We've got a text! Love Island is back for a new series, with a new villa and a new batch of singles looking for love in sunny Majorca.
Since it burst onto screens in 2015, a decade after starting life as a celebrity show, Love Island has become one of the most talked about shows on TV. Over the past seven years the programme has had drama, suspense, bombshells and a hearty helping of romance.
Winning couples to date include first ever winners Jess and Josh, the only Winter Love Island champions to date Paige and Finn and last year's victors Millie and Liam. And now it's time for more contestants to decide whether or not to 'put their eggs in one basket' and who's 'their type on paper,' as the ITV2 show is back, with Irish presenter Laura Whitmore once again at the helm.
READ MORE: How old is Gemma Owen? Love Island star's age leaves fans gobsmacked
In years gone by, the Love Island line-up has been revealed in one fell swoop, but, in a break with tradition and to keep fans guessing, the identities of this year's Islanders were revealed one-by-one, with a few of them raising a few eyebrows.
Viewers got their first look at the Islanders on Monday night, with social media full of opinions straight away, before the five boys and five girl had a bombshell dropped on them, with the entrance of late arrival Davide.
Love Island 2022 line-up
Paige Thorne, 24, Swansea
Paige was the first contestant to be confirmed for this year. Paige 24, is a paramedic from Swansea.
Asked why she applied for Love Island, Paige said: "In Swansea there is just no-one I can find, I’ve tried and there’s just nobody there anymore. I need to break out and broaden my horizons and Love Island just brings everyone together for me. I haven't got to go out and I haven’t got to swipe. So, hopefully they can just come to me now."
Dami Hope, 26, Dublin
Quizzed on what made him sign up for Love Island, microbiologist Dami said: "This year I was kind of being more open to new things and I think actually that's why I put myself out there to get some new experiences. Love Island is a different experience, I will be talking to different girls, it might not go well with some, might go well with others, so it’s a fun experience."
Indiyah Polack, 23, London
India is 23, from London and a hotel waitress.
When asked on what she will offer in the villa, she said: "I feel like I’m going to bring a lot of flavour and vibrancy. I feel like I’m quite a down to earth person, so it shouldn’t be an ssue to meet a lover or a friend."
And when it came to why she's going on Love Island, Indiyah explained: "I feel like I’m at a stage in my life now where I’m ready to meet new people and start dating properly. I have been single for some time and I feel like for my generation of people, it’s quite hard to date without being influenced by social media and stuff like that.
"Love Island particularly is like a closed space and I think it is a great place to get to know someone one-on-one and build a real connection."
Liam Llewellyn, 22, Newport
Masters student Liam, 22, says that he decided to do Love island because: "I think 22 is a really nice age to meet someone, you’ve got your years ahead of you so you have time to experience stuff and grow together. I think Love Island is a great opportunity to meet someone, you’re in with a load of different types, so you can get to grips with what you really like about people."
Tasha Ghouri, 23, Thirsk
The 23-year-old model and dancer is from Thirsk and is Love Island's first ever deaf contestant.
Tasha admits her love life has been "a shambles," adding: "This is an opportunity for me to find ‘the one’ and have a great summer at the same time. I’m definitely ready for a relationship. I’m 23 now so I’m ready to get to know someone, go on holidays and travel with them."
Gemma Owen, 19, Chester
The second name is a bit of a giveaway as to who Gemma's dad is - none other than football icon Michael Owen.
Asked about how competitive she is, dressage rider and business owner Gemma said: "Sport has always been a big thing for me and my family. My dad was a professional football player. I’ve competed for Great Britain in dressage since I was 11-years-old. I’ve travelled all across Europe competing in big arenas in big competitions. I would say I’m very competitive. [When it comes to relationships] I will always go for what I want.
Ikenna Ekwonna, 23, Nottingham
The 23-year-old is from Nottingham and works in Pharmaceutical Sales. Ikenna has only had one previous relationship and when asked what he will bring to the villa said: "Hopefully, I’m going to bring spontaneity and excitement. I’m not really shy to speak to people and I don’t really care too much about what people think."
Andrew Le Page, 27, Guernsey
The 27-year-old is a real estate agent and sharing a memorable date experience from his past, explained: "With my ex, we went out for dinner for her birthday. I pretended that I got her absolutely nothing and she was kind of fuming.
"Then I whipped out that, ‘We're actually going to Paris tomorrow’. She was very happy with that!"
Amber Beckford, 24, London
Quizzed on what would give her the infamous ick, nanny Amber said: "I don’t like guys that show off. I don’t like flashy, showy-offy guys - just have a personality and make me laugh. There was this one guy and he was trying to purposefully show off his car keys and we were literally in the middle of a restaurant!"
Luca Bish, 23, Brighton
Asked why he is single, fishmonger Luca replied: "I came out of a four-year relationship about a year ago. I was enjoying being in a relationship, there were just things I didn’t like and we drifted apart."
Davide Sanclimenti, 27, Manchester
Love Island's first bombshell of the new series While he now lives in the north west, Davide is from Rome.
Talking about why he decided to do Love Island, the 27-year-old said; "I think Love Island is going to be so much fun. I’m going to be the Italian stallion in the Villa! With my Italian charm, I can also be a very romantic guy. I’m good looking and I’ve realised since I first arrived in Manchester, a lot of English girls actually love me.
"They love to be around me and I love to be around them. It’s going to be fun, I’m looking forward to it. I want to find my soulmate, find my person so I can actually build something in the future, grow with them, be a family."
Afia Tonkmor, 25, London
Afia is a lounge host at a private members club. Quizzed on why she decided to do Love Island, the 25-year-old said: "It just seems like a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet someone, have an amazing summer, just have so much fun and have a bit of a summer romance as well."
And, asked on how quickly she falls in love, she said: "I fall in love quickly, too quickly, two dates I am like, ‘OMG I am obsessed with this boy, he’s everything.’
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, 27, Essex
Ekin-Su says she is "looking for that real genuine spark and they just see me as me. The actress added: "I think the concept of the show brings back true and raw feelings.
Asked on why she is single, Ekin-Su said: "Partially because I’m quite picky and I’m not just looking for looks, I’m looking for brains! I’m looking for someone with intelligence, someone who can have good chats. Nothing like cockiness! I’m looking for a serious man and a serious relationship.
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