A brand new series of Love Island is set to begin in just a few days time, as the newest islanders jet off to South Africa to find love.
Season nine of Love Island will see a brand new presenter come to the forefront in Maya Jama - who takes over from former host Laura Whitmore. Laura stepped down to pursue further career opportunities, leaving the door open for Maya - who viewers have been clamouring for for weeks.
Former contestant Indiyah Polack and reality star Sam Thompson will join Maya on the Love Island: Aftersun couch as co-hosts - and also will continue the Morning After podcast dedicated to the show on their own.
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So, new contestants, new host and somewhat new format - the winter edition of Love Island has only been done once before in 2020. What's not to love?
Read on below to find out when the new season of Love Island will start, who the new contestants are - including a familiar face from TikTok.
When does Love Island start?
Love Island starts at 9pm on Monday, January 16 on ITV2 and ITVX.
Bosses at ITV have said they decided on this date - also called 'Blue Monday' as its said to be the 'depressing' day of the year - to “give fans a massive lift on such a gloomy day”.
Who are the new Love Island contestants?
Haris Namani
Haris, 21, is a salesman from Doncaster, aiming to bag a new commission sale in his Mrs Right.
He said: "I'm different, I'm a unique guy, the way I act; confident, not awkward, especially with the girls. I'm friendly, I'm very respectful as well.
"Anyone who meets me, I don't think they have anything bad to say about me. I don't give them that bad impression to say, 'Oh, I don't want to speak to him again.'"
Olivia Hawkins
Actress Olivia is 27-years-old and hails from Brighton. She is aiming to leave the villa with a partner, and plans to cause some drama on the show.
The star also has some claims to fame before the big one of being a Love Island contestant. Olivia said: "I did a film with Jason Statham and had a nice 10-minute convo about life.
"I've been a ring girl for KSI, I played a waitress in James Bond with Daniel Craig and I've also been a body double for Michelle Keegan and Emma Watson."
Shaq Muhammad
Airport security officer Shaq is hoping for a steady landing into someone's heart in this year's Love Island.
The 24-year-old Londoner admits that he hasn't had "the best luck" with previous relationships and hopes that will change this time around.
Kai Fagan
Kai is a 24-year-old science and PE teacher hailing from Manchester.
On why he's single, Kai said: "I'm single by choice. I’m looking for the right girl. I feel like I have quite high expectations.
"I don’t feel I should commit to someone unless I’m absolutely buzzing over them, because it’s not fair on them."
Tanya Manhenga
Tanya is a biomedical student and influencer from Liverpool. The 22-year-old discussed her vitiligo diagnosis as a reason for joining the much-loved show.
Tanya said: "I have Vitiligo, which is a skin pigmentation, you may not even notice it. It's on my lip and I have a stripe on my hair. Not many people know that but I think it’s quite cute.
"I don’t care about covering it up all the time, I think it’s a vibe."
Tanya added: "I'm looking for a boyfriend and I think being in a Villa with lots of different people will help me work out who it is I may want."
Lana Jenkins
25-year-old Lana is a make-up artist who lives in Luton.
On her fame status, Lana said: "In my work as a makeup artist I've worked with lots of celebrities. Also, when I was six years old I used to live in Spain and I was in an episode of Benidorm as an extra."
She added: "I fall in love quickly. I tend to know quite soon if I could fall in love with that person and then, as long as everything is going well, I’ll probably tell them I love them in about a week."
Ron Hall
Ron is a 25-year-old Essex boy who works as a financial advisor.
When asked what he'd bring to the villa, Ron said: "Fun and charisma. I just want to be naturally myself in there, have good times and make memories. I think people will enjoy my company."
Ron also has a unique quirk that many might not notice at first. He said: "On meeting me, you'd never know I am blind in one eye. It was the result of a football injury when I was 8; I went in for a header and got kicked in the face.
"I’ve got two different coloured eyes, one blue and one green. It’s added to my character, there are so many people that are worse off than me.
"And if anything, losing something like that makes you realise that. It’s not hindered me in any shape or form. It’s a good conversation starter I must admit."
Anna-May Robey
The youngest member of the Love Island fold, Anna-May is a 20-year-old payroll administrator from Swansea.
On how her friends and family would describe her, she said: "Energetic. I’m always running around singing and screaming. My parents are always like, 'Shut up!'
"I work from home all day so I don’t really speak to people in person for two or three days a week, so when my father comes home, he’ll want to sit down and chill out, and I’m there chewing his ear off!
"I would definitely say I am a chatterbox."
Will Young
Farmer Will, 23, isn't just known for being a local boy from Buckinghamshire.
Will also has quite the following on TikTok - 1.1 million to be exact - as he shows off his daily life rearing sheep and taking care of the other animals and crops.
He said: "Love Island will give me time away from the farm to solely go out and find love. I think I'm at the time of my life where I'm mature enough to go and find a wife."
Tanyel Revan
26-year-old Tanyel is a hair stylist who lives in North London.
The new girl hopes to bring some "energy and confidence" to the villa this year.
On why she's a catch, Tanyel says: "I'm hard to get, confident, funny, charismatic, good looking and happy. I’m also a very loyal person, what is there not to love?"
Love Island will begin on Monday, January 16 at 9pm on ITV2. Catch-up episodes will be available on the ITV Hub.
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