ITV has officially revealed the first batch of contestants who will heat up screens in the highly anticipated new series of Love Island, set to premiere on Monday, June 9. Back for its twelfth season, the beloved dating show returns with host Maya Jama, promising an exciting summer filled with romance and surprises from the sunny villa in Mallorca.
The latest line-up boasts a fascinating mix of personalities, including a private hire taxi driver and a former footballer from Gloucester, continuing the show’s tradition of showcasing a varied group of hopefuls.
Ben, a 23-year-old Gloucester native and taxi driver, is eager to turn his luck around after joking that his love life is currently “bankrupt.” Describing his ideal partner, he said he’s looking for someone “sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact.”
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Leading the cast is Sophie, a 29-year-old motivational speaker and writer from Manchester. Formerly a fire breather, Sophie’s journey took a dramatic turn after a serious accident led to burn injuries. She now shares her recovery story candidly online and seeks a partner who is “fun, spontaneous, has a lot of jokes, and is attentive.”
Dejon, a 26-year-old personal trainer and semi-pro footballer from London, is another standout contestant. The son of ex-footballer Gifton Noel-Williams, Dejon has had stints at Gloucester City FC and boasts brushes with fame, including memorable encounters with David Beckham. He hopes to meet someone “beautiful inside and out, health-conscious, and self-caring.”
Joining them is Meg, a 25-year-old payroll specialist from Southampton, who humorously describes her love life as “bankrupt” but remains hopeful the villa will change that. She prefers a partner who is “tall, tanned, with nice eyes and a great smile,” plus a strong fashion sense and witty personality.
Tommy, a 22-year-old landscape gardener from Hertfordshire, will also be villa-bound. One of the youngest in the cast, Tommy seeks a “girl who is very ambitious, has a big personality, caring, but doesn’t take herself too seriously.”
Glasgow’s Alima, 23, a wealth management executive originally from Guinea Bissau, is on the lookout for a “tall man with a handsome, Disney prince look.” Meanwhile, 29-year-old Helena, a cabin crew member from London, favors a partner “full of banter” and with a great sense of humor, particularly from the North.
Water operative Kyle, 23, keeps his criteria simple: “Someone that’s fun, confident, and just themselves.” Musical theatre performer and energy broker Megan, 24, hailing from Dublin and living in Brighton, has had a taste of viral fame and hopes the villa brings her closer to love.
Blu, 26, a construction manager from London fluent in Spanish, seeks someone with strong family values and knows how to charm his way into a girl’s heart. Burnley marketer Shakira, 22, is on a mission to find “the husband,” describing her ideal man as “charming, witty, with big arms and a good smile.”
Lastly, Harry, a semi-professional footballer, gold trader, and model from Guildford, doubles as West Ham star Declan Rice’s body double. Describing his type, Harry said he prefers “the girl next door who makes me laugh and can hold eye contact” rather than the most obvious choice.
With these twelve intriguing personalities, the 2025 season of Love Island promises another thrilling ride of romance, drama, and unforgettable moments.