Love Island 2023: This Week’s News From The Villa

It's proving to be a long hot summer!

Love Island 2023

by Aaliyah Harry and Millie Payne |
Updated on

Love Island has been keeping fans on their toes from the get-go this series. From bombshell entrances promising to spice up the dynamic, to head turns and juicy twists, the tenth series has been hailed as the 'Love Island people signed up for'.

Here, we give you a debrief on what's gone down in paradise over the past week, including the new arrivals and who has left in the villa.

The current couples are:

    Catherine Agbaje and Elom Ahlijah-Wilson were ruthlessly dumped in Wednesday's episode, with Leah Taylor and Montel Mackenzie following suit in yesterday's instalment.

    Who Are This Week's Bombshells?

    Ella Barnes

    Age: 23

    Occupation: Championship dancer and model

    Hails from: Kent

    Instagram handle: @ellabellabarnes

    Ella - who has 'history' with Tyrique - plans on entering the villa to 'shake things up'. She says, 'I have a feeling I could make a few boys' heads turn. Mitch is cute, I also have a tendency to go for footballers so Scott and Tyrique are options too.'

    Josh Brocklebank

    Age: 26

    Occupation: Financial advisor

    Hails from: Essex

    Instagram handle: @josh_brocklebank

    The best friend of ex-contestant Zara McDermott, Josh revealed he is 'most attracted' to Jess and Kady. He added, 'I've got a lot of energy so I will be bouncing and dancing my way around the villa! I’ve also got a sharp trim and a great smile, my smile can definitely get me into trouble with the girls.'

    Casa Amor girls

    Molly Marsh

    Age: 21

    Occupation: Musical theatre performer and social media creator

    Hails from: Doncaster

    Instagram handle: @mollygracemarsh

    SHE'S BACK! The villa was rocked when it was announced that Molly would be leaving the villa, after Kady's decision to couple up with Zachariah left her single. However, the arrival of Casa Amor promised twists and turns and Molly returned back to the villa ready to confront Zach.

    Amber Wise

    Age: 19

    Hails from: Buckinghamshire

    Occupation: Graphic Design Student

    Instagram handle: @amberwse

    We have yet another Islander with celebrity links. The 19-year-old is the daughter of former Chelsea midfielder Dennis Wise. She told ITV, 'I’m very independent. I’ve never needed a guy but now it’s more that I want one. I’m creative, very flirty and always got a guy on the go. I am usually the friend that brings all the drama to my friends lives.' The student has her eye on Montel and Sammy.

    Abi Moores

    Age: 25

    Hails from: Hampshire

    Occupation : Flight Attendant

    Instagram handle: @abimooresxox

    Abi plans to turn the heads of either Scott, Mitch or Sammy with her flirty eye contact. She told ITV, 'Having good eye contact. Everyone says my eyes are my best feature. My plan is to gauge how they’re feeling. I always call it my ‘spidey senses’. I’m a very good judge of character, I can see through people and see their energy. If they fancy me I should be able to gauge it quite well, so I should know who to graft with and who to leave to the side.'

    Ouzy See

    Age: 28

    Hails from: Edinburgh

    Occupation: Footballer, Tradesman and Model

    Instagram handle: @ouzysee_

    Before the bombshell entered Casa Amor, it was revealed that he actually know's another Islander already. He said, 'If I was in there from the start it would have been Ella. I’ve met Ella before on a photoshoot we were both working on and also on nights out in Edinburgh, although nothing has ever happened between us.

    He continued, 'I also like Leah, she’s incredibly pretty, I’m looking forward to getting to know her more. Kady interests me too, I watched her on Series 2 and she was a bit of a firecracker.'

    Lochan Nowacki

    Age: 25

    Hails from: Windsor

    Occupation: Account Manager

    Instagram handle: @lochan_nowacki

    Lochan has his eye on quite a few of the girls and has already made his mind up about them. He told ITV, 'My top is definitely Kady. She seems like a very grounded person, and has that mature side to her but you know she can have a lot of fun. I like her maturity compared to some of the other girls. And she’s obviously gorgeous!

    He continued, 'Ella would have been someone from the start - she’s someone I would go for in the outside world, but I can also see her and Ty are pretty locked off.' Lochan added, 'Catherine is up there a lot for me as well. She’s brainy, she’s smart, she’s obviously very good looking and she just seems very easy going.'

    Who has left the villa this week?

    Montel McKenzie

    Age: 25

    Hails From: East London

    Occupation: Account Manager and semi-professional footballer

    Instagram Handle: @montelmckenzie

    Montel left the villa alongside Leah Taylor, following a public vote for the least compatible couple. He said their exit was 'bittersweet', saying, 'It's a bit disappointing with the way that we left but I am happy because I am leaving with Leah and a strong connection. It's hard to be sad when I am leaving with her.'

    Leah Taylor

    Age: 27

    Hails from: Manchester

    Occupation: Social media marketing

    Instagram handle: @leahjtaylorr

    When it was revealed that she and Montel McKenzie were dumped from the island after being voted as one of the least compatible couples, Leah admitted she had 'mixed emotions'.

    She said, 'I went in there to find a connection and I'm leaving with one, which is such a positive. I wish we had a bit more time together in the villa but overall it's been such an amazing experience.'

    Catherine Agbaje

    Age: 23

    Occupation: Commercial real estate agent

    Hails from: Dublin

    Instagram handle: @catherine_agbaje

    Catherine, an OG islander, said, on her exit, 'I'm happy to be leaving with Elom. Not everyone gets the chance to find someone that they have a connection with, so I can't wait to continue what we have on the outside.'

    Elom Ahlijah-Wilson

    Age: 22

    Hails from: London

    Occupation: Masseuse and Fitness Trainer

    Instagram handle: @_truegains

    Elom and Catherine were dumped after being voted the least compatible by the public, a decision that Elom wasn't expecting. He said, 'I was really shocked because Catherine and I have such a strong connection, everyone in the villa could see that which is why I think everyone was so surprised with the result.'

    Tink Reading (Casa girl)

    Age: 26

    Hails from: Birmingham

    Occupation: Project Manager

    Instagram handle: @tinkreadingxo

    Tink told ITV before her bombshell entrance, 'To be honest, I am not going to waste any time or sit on the fence. I’m not going to gauge what the other girls are thinking. I will know who I am interested in and know certain boys won’t be my type. I won’t go for them just because it’s Casa Amor - I will stay true to myself.' Tink had her eye on Mitchel and Scott.

    Gabby Jeffery (Casa girl)

    Age: 24

    Hails from: Newcastle

    Occupation: Creative Assistant

    Instagram handle: @gabriellejefferyy

    Gabby revealed to ITV, 'I have my eyes on a few boys, all for different reasons. My top three are Zach, Scott and Mitch. They are all really handsome but I like all of their individual personalities. I think Mitch is super outgoing and has a fun side to him, Zach seems really laid back and chilled which I also like. Scott for me seems like a mixture of both so I’m excited to see what they are all like in person.'

    Danielle Mazhindu (Casa Girl)

    Age: 25

    Hails from: Liverpool

    Occupation: Recruitment Assistant and Occupational Therapy Student

    Instagram handle: @daniellemazhindu

    Before heading to the villa, Danielle described herself. She said, 'My personality is ten out of ten. I am sarcastic, outgoing, low key blunt and direct - if I like someone I will make it known.' Danielle had her eye on Zach and Montel.

    Kodie Murphy (Casa boy)

    Age: 20

    From: Birmingham

    Occupation: Social Media Marketer

    Instagram handle: @kodiemurphy

    Before entering the villa, Kodie revealed that his first pick is Jess Harding. He said, 'Jess is my weak point because I do love a blonde. He also revealed, 'I’m going to go in there and be my big, bubbly, cheeky self - I definitely know what I want. You have to lay it on a bit thicker in Casa Amor than the outside, which will be different for me but I am confident in approaching things. I work well under pressure, so no worries there.'

    Zachary Ashford (Casa boy)

    Age: 27

    Hails from: Manchester

    Occupation: Senior Sales Executive

    Instagram handle: @z_ashford

    Zachary said he looks for many important qualities in a partner. He told ITV, 'The main one would be loyalty, that’s something that everyone wants. Humour, I need someone that has got banter - I can’t have a dry conversation every day. A big thing for me is someone who is family orientated. That brings a lot of great qualities to a person and something that I am passionate about because I come from a big family.'

    Benjamin Noel (Casa boy)

    Age: 26

    Hails from: London

    Occupation: Fitness Business Owner

    Instagram handle: @benjaminn_noell

    Benjamin described himself as, 'Funny, warm and I pride myself on respect. I can fall pretty easily but I’m also super relaxed at the same time. I’m massively into fitness and health, it’s not all about having a huge chest that can’t fit through a door, having a healthy body helps maintain a healthy mind.'

    Mal Nicol (Week 3)

    Age: 25

    Hails From: Edinburgh, lives in London

    Occupation: Picture researcher

    Instagram Handle: @mallurpaal

    Speaking about her brief romance with Sammy on her exit, Mal said, 'That connection was just so innocent and pure, it was lovely. Short, obviously.

    'From the moment I first met him to the last night, we had a very mature conversation. He's grown so much. The most amazing thing to see in a person is growth. I could tell by the way he was acting around me.'

    Mehdi Edno (Week 3)

    Age: 26

    Occupation: Model and communications manager

    Hails from: Bordeaux, in Southwestern France, but currently lives in London.

    Instagram handle: @mehdiedno

    The majority of Medhi's time in the villa was centred on his relationship with Whitney. Whilst she continues her journey in the villa, he is confident their connection could last the test of time.

    He said, 'I've met incredible people, and made friends for life. I feel like I could’ve found love with Whitney, so it’s to be continued on that one.'

    'When I got the text to find out that I'd be dumped from the island, everyone around the fire pit was so shocked,' Molly recalled. 'No one expected it. My eyes went straight to the word "bags" on the text and I thought, "Oh my goodness, I'm going."'

    Ruchee Gurung (Week 2)

    Age: 24

    Occupation: Beautician

    Hails from: Sutton

    Instagram handle: @rucheewawo

    Ruchee has opened up about her experience in the villa and bears no grudge towards the Islanders for choosing Ella to stay.

    She said, 'I thought that I would be disappointed, but I’m not because I tried my best and I was myself. It didn’t work out for me and that’s completely fine.'

    Charlotte Sumner (Week 2)

    Age: 30

    Hails from: Bournemouth

    Occupation: Dental nurse

    Instagram handle: @charlottesumner_x

    Charlotte said she has 'no hard feelings' about her villa exit, saying, 'It wasn't a shock I got chosen to leave.'

    Andre Furtado (Week 2)

    Age: 21

    Occupation: Business owner

    Hails from: Dudley, West Midland

    Instagram handle: @dre.furtado

    Andre confessed it was a 'real shocker' to be leaving the villa, especially as he was exploring a connection with Catherine. But he acknowledged the Islanders didn't have an easy decision.

    'Of course I would have liked it to go a different route and further develop my connection with Catherine, however, as I've said, you've got to expect the unexpected,' he said.

    George Fensom (Week 1)

    Age: 24

    Occupation: Business development executive

    Hails from: Bedford

    Instagram handle: @georgefensom

    George said via his Instagram Story, 'Shout out everyone sending me nice messages, kind support and that, do appreciate it. Left the villa too soon, but do you know what I was obviously too leng.

    'But yeah obviously appreciate all the support, thank you for all the messages and yeah just give me a couple of days just to sort my bits out and I will get replying and we will talk about plans moving forward. Bosh.'

    What did George apologise for?

    George came under fire before he starred on the show when some of unearthed tweets appeared to show him using derogatory and homophobic slurs. In an apology, he said the comments 'do not show the man I am today'.

    He added, 'I can't remember off the top of my head exactly when [those tweets] were - 14 or 15 years old. Even so, we're talking near enough 10 years ago. So much learning gets done around these subjects, and as humans we're still continuing to learn.

    'In regards to people saying I'm not right for the villa, all I would say is everyone's made mistakes and said things they regret. I'm owning that and admitting that that was the wrong thing to say. If I could turn back time, I wouldn't have said the things that I did.'

    Who are the contestants in Love Island 2023 line up?

    Kady McDermott

    Age: 27

    Hails from: Hertfordshire

    Occupation: Influencer, previously a make-up artist

    Instagram handle: @kadymcdermott

    One shot on Love Island was clearly not enough for Kady, as she has returned to the show seven years after her first appearance.

    After finishing in third place with now ex-boyfriend Scott Thomas, Kady says, 'The next person I’m with I want that to be marriage and babies. 'I don’t want to waste any more time with the wrong people - so I think I’ll be a lot pickier than what I was when I was previously in the villa. Seven years on, I think I’m allowed to be pickier now. In the villa I think I’ll take my time.'

    Scott Van Der Sluis

    Age: 22

    Hails from: North Wales, Connah’s Quay

    Occupation: He’s a goalie for Irish Premier Division Club Shelbourne

    Instagram handle: @scottvds17

    Tyrique Hyde

    Age: 24

    Occupation: Semi-professional footballer

    Hails from: Essex

    Instagram handle: @tyriquehyde

    Tyrique jokes that he is a player 'on and off' the the pitch but admits it can be vulnerable 'putting yourself out there', which has lead to some commitment issues.

    When asked what he would most like his fellow islanders to know, he replies, 'That I’m deaf in my right ear. I’ve got a tattoo [a lightning bolt] next to my left one that symbolises strength and power in my good one.'

    Ella Thomas

    Age: 23

    Occupation: Fashion model

    Hails from: Glasgow

    Instagram handle: @ellathomas_

    'I know what I want in life and I've got a big heart,' Ella reveals. She has a stark warning for potential suitors, which involves not playing with her as she is 'wifey material'.

    Ella - who reveals she has 'all' of the love languages - adds, 'I want to find a good guy who treats me like the queen I am.'

    Mitchel Taylor

    Age: 26, turning 27 next month

    Occupation: Gas engineer

    Hails from: Sheffield

    Instagram handle: @mitcheltaylor_

    Mitchel says he wants to settle down and 'thrives on being a gentlemen'. ' I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates, I’ll fill your bedside drawer with your favourite sweets and chocolate,' he promises.

    He was quick to add that he is 'more fun than he looks', laughing, 'I think I look really serious all the time, I’ve got resting "Mitch" face!’

    Jess Harding

    Age: 22

    Occupation: Aesthetics practitioner

    Hails from: London

    Instagram handle: @jesshardingox

    Jess has a very extensive list of icks, including stunting for money, when a boy runs for the train and the train goes without him, and lunch boxes.

    When it comes to what she's looking for in a man, she lists, 'Independence and someone who can drive. I want to be the passenger princess! They need to have a good personality too.'

    Zachariah Noble

    Age: 25

    Occupation: Personal trainer and basketball player

    Hails from: South East London

    Instagram handle: @zachariah_noble97

    Zachariah describes Love Island as something 'so far out of his comfort zone' that he'd be 'silly' not to give it a shot.

    He says, 'I’m a very chilled out guy and I’m completely myself 100 per cent of the time. I’m quite straightforward and never struggle making friends, I like to look after people.'

    Whitney Adebayo

    Age: 25

    Hails from: London

    Occupation: Entrepreneur

    Instagram handle: @whitbrownsx

    Sammy Root

    Age: 22

    Occupation: Project manager

    Hails from: Kent

    Instagram handle: @sammyroot_

    Who is hosting Love Island 2023?

    Maya Jamawas announced as the new host replacing Laura Whitmore last year and she has returned to the helm of the dating show for its 10th series.

    'Here we go again,' she wrote on her Instagram Story ahead of the launch, alongside excited and palm tree emojis. She also showed her excitement by writing underneath the return announcement, 'Yaaaaaa. I am ready. Bring on the lengerssss.'

    Are Love Island applications still open?

    According to this link, yes!

    Who knows, perhaps you could be the ultimate series ten bombshell!

    The enticing description reads, 'ITV2 are looking for vibrant singles from across the UK who want to head to the sun, in search of love. The chosen cast will spend time in a luxury villa, getting to know one another, but to remain in paradise they must win the hearts of the public and their fellow Islanders who ultimately decide their fate on Love Island.'

    Where will Love Island 2023 summer series take place?

    This year’s summer season is taking place in the villa in Majorca that viewers will recognise from the 2022 series. The six-bed retreat is reported to be worth £2.57 million with its 20-metre swimming pool, famous fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and more.

    The villa is decked out with dozens of cameras so that viewers get to follow the islanders’ lives and love stories without missing out on any of the details.

    How many weeks is Love Island 2023 summer series?

    It was reported that Love Island will be on for eight weeks this summer. However, If this is true, it would be a downgrade from last years 10-week extravaganza, but none of this has been officially confirmed yet.

    Will Love Island 2023 be an All-Star series?

    It was previously thought that series 10 could be an all-stars series with previous fan favourites returning, such as Maura Higgins, Ken Cetinay and Kady McDermott.

    However, Digital Spy previously reported that whilst love will - of course - be an element of the spin-off, it could actually be titled Love Island Games as it will see previous islanders compete against each other in challenges. It is unknown when this will hit our screens, but it is rumoured to be next year.

    Will Indiyah Polack and Sam Thompson be back as Love Island panellists and hosts of The Morning After?

    Grazia caught up with ex-islander Indiyah at the TV BAFTAs to find out about her role in the new series. On the red caret Indiyah said, 'I'm really excited about the return of Love Island I think it will be a good one but I can't say if I will be back just yet.'

    Lo and behold, both she and co-star Sam Thompson have returned as Love Island panellists and hosts of The Love Island: The Morning After podcast, where they chat through their thoughts on the latest couplings, dumpings and bombshell antics.

    How has Love Island improved accessibility for series ten?

    There are new measures this series to improve accessibility for blind and partially-sighted fans.

    Islanders recorded self-descriptions to offer such audiences a better insight into the cast. There was also an audio-described tour of the villa which provided further information about the key locations. The content is available on the show's YouTube channel.

    As well as improvements on the Love Island app, the current season is be subtitle. Experts ensured the closed captions were ready before the debut.

    ITV's Director of Accessibility David Padmore said, 'We're always looking for ways to make our shows more accessible to our audiences.

    'We hope that having these Islander self-descriptions and Villa tours available alongside the show will really help bring this summer's Love Island to life for our audience.'

    Who won the Love Island winter series 2023?

    Teacher Kai Fagan and social worker Sanam Harrinanan.

    When the summer season was announced, Kai wrote, 'Looks like your tiara's going to go @sanamiee dw you’ll always be my princess though xoxo'. She replied, 'I guess so.. but that’s all I need'.

    Where can I watch Love Island 2023?

    Love Island airs at 9pm on ITV2 and will be available to stream on ITVX.  Episodes will also be available to watch at a later date on ITVX.

    When did Love Island 2023’s summer series start?

    Love Island 2023’s summer season kickstarted on Monday June 5 2023 at 9pm. The official online accounts for the show confirmed the news, writing, 'It's a date.'

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