Love Island ’s Olivia Hawkins says she has No Time To Wait when she gets into the villa this week – as she has never been in a relationship before.
The 27-year-old Michelle Keegan lookalike, who appeared in James Bond film No Time To Die, insists she is going on the ITV2 show – which returns on Monday night – to find “The One”.
With a handful of stage and screen appearances under her belt, Olivia is no stranger to being in the limelight. But ahead of the show’s winter series from South Africa, she says: “I definitely keep my love life separate.
“I’m not on the show to further my career. I’ve never been in a relationship – I wish that I’d had a boyfriend. I’ve met the odd person but no one I’m really interested in.”
While she admits she is looking for love, Olivia is adamant she will not be getting frisky between the sheets on national television. Asked if she would have sex on telly, Olivia insists: “No, I wouldn’t do it on screen.”
But she adds: “I’m a very loving person and have a big heart. Hopefully I’ll click with someone in there. I’ll be very open. It’s such an organic experience.”
So what kind of guy will grab Olivia’s attention in the luxurious villa?
She says: “Personality-wise, I’m very confident so I’d quite like a confident guy as well – friendly, family-orientated. Looks-wise, it’s just a vibe I get when I meet someone.”
As well as working on Daniel Craig’s final Bond film, Olivia has appeared in West End show Billy Elliot, and featured in BBC Three comedy series Pls Like, directed by Inbetweeners star Simon Bird.
She has twice been cast as a body double too – once for Our Girl star Michelle Keegan, in a Very advert, and also for Emma Watson in a Harry Potter anniversary show.
Olivia adds: “I’ve met some amazing people. Obviously Daniel Craig… we didn’t interact with him though. All these people are so normal and so lovely. I’ve felt really comfortable on every set I’ve been on.”
But Brighton-born Olivia says her favourite job of all has been ring girling at boxing matches. She explains: “It’s more interesting with the people I’ve met ringside for YouTuber and rapper KSI.”
Yet despite mixing with big names, Olivia insists her feet are on the ground. She says: “I keep my career and love life separate and I’d say I’m very normal and very down to earth.”
She is good pals with The Only Way Is Essex favourite Sam Faiers, 32 – but says she has not asked her for tips about coping with reality TV as she kept her upcoming Love Island appearance under wraps.
Olivia says: “Sam’s a good friend of mine. I kept it very hush-hush that I was coming on the show, so no one knew. I’m sure she’ll be happy for me… I’m sure she loves the show.”
The winter series of Love Island, which begins on Monday night on ITV2, will be the first hosted by new presenter Maya Jama, 28. She replaces Laura Whitmore, 37.
The show will be filmed at a lavish £1.2million villa named Ludus Magnus, after a Gladiator school in ancient Rome that trained slaves to fight to the death. It has 17 bedrooms, plus a zipline, its own rapids and a T-shaped swimming pool.
Why Love Island teacher Kai Fagan is in a class of his own
Teacher Kai Fagan had the backing of his pupils and colleagues to quit the classroom and join Love Island.
The 24-year-old says: “Obviously, I had to keep it quiet as it’s quite a secretive process. My line manager told me that if he was younger and in my situation, he’d do it.
“Every single year, the show comes round and the students always say, ‘Sir, you should get on Love Island, you’ll do really well on it’. So I think they’ll be quite supportive of it.”
The PE and science teacher from Manchester, who has been single two years, wants to inspire kids from broken homes after his own parents split when he was young.
He says: “My parents married and divorced very young. They both went on to marry and have kids again and I think that’s amazing. Instead of having two parents, I had four.
“All of them loved me and cared for me just as much and would give me their last penny and clothing off their back. So, while I come from a broken home, it’s been a very positive experience for me.”
Kai also went to secondary school with another top role model – Man United and England ace Marcus Rashford, who he describes as “quiet”.
“He kept to himself and focused on football,” he says. “As you can see, he’s banging in the goals – so it obviously worked.”
