaster.
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
George Fensom is a 24-year-old business development executive from Bedford.
Catherine Agbaje
Catherine Agbaje is a 22-year-old commercial real estate agent from Dublin.
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.
Medhi Edno
Medhi Edno is a 26-year-old communications manager from Bordeaux, France.
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
Ella Thomas is a 23-year-old model from Glasgow.
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
Mitchel Taylor is a 26-year-old gas engineer from Sheffield.
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
Jess Harding is a 22-year-old aesthetics practitioner from London.
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!
Andre Furtado
Andre Furtado is a 21-year-old business owner from Dudley.
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.
Zachariah Noble
Zachariah Noble is a 25-year-old personal trainer and basketball player from South East London.
Why 'Love Island' and why now?
I always say, ‘you only grow as a person when you take yourself out of your comfort zone’ and I think it’s something that’s so far out of my comfort zone, I’d be silly not to give it a go. Being 25, I’m at a crossroads where I’ve been having fun, but I also want to have the peace and harmony that comes from being with the right woman.
What do you think you’ll bring to the Villa?
I’m a very chilled-out guy and I’m completely myself 100% of the time. I’m quite straightforward and never struggle making friends, I like to look after people.
What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?
I’d just shout out ‘What else do you need, babe?’ I’m pretty tall and I’m confident in myself. In this day and age I think being genuine is rare and I’m very genuine. What you see is what you get.
Why would you say you’re single?
I’m not going to be young forever and it would be nice to meet someone and get some good holiday pictures whilst I’m still looking half-decent!
How would friends/family describe you?
I think they would say that I’m a lovely guy, hard-working, competitive, and confident. My friends would definitely say I’m the guy they can rely on to bring the banter.
Best/worst date story?
I was asked to go to a museum once on a date, but I walked around so unimpressed that I accidentally made it really apparent I didn’t want to be there. I don’t go on many dates, I haven’t been on one for quite a while so it will be nice to go on some in the Villa.
What gives you the ‘ick’?
I’ve got two and they're both really stupid; Bad handwriting - I’ve got terrible handwriting so they’d need to have better handwriting than me and twerking, I really don’t like twerking!
Do you fall in love quickly?
I do believe in love at first sight, I think that you can sense people’s energies as soon as you meet them.
Love isn’t something you pick to be in, it’s something that happens when it happens.I wouldn’t say I’m closed off but I like things to be really natural and organic.
What are the most important things you look for in a partner?
The most important things are that someone is genuine and they also have good banter.
Tell us something not many people know about you?
My cat is a huge part of my life, I honestly love him. He’s called Frank, I named him about ten years ago - his full name is Frankie G Swagger Don I treat him as if he’s my son, I’m going to miss him so much when I’m in the Villa.
This year marks series 10 of 'Love Island'. Do you have a favourite show moment from any of the previous seasons?
When Amy returned from Casa Amor and said to Curtis; ‘I was coming back here to tell you I loved you.’
If you had to pick two celebrities to be in the Villa with you as fellow Islanders who would they be and why?
Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot and Meagan Good. Meagan was my childhood super crush.
If money was no object, what would be your ideal first date?
Even if money wasn’t an option, I think the first thing you want to find out is what someone is like as a person, so you don’t want to splash too much anyway. I’d be happy with a nice person.
Whitney Adebayo
Whitney Adebayo is a 25-year-old entrepreneur from London.
Why 'Love Island' and why now?
Why not? I want to have fun and have a lit summer.
What do you think you’ll bring to the Villa?
Good vibes, I can be really silly and funny but I can also get deep. It depends on the person and the situation but I am a very adaptable person, I know how to read the room.
What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?
Why would you not want to date me? I’ve got triple B’s - bum, boobs and brains.
If there was one thing you’d want your new fellow Islanders to know about you, what would it be?
That I don’t lack in any aspect, I’m that girl.
Why would you say you’re single?
I’m too much to handle sometimes, maybe people are intimidated by me. I know what I want and I’m very picky.
How would friends/family describe you?
Friends would say I’m the life of the party but my mum would say I’m stubborn.
Best/worst date story?
I once went on a date with a guy from Hinge, it was fun and we had a good time. The following day I went on another date with a new guy and the guy I went on a date with the day before was there and caught me red-handed. It was so embarrassing!
What gives you the ‘ick’?
Guys that bite their nails, I have a thing about nice hands. I don’t like guys in skinny jeans either.
Do you fall in love quickly?
Real love, no. I can fall in lust but I don’t fall in love quickly. My big thing is trust, I’ve got to trust you fully before I can give you my heart. I won’t give you my heart for free, you've got to earn it.
If you had to pick three of the most important things you look for in a partner what would they be?
A good sense of humour, emotional depth and makes time for me.
This year marks series 10 of 'Love Island'. Do you have a favourite show moment from any of the previous seasons?
In series 8 when Danica gave her fellow islanders twerking lessons around the pool, that’s the sort of thing I will be doing in the Villa.
If you had to pick three celebrities to be in the Villa with you as fellow Islanders who would they be and why?
Davido to sing for me, Damson Idris to look at and Gemma Collins for entertainment.
If money was no object, what would be your ideal first date?
A late night candle-lit dinner on a yacht around the Mediterranean.
Sammy Root
Sammy Root is a 22-year-old project manager from Kent.
Why 'Love Island' and why now?
I’ve always got girls on my mind, so what better way to find a nice girl than in the 'Love Island' Villa!
What do you think you’ll bring to the Villa?
I’ll be the energy in the villa, lots of guys have pretty faces and nice bodies, which I have too, but I’ve also got the bubbly personality, I’m a bit of a firework.
What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?
I stand out from everyone else purely on appearance. Most attractive people have the personality of a sponge, but I’m not lacking in that department either.
If there was one thing you’d want your new fellow Islanders to know about you what would it be?
I won’t shy away from any of the girls and I’ll stand my ground, it’s game on.
Why would you say you’re single?
I think it’s time I now found my princess.
How would friends/family describe you?
Funny, bubbly and good to be around. I’m a bit cheeky too.
Best/worst date story?
I took a girl out to a bar and we were having a couple of drinks but shortly after her ex and his family all walked in and sat three tables down from us. It was bad!
What gives you the ‘ick’?
It’s niche, but wide feet - there’s something about wide feet that I can’t deal with. Girls that are too into star signs is another ick.
Do you fall in love quickly?
If it’s the right girl, then yes. My ex is the only girl I’ve ever been in love with.
If you had to pick three of the most important things you look for in a partner what would they be?
She’s gotta have a nice bum, an amazing personality and be family orientated.
Tell us something not many people know about you?
I’ve dated two best friends and they still don’t know about it… they might now though!
If you had to pick three celebrities to be in the Villa with you as fellow Islanders who would they be and why?
It’s got to be; Leonardo DiCaprio, Madelyn Cline as she is the perfect girl, and Chloe Ferry for a bit of fun.
If money was no object, what would be your ideal first date?
We would fly to Lake Como and find a nice little restaurant, saxophone playing, wine and dine and back to a hotel to see what might happen.
Scott Van Der Sluis
Scott Van Der Sluis is a 22-year-old footballer from North Wales.
Why 'Love Island' and why now?
Football is all I’ve ever done, all I’ve ever known. So this is a new and exciting opportunity for a change-up in life.
What do you think you’ll bring to the Villa?
Energy. I’ll bring a bit of banter, be cheeky, and I’m a flirt! very, very strong personality so if I see anything I don’t agree with, there’ll definitely be fireworks!
What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?
Tall, dark, handsome and I’m a goalkeeper, so I’m good with my hands!
If there was one thing you’d want your new fellow Islanders to know about you, what would it be?
Don’t make eye contact with me, because you may fall in love.
Why would you say you’re single?
I’ve been single through my own choice, as well as circumstances. I’ve moved around a lot with football and I’ve been based in Dublin playing football for over a year. I’ve been single for 3 and a half years so it’s been a while so I’m ready and open to anything!
How would friends/family describe you?
My family would say that I’m very well-spoken and very diplomatic, I’m good at breaking up situations. If someone is in the wrong, I'll call them out on it. I’m a person that you can always turn to for advice.
Best/worst date story?
When I was on a first date with a girl and their Mum called. The girl answered the call and then put me on the phone. It was awkward, I didn’t know what to say as I didn’t even know much about the girl at that point! It was terrible!
What gives you the ‘ick’?
Someone who gets too clingy too quickly. I don’t like too many calls and too many texts. I’m not a fan of someone wearing Nike Air Force 1 trainers with a dress on a night out either or waking up with someone and seeing patchy fake tan in the morning.
Do you fall in love quickly?
I’m a slow burner. It’s only when I really think I’m losing them sometimes that I do.
If you had to pick three of the most important things you look for in a partner what would they be?
A girl with a strong personality, who’s independent and knows what they want.
What’s your claim to fame?
I was the youngest goalkeeper to ever play with the Welsh national team! I also got a call when I was 16 and playing at Swansea from the Welsh goalkeeper coach inviting me to train with the first team. I got to sit and have dinner with Aaron Ramsey and the Welsh football team! I was in awe, when the year before they got to the Euro finals, they were my idols.
Tell us something not many people know about you?
I know 99% of the world’s country flags.
This year marks series 10 of 'Love Island'. Do you have a favourite show moment from any of the previous seasons?
When Chris Hughes asked ‘Does anyone want me to rap a little bit to lift the mood’
Then Wes, Jack and Josh in 'Love Island Unseen Bits' they all put on Yorkshire accents doing the baby challenge. The bromance!
If you had to pick three celebrities to be in the Villa with you as fellow Islanders who would they be and why?
Mila Kunis, because I’ve fancied her for years and she’s got an unbelievable personality. Lily James, because her accent is unbelievable, a proper quintessentially English accent, there’s something about it that’s really nice. I’d also chuck in Chris Hemsworth, I think I’d enjoy looking at him as much as I’d enjoy talking to him. He’s an unreal guy.
If money was no object, what would be your ideal first date?
To go and watch the Champions League final with full hospitality.
Mal Nicol
Mal Nicol is a 25-year-old picture researcher from Edinburgh.
Why are you going on 'Love Island'?
Since I moved to London, having the balance of seeing friends, work and gym, it’s really difficult to date at the same time. It’s quite exhausting to date in the real world.
“When you strip it back to no distractions or social situations your pure focus is on people. I'm intrigued to find a connection.
Do you have your eye on any of the Islanders in particular?
I do actually like Sammy. I think he’s quite funny and his personality is coming out more - there is something about him I fancy.
I fancy Zach as well, Zach but I wouldn’t go in too strong on him as I feel like he’ll get a bit big for his boots because he’s had a lot of female attention. I think I’d play it cool with him.
Scott seems lovely - I think he’s got really nice eyes. But I do usually go for a rugby boy not a footballer…
What do you think about the girls in the Villa?
I think they are all very different. Jess says it how it is and has good banter and I like her humour. I like Molly’s energy - it seems very contagious and very positive. I think I would vibe with them. Obviously Ella is from Glasgow so we have that in common.
What kind of a bombshell are you going to be?
I don’t have a game plan and I have never been one to be smooth with flirting. I know I can’t flirt, I can’t dance and I can’t sing, but I can guarantee I’ll be able to laugh them into my bed.
I’ve never been a flirtatious person but my energy is quite endearing and cute. I think boys think I am quite sexy but because I’m goofy, I come across as sweet and innocent. I know I won’t have to go for them - they’ll probably come for me.
How do you feel about the challenges?
I am such an attention seeker, so I will love that. It’s going to feel so euphoric - that’s why I want someone who is playful and fun. Someone who is unapologetically themselves. Life’s too short - no-one cares.
Did you get any rules given to you before heading into the Villa from your family and friends?
No rules! My parents have always supported everything I’ve ever done in my life. My dad is very old-fashioned but he’s been the best - so supportive and excited for me. I’m their only child so they say to just be myself.
Montel McKenzie
Montel McKenzie is a 25-year-old account manager and semi-professional footballer from East London.
Why are you going on 'Love Island'?
I just haven’t found someone I want to date, I’m always so busy with work and football!
Which Islanders have you got your eye on?
My top three right now would be Catherine, Leah and Ella. Ella for me is generally my type, Catherine carries herself well and seems like a classy girl. Leah seems very chilled and that’s the kind of person I am.
How do you feel about going for an Islander who is already getting to know someone else?
I’m not really worried about that if I really want the girl. I’m not going to cause a problem over someone I am not interested in. I’ll definitely speak to Ella despite her being coupled up with Tyrique.
What kind of bombshell are you going to be?
I am used to people coming up to me - I’m lucky I guess! I don’t usually approach girls and win them over.
I will definitely get on with the guys in there but, at the same time, I need to talk to everyone. I’ll just be the guy that I am - cool and calm.
Do you think the boys are getting it right or wrong in the Villa so far?
Mitch has got it completely wrong. It’s his sneakiness for me - he makes little comments about people and that’s not how I would go about things.
Me and Tyrique are from similar places, so I think we might behave similarly. I like his attitude and I would probably say the same things as him in certain situations.
Did your family or friends give you any rules or advice about going in the Villa?
I’m definitely not going to have sex on TV, well, I said I would try my best!
What message would you like to give to the Islanders before you head into the Villa?
Watch your girls because the guy that gets all of the girls is coming into the Love Island Villa.
Kady McDermott
Kady McDermott is a 27-year-old former 'Love Island' series two bombshell from Hertfordshire.
Why have you decided to return to 'Love Island'?
Not many people can say they’ve been on 'Love Island', let alone have done it twice!
I think I’m known from season 2 for being so chaotic. People always ask, ‘Do you have regrets?’ expecting me to say yes, but I was so true to myself and I was 100% authentic. I’ll still be like that now, but seven years on, I am more mature. I’m still the fiery pocket rocket but I know what I want and what I don’t want.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still going to be me and the fire I have is in my soul, I’ll never get rid of that and I love that about me, but I’m a lot more emotionally mature now, so I know how to navigate things better. I’ve grown up a lot.
Last time I got with Scott straight away and I was so ‘tunnel vision’. It’ll be interesting to see what connections I’ll form this time.
How are you feeling about going into the Villa now and how does it compare to the first time that you did it?
The next person I’m with I want that to be marriage and babies. I don’t want to waste any more time with the wrong people - so I think I’ll be a lot pickier than what I was when I was previously in the Villa. Seven years on, I think I’m allowed to be pickier now. In the Villa I think I’ll take my time.
Do you date much?
I don’t really date, I seem to just get into a relationship, I don’t know what that’s about. The next person I’m going to be with I’m not going to rush it and I’m going to be picky as they need to be the right person.
Having been in the Villa before, do you think that you’ll have an advantage over the other girls?
I don’t think so, it’s going to be completely different. Every season is different and it’s the people that really make the experience, so it’s going to be completely different people and I’m going to be older and I’d like to think, a bit more wiser.
What do you think of the other girls in there?
They seem lovely! But, I’m a Virgo and I’ve never had a friend that’s a Virgo - Jess and Molly are both Virgos. They’re the two I think will either go one way or the other with me. We’ll either be very good friends, or maybe we might be a bit different. Catherine seems really sweet, quite a loyal friend, Whitney makes me die! You’ve got to have a funny friend. I’m quite quick with my banter so I need someone quick back. I know of Leah, through friends, she’s a bit more quiet, sweet. I like that Ella takes no s***. I liked her ‘honesty hour’. We might be quite similar. People kept saying to me on Twitter that her and Tyrique are like Scott and I from series 2.
Who do you have your eye on in the Villa?
Zach’s my number one, Tyrique on looks, but he might need his ego putting down a little bit. I also want to get to know Mitch.
Age is a big thing for me, immaturity in a man for me, it’s just a complete no. I don’t like boys that are too cheeky, I just don’t trust them. Zach seems the most chilled and is nice to look at.
Why is Love Island a good environment to meet people?
When you’re out you go on looks, let’s be real, that’s your first thing. Being on Love Island, you actually get to know people. You get to know their personality, you’re with them 24 hours a day. In real life, you wouldn’t be in that situation. I’d like to do it again because now I’m so big on personality. I used to just go for the best-looking one and it’s never ended well, it’s why I’m single. Personality is massive in getting to know people.
Do you think anyone is playing a game?
Yeah, potentially Mitch but I still want to get to know him. I’m just not sure whether he’s playing a game or not!
Are you nervous or excited?
If you didn’t feel nervous there’d be something wrong with you! But I’m more excited than anything.
What are you looking for in a partner?
I want someone that acts mature, I don’t want the loudest person in the room, I want the listener and the observer. They’ve got to be in touch with their emotions - I hate emotionally unavailable men. I want someone that’s really family-orientated, like I am. I want someone loving, caring and trustworthy. I’m just ready for the next chapter.