The highly anticipated return of Love Island All Stars is heating up, with reports confirming two major signings for the 2025 series. AJ Bunker and Clarisse Juliette are set to re-enter the villa, joining a host of familiar faces for another shot at romance under the South African sun.
Familiar Faces Return for Another Shot
The hit ITV2 dating show is scheduled to make its comeback on Monday, 12 January. AJ Bunker, who first found fame during the show's seventh series in 2021, returns newly single after splitting from her partner last year amid allegations of cheating. A source told The Sun: "AJ's first stint in the villa may have been short but she definitely made an impression and is still one of the most talked about Islanders today."
She will be joined by Clarisse Juliette, who also appeared in the 2021 series and is known for her past relationships with Fulham footballer Alex Iwobi and Justin Combs. Her original stay was cut short following a dramatic love triangle involving Tyler Cruickshank and Kaz Kamwi. An insider revealed producers have been waiting for the right moment to bring her back, stating: "Clarisse Juliette wasn't in the villa long originally but she made quite the impact. Bosses have been waiting for the right time to bring her back and think she could really ruffle feathers in All Stars."
Maya Jama Teases the New Series
Host Maya Jama has given fans their first official glimpse of the upcoming series, sharing a behind-the-scenes video on the official Love Island Instagram account. The 31-year-old presenter, looking sensational in a plunging gold dress, teased that viewers were "going to love" the new season.
She said: "So we are here on set, first bit of All Stars experience I'm having this year. Had my glam done and the Islanders are all hidden in secret rooms. I've not seen any of them yet... It's all feeling like it's about to start happening. It's just like Christmas get out the way, I'm ready to go to South Africa!" In the comments, she excitedly wrote: "'TIS THE BLOODY SEASON!!!"
More Returning Islanders and Potential Drama
The cast rumours don't stop there. Scott van‑der‑Sluis, a veteran of three Love Island iterations (UK, USA, and Games), is reportedly set for his fourth appearance. The news was allegedly leaked by his brother, footballer Jamie Reed. An insider suggested his return would make "brilliant telly because he’s controversial and conventionally attractive." Scott had previously pulled out of the second All Stars series, citing timing and the presence of his ex, Catherine Agbaje.
Other names strongly linked to the villa include 2023 winter season runner-up Lana Jenkins and Ronnie Vint, who will be making his third entrance. Intriguingly, Jenkins and Vint are predicted to be a major storyline, having already struck up a romantic connection at a podcast launch last month, where they were spotted passionately kissing. A source said: "Both of them are being lined up for Love Island: All Stars in January, and their recent hook-up is almost certain to become a storyline."
Meanwhile, former islander Casey O'Gorman cheekily hinted at a record-breaking fifth stint in the comments of Maya Jama's teaser video, writing "See you soon". This comes despite the host previously telling him "enough" after he reacted to news of a future series. However, executive producer Mike Spencer-Hayter has kept the door open, admitting: "I love Casey! We have had a lot of people come forward and say that if All Stars three happens, people want to be on it."
Samie Elishi has also hinted she would never turn down a return, telling the Daily Mail: "I would never say never to All Stars because it's such an amazing opportunity... Who doesn't want some winter sun?" With a mix of explosive personalities, pre-existing connections, and seasoned Love Island veterans, the 2025 All Stars series promises to deliver high drama from the moment the islanders touch down in South Africa.