
Winter Love Island 2023 is lighting our gloomy evenings with lovely new presenter Maya Jama – there have already been tears, tension, and a really spectacular Casa Amor.
Tanya ditching Shaq for new boy Martin following washing-up-gate, the islanders swooping in to break up a brawl, and shocking bombshells have all left us sad. Plus, Lana Jenkins’ and Ron Hall’s tumultuous relationship.
Oh, and audiences adored farmer Will, despite the fact that he did wander at Casa Amor. And ‘Terrace Tom’ Clare’s shenanigans.
There’s plenty of difficulty in paradise. Especially around the fire pit. Which, to be honest, is exactly how we like it.
Plus, we’re already sick of this year’s term. Unreal. And ‘on the job’ can do one as well.
So, which islanders have been married and remarried so far?
Here’s everything we’ve seen so far, from the first pairings through the arrival of the bombshells and recoupling.
Launch Episode
Tanya Manhenga and Shaq Muhammed

Tanya Manhenga, 22, was the first female to enter the villa and decided to marry airport security guard Shaq Muhammed, 24, after he was the only one to go up for her.
After Tanya avoided his kiss in the series’ most cringeworthy sequence yet, the couple was the gift that kept on giving. Even though she professed to admiring the sight of bombshell Tom Clare, she ultimately relented.
Anna-May Robey and Haris Namani

Payroll administrator Anna-May Robey, 20, from Swansea was second in to the villa and chose to couple up with teacher Kai Fagan, 24 after he stepped forward for her, along with Haris Namani and Ron Hall.
She was gutted when actress Olivia stole Kai and was ultimately left with a choice of only farmer Will or Harris, choosing to couple up with the boxer.
Lana Jenkins and Ron Hall

Will and Ron went forward to let Lana Jenkins, a 25-year-old make-up artist, in.
She picked Ron, a partially-sighted financial expert, who stated he was ‘totally excited’ to be paired up with Lana. And they did look adorable together.
Olivia Hawkins and Will Young

Olivia Hawkins, 27, of Brighton, was fourth up, and both boxer Haris Namani, who recognised her, and farmer Will Young, 23, moved up for her.
Olivia, on the other hand, didn’t hold back, rejecting both males and scooping super-fit teacher Kai from Anna-May, who claimed she was ‘gutted’. The drama didn’t stop there; Kai moved on to the next female in line, Tanyel, who picked him, finally leaving Olivia and Will stranded with one other. Awks.
Tanyel Revan and Kai Fagan

Tanyel Revan, a 26-year-old London-based make-up artist, raised feathers when Kai, who had just recently been snatched by Olivia, stood forward for her, along with Haris and Will.
Tanyel picked Kai, who admitted to feeling ‘a little bit gassed’ after being pursued by three women.
First Bombshell Choice
Olivia Hawkins and Tom Clare

On day two, bombshell candidate Tom Clare, 23, who was voted for by the public, made a grand debut, approaching each female one by one.
He admitted that he prefers blondes and that in a game where he had to snog the “three fittest girls,” he selected Lana, Olivia, and Tanyel. But he chose to start a relationship with brunette Olivia, snatching her from Haris, leaving farmer Will single and facing eviction.
Olivia, on the other hand, had previously assured Haris that even if Tom selected her, she was still interested.
First Recoupling
Anna-May Robey and Kai Fagan

Anna-May had been interested in Kai since the beginning, first dating him before Olivia took him and left her with boxer Haris.
So, when she had first pick of all the lads, including new bombshell David Salako, Anna-May rushed in to snag Kai. To be honest, he did appear to be relieved to be back with her.
She said she chose to recouple with him because ‘He’s had my eye since day one and I like listening to his little stories.’
Zara Lackenby-Brown and Tom Clare

Zara Lackenby-Brown came up next, and she didn’t waste any time expressing her feelings for Kai. But, with him no longer available, she opted to marry the first bombshell, Tom.
‘He’s made me feel incredibly welcome,’ Zara said. ‘He’s made his feelings known and I can see us working on the outside.’
Olivia Hawkins and Haris Namani

Even before bombshell Tom kidnapped her, actress Olivia had informed Haris how much she liked him.
‘From the minute we met, there was chemistry – and I adore the joyful and lively side he brings out in me,’ she says of her decision to recouple with the boxer.
Tanya Manhenga and Shaq Muhammed

Tanya and Shaq, who had been coupled together since the beginning, were looking a little shady. Tanya stated that ‘her head could turn’ after David’s arrival.
And there was Pong-gate, when a brawl broke out between Shaq and Haris when David kissed Tanya during the game and Haris inquired about it.
But Tanya decided to stick with Shaq, saying: ‘He’s told me he likes me and put all his eggs in one basket. It would be a shame to watch him go.’
Tanyel Revan and Ron Hall

Fifth up in the recoupling was Tanyel, who’d had her sights set on Kai, and had flirted with Ron to try and make him jealous.
But when it came to the recoupling, she was left with a choice between Will, Ron and David. Tanyel picked Ron, saying: ‘I feel he’s charismatic, got banter, and I’d like to get to know him on a deeper level.’
Lana Jenkins and Will Young

Lana was left in tears when Tanyel chose to recouple with Ron, as she’d been cracking on with him nicely – even though Ron had also started to form a bond with bombshell Zara.
Left with the choice of farmer Will or bombshell David, Lana chose Will, saying: ‘This decision is sh*t.’
It meant David was the first person to be evicted from the villa.
Second Recoupling
Ellie Spence and Ron Hall

Oh, Ellie! Despite Ron and Lana cracking on like there’s no tomorrow – even though they were coupled up with Tanyel and Will – bombshell Ellie Spence had first pick of the boys on day 11.
She didn’t waste time and chose Ron, saying: ‘I don’t think he’s met his match yet.’
Ron looked properly stressed out, but also secretly very flattered. And Lana just looked murderous.
Spencer Wilks and Olivia Hawkins

Second up was bombshell Spencer Wilks, who picked single Olivia, saying: ‘She’s had her ups and downs but seems genuinely straight up.’
And Olivia, who’d been making a move on Zara’s Tom pretty much since the moment her partner Haris was evicted from the villa, couldn’t stop smiling. Or should we say gloating?
She giggled when ‘posh’ Spencer said he was a vibrator salesman and couldn’t forget about Tom or Haris quick enough.
Shaq Muhammad and Tanya Manhenga

Shaq was third to choose, and – surprise, surprise – decided to stay coupled up with Tanya.
Since having her head turned very briefly by bombshell David – since evicted – the pair have grown even closer. Literally. According to a cringeworthy convo between the girls about what they’d got up to so far in bed.
‘The time we’ve spent in the villa has been amazing and I can genuinely see myself falling in love with her,’ Shaq announced as they gathered around the fire pit.
Tom Clare and Zara Lackenby-Brown

Tom was fourth up in the recoupling – after single Olivia had spent the previous few days trying to crack on with him. But bombshell Spencer had already taken her.
Given the choice of Zara, Tanyel and Lana, Tom decided to stay coupled up with Zara, saying: ‘I’m so excited to see how far we can go.’
Would he have chosen Olivia though, if she’d been free?
Kai Fagan and Tanyel Revan

Kai and Tanya were together in the first coupling, and both were desperate to recouple after he was stolen by Anna-May.
They’d been cracking on anyway, despite being coupled up with Anna-May and Ron.
So Kai – single since Anna-May’s eviction – chose Tanyel, saying: ‘Every time I see her I get absolutely gassed – and she knows it.’
Will Young and Jessie Wynter

Awwww. Many fans are convinced Will and Jessie will win Love Island 2023 after the sweet friendship between the countryside-loving pair blossomed.
While Will was coupled with Lana (who was busy snogging Ron) he’d grown close to single bombshell Jessie Wynter and it was no surprise that he chose to recouple with her.
He even delivered a classic, bumbling Will-style compliment, calling Jessie ‘beautiful, funny, and a little bit weird.’ Bless.
Aaron Waters and Lana Jenkins

Oh dear. Single Aussie bombshell Aaron Waters was left with a very unhappy Lana, and it’s far to say the sexual tension between them was less than zero.
Ron did look jealous as Aaron said: ‘I think we’ll get on really well and form a great friendship – at least we can talk about Harry Potter all night.’
Meanwhile, poor Lana was in tears. Again.
Third Recoupling
Will Young and Jessie Wynter

All together now, awwww. Farmer Will has doted on ‘country girl’ Jessie from the moment the bombshell entered the villa, and chose her in the second recoupling.
This time he was first up and had the pick of all the girls – Jessie, Lana, Olivia, Zara, Tanya, Tanyel, Samie and Ellie. He chose to stick with Jessie.
‘From the moment she came into the villa, we’ve been stuck together like glue,’ Will said. ‘She’s most the beautiful-est girl I’ve ever seen and she makes me a better person.’ No trouble in paradise. Yet.
Aaron Waters and Lana Jenkins

Aaron and Lana were left with each other in the last recoupling, which to be honest went down badly with both of them.
And Lana’s spent every waking moment since thinking about Ron, talking about Ron, or trying to find out where his swivelling head is at. Which has been mainly with bombshell Samie Elishi since she rocked up, as fans begged Lana to move on.
Aaron was second to pick, but chose to recouple with Lana as a friend, knowing that she’d face eviction if he didn’t. In a swipe at Ron, Aaron said: ‘I think she deserves to be in here and deserves more than what she’s got.’
Spencer Wilks and Olivia Hawkins

Spencer chose to stick with Olivia – but the vibrator salesman’s decision was far from a given, as Olivia’s head has been all over the place. Mainly with ‘player’ Tom, until she found out he’d been playing tonsil tennis with newbie Ellie.
The recoupling came soon after Olivia called Tom out on his underhand antics.
But Spencer, who was third to choose, said: ‘Over the past few days, she’s really put in the time to get to know me. And she’s stunning.’
Shaq Muhammad and Tanya Manhenga

What can we say? They’ve been coupled up from the start, and in touching scenes which brought actual, genuine tears to our eyes, Shaq and Tanya said ‘I love you’.
So absolutely no surprises when Shaq – fourth to pick – chose Tanya.
‘Seeing her smile every day makes me smile,’ Shaq said. ‘I honestly feel the future we will have together will be something special. She makes my heart skip a beat.’
Kai Fagan and Samie Elishi

Single Samie Elishi had been pulling all the boys for a chat, and Kai – who was partnered with tanyel – made no secret of the fact he was keen. He was fifth up, and chose bombshell Samie.
But Samie didn’t look best pleased, as she had her sights set on Ron – whose head had swivelled her way ever since she walked in, even telling partner Lana that ‘you’re just as pretty as Samie’. Awks.
Kai said: ‘She’s absolutely beautiful, she’s got a brilliant personality and I’d like to see if there’s a genuine connection there.’
Ron Hall and Tanyel Revan

Ron’s been coupled up with Ellie, but his head’s been turning for newbie Samie. And, of course, there’s long-term love interest, loyal Lana, who had had quite enough.
With only Zara, Tanyel and Ellie to choose from, Ron picked his ‘best friend’, Tanyel. But the other islanders are convinced there’s a secret spark between them – even if they’re not aware of it.
‘She has stood by me and watched me mess up time and time again,’ Ron said. ‘I think she’s the most beautiful person, inside and out.’
Tom Clare and Ellie Spence

Poor Zara. She’d been coupled up with Tom but the pair had fallen out spectacularly, with Zara delivering a savage takedown of ‘player’ Tom, who she dubbed ‘community penis’, shortly before the recoupling.
So, basically, her fate was sealed as Tom only had the choice of her or single Ellie – both of whom he’d kissed – and he was never going to go back to Zara.
Speaking about newbie Ellie, Tom said: ‘She’s had a rough time in the villa so far. I believe she’s genuine and does want to meet someone. She deserves a fair shot.’
Fourth Recoupling
Jessie Wynter and Will Young

Yep, they’re still together. And they’re just as cute as ever.
Jessie was first up so had the choice of all the boys – Will, Shaq, Tom, Kai, Jordan, Casey and Ron.
She chose to stick with farmer Will, saying: ‘I really haven’t met anyone who makes me feel the way he does – he makes me smiles, laugh and feel more confident about myself.
‘I really do think he’s the whole package.’
While Will just gazed at her adoringly. Bless.
Tanya Manhenga and Shaq Muhammad

Tanya Manhenga was second to choose and we weren’t totally sure which way this was going to go. Even though they’re been the villa’s resident husband and wife, the row over the ‘kissing game’ had left Shaq fuming.
He accused Tanya of being disrespectful, after she went for it in the challenge and was voted ‘top snogger’.
But the pair had patched things up and Tanya chose to stay with Shaq, saying: ‘He has reminded me that there’s still guys out there who are loyal and respectful. I can’t imagine life without him and I love him so much.’
Ellie Spence and Jordan Odofin

Ellie was previously coupled up with Tom, but that clearly wasn’t going anywhere. Especially since bombshell Jordan Odofin rocked up and she hadn’t stopped talking about ‘how fit’ he was.
So when she had third pick, with the choice of Tom, Kai, Jordan, Casey and Ron Ellie snapped up Jordan, saying: ‘When he first came into the villa he really took me by surprise.
‘He’s handsome, knows what he wants and I’m ready to get to know him better.’
And to be fair he looked pretty happy with her choice.
Samie Elishi and Tom Clare

They’ve been growing closer by the day, and bombshell Samie – who was coupled up with Kai – wasted no time in picking Tom.
To be fair, he’s been a bit of a player up until now, kissing Ellie while cracking on with Olivia. But that all seems to be in the past – for now, at least – as he’s been busy bonding with Samie.
‘In the last few days, we’ve grown a lot closer, every conversation I’m learning new things about him, and more things I like.
‘He’s funny, not too bad to look at and he makes me feel great and confident about myself.’
Olivia Hawkins and Kai Fagan

Love Island fans were less than impressed when Kai made a move on Olivia, calling him ‘desperate’. After all, she’d been busy with Tom and Spencer, and he’d failed to find a spark with anyone.
But Olivia had the choice of Kai, Casey and Ron and chose him, saying: ‘From the moment I set foot in the villa I’ve been extremely attracted to him’. Which is true as she did steal him in the first coupling, before Tanyel waded in.
‘He makes me laugh and smile every day. It’s fair to say the smile he’s put on my face is something I have yet to experience in here.’
We shall see…
Lana Jenkins and Casey O’Gorman

Oh my! Now there’s a headline we didn’t think we’d be writing. Lana and Casey. Because Lana’s head has been firmly with Ron, even when he’s been swayed by Samie.
Until bombshell Casey arrived, at least. And even then our money was on Ron’s endless avo on toast drawing her back in.
But when push came to shove, Lana said: ‘Over the last two or three days I’ve been trying to make a decision, fighting between my head and my heart.
‘I’m going to go with my gut. Casey.’
Mic drop.
This one could run and run…
Tanyel Revan and Ron Hall

Lana ditching Ron was so shocking that the episode ended right there – we didn’t see the last two – best mates Tanyel and Ron – left to couple up.
But, even though they insist they’re just friends, Kai noticed that their snog in the kissing challenge went on a loooong time. And he wasn’t the only one to spot a spark between them.
Time will tell…
Fifth recoupling
Tom Clare and Samie Elishi

Tom and Samie’s relationship has been a gradual burn, and when Claudia Fogarty arrived dressed as a red angel, he couldn’t take his gaze away from her.
They also became close after Claudia selected him for a date.
Despite the fact that he had first dibs on Claudia, Samie, Tanya, Lana, Olivia, Jessie, and Ellie, Tom chose Samie.
But even though he was first to choose and had the pick of Claudia, Samie, Tanya, Lana, Olivia, Jessie and Ellie, Tom stuck with Samie.
Let us wait and see…
Shaq Muhammad and Tanya Manhenga

Shaq was up next, and he definitely selected Tanya.
They constantly declare their love for each other, and Tanya acknowledged they had sex in The Hideaway (which should come as no surprise to viewers based on what we witnessed!).
He said: ‘Every day I find myself falling more and more in love with her – I feel like the luckiest man in the world.’ Awwwww.
Ron Hall and Lana Jenkins

Finally! Third up was Ron, who after a lot of grovelling and avo on toast had won Lana round.
He’d been coupled with Tanyel as a friend, but picked Lana straightaway, saying: ‘From the day I met her, I knew she was a special person.
‘Our journey’s not been easy in here- that’s down to me making a few mistakes.’
And Lana going off with Casey, obvs.
Casey O’Gorman and Claudia Fogarty

Oh, Casey! Having had his heart broken by partner Lana going back to Ron, he completely forgot about all that when bombshell Claudia walked in and picked him for a date. Where he basically just gazed at her.
Casey was fourth to pick and chose Claudia, saying: ‘I’ve not had an easy time in here, but she’s come in at the perfect time and I’m excited to get to know here more.’
And Claudia seemed happy with his choice – especially as fellow Northerner Tom had already chosen to stay with Samie.
Kai Fagan and Olivia Hawkins

Kai was fifth to choose, and decided to stay with current partner, Olivia.
The jury’s still out on whether having failed to find a spark elsewhere, they’re making the best of it. Or whether they are properly bonding.
Kai said: ‘She’s stunning. And I’m gonna say she’s beautiful. Again.’
Will Young and Jessie Wynter

So they’ve completed the task. Yes, we had sex. After their journey to The Hideaway, Jessie told Tanya everything.
Fans couldn’t get enough of Will’s signature dancing. Unmissable television.
It’s no surprise that Will selected Australian Jessie, stating, ‘We move from strength to strength – and I’m so pleased she’s come into my life.’
Simply beautiful.
Jordan Odofin and Ellie Spence

Jordan was the last to select between his current partner Ellie and Tanyel.
Despite admitting that his bond with Ellie was ‘platonic right now,’ he selected her, and Tanya was sent out of the resort.
‘I do think something potentially could be there,’ Jordan added.
Unfortunately, Ellie and Jordan were voted out in the episode that aired on February 10, so that promise will not be realised in the villa.
Sixth recoupling
Casey O’Gorman and Claudia Fogarty

The sixth recoupling occurred after Casa Amor, when the girls and boys were separated and new faces were put in to lure them.
Casey was paired with beautiful Claudia, but he put himself into getting to know the other females with passion, including 25-year-old dental receptionist Cynthia Otseh-Taiwo.
When Casa Amor ended and Casey had to choose whether to’stick or twist,’ he chose Claudia. They recoupled once she returned to the villa single, having not been enticed by any of the new males.
Claudia questioned him, ‘Was it deep?’ after noticing Cynthia’s distress. Casey made a shaky motion with his head. But will his Casa Amor antics have an effect on her mind?
Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan

When Sanam Harrinanan, a 24-year-old social worker from Bedford, arrived the villa during Casa Amor, despite being paired up with Olivia, Kai was all over her.
He’d already amused viewers by mistaking one of the Casa Amor females for an ex.
Kai opted to remarry Sanam, explaining, “I feel we come from comparable areas and I can see things functioning on the outside – I’m jumping with two feet.”
So the major issue was whether Olivia would walk in alone, desiring to stay with Kai.
She didn’t. And he was less than impressed, snapping: ‘I’ve got the genuine one.’
Olivia Hawkins and Maxwell Samuda

Olivia and ex-parter Kai were still in love when she stepped in from Casa Amor with 23-year-old finance student Maxwell Samuda from London on her arm.
Olivia didn’t hold back, snapping: ‘Missing me already?’ as viewers chastised her ‘double standards’.
Especially because she had forgotten Kai’s name in Casa Amor.
Olivia, who plainly had no love lost between her and Kai, added, ‘His loss, my gain. The Casa lads showed me what the rest of the world was witnessing. ‘I’m delighted we reconnected.’
Ron Hall and Lana Jenkins

Ron had a lot to prove in Casa Amor, and he stood up for Lana by refusing to share a bed with any of the new females.
Which, of course, he’d struggled with in the past.
He opted to stay with Lana, and when she stepped in from Casa Amor on her own, having also chosen to stay with him, we were all warm and fuzzy inside. Awwww.
That said, it’s unclear how he’ll react to the revelation that she’d shared a bed – platonically – with attractive 21-year-old energy consultant Kain from Newcastle…
Tom Clare and Samie Elishi

‘Terrace Tom’ made the most of Casa Amor, kissing 22-year-old Scot Lydia Karakyriakou on…you guessed it…the terrace.
He said that it was difficult for him to choose between his present companion, Samie, and Lydia.
‘On the outside I don’t play things safe and I take risks,’ he said. ‘Both girls have qualities that I look for.’
But he remained with Samie. And she came in alone, having had the ‘itch’ after hooking up with steel erector Ryan Weekley, 22, from Nottingham. So they reocupied, and both Samie and Tom seemed pleased.
Samie, in particular, couldn’t stop exclaiming how’relieved’ she was.
Will Young and Jessie Wynter

Will, oh Will!
He’d spent the following two days tortured with remorse after letting go of the reins on Day One in Casa Amor and snogging 28-year-old brand managing director Layla Al-Momani.
He elected to stay with partner Jessie, with whom he’d had sex in the Hideaway, stating, ‘The previous couple of days have been eating me alive. I’ve disappointed myself.’
She burst into joyous tears as Jessie stepped in alone, having remained loyal at Casa Amor. ‘Her voice reminds me of home,’ Will added.
But he had to admit something about Casa Amor: ‘On the first night, emotions were strong…’
I’ve let myself down, I’ve let you down, and I feel like the worst person on the planet.’
Jessie started crying, but when she saw Will’s sorrow, she murmured, ‘I hope you’re OK.’
She was even kind to Layla, saying: ‘You’re a gorgeous girl.’
But is the damage done?
Tanya Manhenga and Martin Akinola

We’d all been waiting for this moment, when devoted Shaq stood up and declared his love for Tanya.
She couldn’t possibly walk in with new lad Martin Akinola on her arm.
Viewers were left sad – and so did Shaq, who said: “That’s what I get for being a good man – coming last’.
Tanya and Shaq hadn’t been the same since they hit a rough patch following washing-up-gate.
While Martin had no words of consolation for Shaq, he did express his excitement to be in the main villa.
Tanya added that ‘it’s not dead’ between her and Shaq, but he shut that down, saying: ‘It’s dead for me. Good luck to you, bro.’
While the nine new guys and girls who were not chosen (Kain, Ryan, Frankie, Bayley, Layla, Sammy, Cynthia, Lydia, and Lynda) were sent out of the villa, Shaq stayed.
Who is currently coupled up on Winter Love Island 2023?
- Jessie Wynter and Will Young
- Tanya Manhenga and Martin Akinola
- Samie Elishi and Tom Clare
- Olivia Hawkins and Maxwell Samuda
- Lana Jenkins and Ron Hall
- Claudia Fogarty and Casey O’Gorman
Love Island airs week nights at 9pm on ITV2 with all episodes to date available on ITVX.