Love Island is back for 2023 with a fresh batch of contestants. Returning to South Africa for the first time in three years, the popular ITV2 show also has a new presenter.
Maya Jama has taken over hosting duties from Laura Whitmore and kicked off season 9 of Love Island on Monday, January 16. You can read what viewers thought of Maya here. Those taking part in the series this year include payroll administrator Anna-May Robey from Swansea, Michelle Keegan body double and Bond star Olivia Hawkins, farmer and TikTok star Will Young, and student and influencer Tanya Manhenga.
Also in the 2023 line-up are science and PE teacher Kai Fagan, makeup artist Lana Jenkins, financial advisor Ron Hall, hair stylist Tanyel Revan, airport security officer Shaq Muhammad, and TV salesman Haris Namani. You can see the Love Island 2023 line-up in full here.
Read more: Love Island 2023 confirmed couples as Anna-May and Olivia left single in awkward scenes
The launch episode saw this year's 10 new contestants meet for the first time as they prepared to couple up. This year the boys were introduced first and lined up poolside as the girls came in one by one and decided who they wanted to couple up with.
However, as actress and ring girl Olivia Hawkins was introduced, Haris paused proceedings to ask Olivia a question. Stepping forward for Olivia, Haris told Maya: "Yeah she is a stunning girl and I like her energy, but if you don't mind me asking, are you a ring girl?"
"Yes," Olivia simply replied as Haris, who is a boxer in his spare time, explained: "Ah, I'm a boxer that's all! I think I've come across your, erm... social media before."
"Have you been in her DMs, Haris?" Maya queried, as Haris insisted: "No, no, no."
Olivia ultimately went on to choose Kai, who was later stolen by Tanyel, meaning Olivia and Will were the only ones left to couple up. Love Island continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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