Fans of the hit ITV2 dating show were left doing a double-take as a familiar face made a surprising return to the villa. Belle Hassan, a standout from the show's 2019 fifth season, entered the Love Island: All Stars mansion on Wednesday, 15 January, sporting a radically different appearance that had viewers scrambling to social media.
A Bombshell Return With a Twist
The All Stars series, which brings back popular Islanders from past years for another shot at romance, features a line-up including former winners Jess Harding and Millie Court. Belle, now 27, first appeared on the show as a Casa Amor bombshell in 2019, where she coupled up with Anton Danyluk. The pair were eventually eliminated together and their relationship ended shortly after leaving the ITV programme.
While excitement was high for her comeback, it was her visual transformation that became the immediate talking point. Gone were the signature blonde locks that defined her first villa stint, replaced by a sleek, dark brunette hairstyle.
Social Media Erupts Over Belle's 'Glow Up'
The reaction on platform X, formerly Twitter, was instant and unanimous in its surprise. One fan exclaimed, "I didn't even recognise Belle omg," a sentiment echoed by another who posted, "Omg I didn't even recognise Belle????"
Many viewers were full of praise for her new look. "Belle looks amazing with darker hair," one comment read. Another supporter added, "Belle ! ! ! She looks so different as a brunette. She was good at TV as well."
The makeup artist and reality star has openly embraced the change herself, referring to it as a "glow up" on her social media channels.
Belle Reflects on Her Confident Return
In an interview with the Mirror ahead of her All Stars debut, Belle reflected on her personal journey since her original series. "I'm still the same me," she explained. "Just a little bit more, I'd say I'm probably a bit more confident and the hair obviously is so different."
She also settled the age-old debate about hair colour, stating, "I much prefer being a brunette. They say blondes have more fun, but I think brunettes have more fun because I definitely have." On the subject of personal growth, she humorously admitted, "I would like to say I've grown up but I don't think that I have so that would be a lie."
Love Island: All Stars continues nightly on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm.
