Summer has arrived, which can only mean one thing: Love Island is back.
Ten singletons have officially arrived at the Villa in Majorca in search of love, and the first bombshell of the season has already arrived.
With recouplings, eliminations, and the infamous Casa Amor, we’re sure there will be plenty more surprises in store.
Previously, we saw the contestants chart the course of true love by selecting their own partners, but that has all changed.
The public can now vote on who they want to see together, which has not been without controversy.
Do you want to know who the couples are now that Love Island has returned? We’ve got your back.
Ruchee Gurung and Mehdi Edno
Following the public vote, communications manager Mehdi was overjoyed to be partnered with beautician Ruchee.
The duo were all grins as their pairing was confirmed, as he said to her: ‘Very cute, ooh la la!’
Before entering the Villa, Medhi stated that he was searching for love after a hectic few years in his personal life, and went on to describe what he was looking for in a spouse.
‘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,’ he said.
Ruchee seemed to agree, describing herself as a’relationship girl’ before appearing on the show and stating that her main qualities are that she is’really caring,’ ‘loyal,’ and enjoys doing ‘nice things for the people that are special to [her].’
She eventually concluded there wasn’t much of a spark and stood up to leave her couple.
Molly Marsh and Mitchel Taylor
Molly, a musical theatre star, and Mitchel, a gas engineer, appeared to be pleased with their pairing.
However, there may be complications because Jess Harding has described 26-year-old hottie Mitchel as her ideal match.
Molly hopes to settle down after her stay at the Villa, characterising herself as ‘very old-fashioned.’
She told ITV before the show: ‘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.
‘I think it’s ideal timing and the perfect way to find someone.’
Mitchel appears to be the ‘perfect gentleman’ for her after describing his ideal date.
‘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,’ he said.
Jess Harding and George Fensom
It was clear from away that aesthetics practitioner Jess and business development executive George were not a good fit.
When asked if Jess was his ideal match after their marriage, George appeared to stutter.
Later in the first episode, Jess came forward to say she wanted to leave her couple after discovering they weren’t meant to be.
Jess says she has many wonderful attributes that make her the ideal fit for someone, including a ‘heart of gold.’
‘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,’ she said.
Meanwhile, George detailed what he want in an ideal match, emphasising the need of ‘banter.’
‘I prefer a girl who is naturally good looking, and someone who has even more banter than me- although I don’t believe that’s physically possible,’ he said.
Ella Thomas and Tyrique Hyde
Model Ella and semi-professional footballer Tyrique appear to be a match made in heaven – despite the fact that they have already been through one very awkward situation.
Ella approached Tyrique after a little uncomfortable embrace and kiss: ‘Do you remember we’ve met before?’
‘When?’, he asked, before she laughed and revealed it was not that long ago.
Tyrique did eventually realise when the pair met after Ella said she was blonde at the time when they met at a Mayfair nightclub after spending some time together.
Ella believes she is the ‘whole package’ when it comes to dating, telling ITV, ‘I’d let the boys know that I’m wifey material, so don’t play with me!’
Tyrique appears to be as forthright when it comes to pursuing his desires.
He said: ‘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.
Catherine Agbaje and André Furtado
Catherine, the estate agent, stated that she was thrilled to be working with business owner André.
When charged with kissing the boy who had attracted her attention the most, she kissed both André and Tyrique.
However, this pairing has sparked controversy among viewers, with many criticising the show for once again pairing two Black contestants.
Last year, Love Island included an initial public vote that enraged fans as the four Black candidates were all grouped together, labelling it “segregation.”
Catherine describes herself as ‘fun and flirty,’ adding that she wants someone who is a ‘fun and 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,’ she added.
Tyrique, on the other hand, wears his emotions on his sleeve and says he ‘falls too easily.’
‘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,’ he said.
