Love Island made its highly anticipated return to ITV2 on Monday evening, introducing a fresh twist that empowered the islanders to select their own romantic pairings from the outset, rather than relying on a public vote. The new series premiered at night for the first time, with host Maya Jama making a dramatic entrance as the contestants arrived at the villa for an exclusive welcome party under the stars.
Islanders Take Control of Coupling
Viewers watched as Aidan, Mica, Lorenzo, Samraj, Robyn, Lola, Angelista, Ope, Jasmine, Sean, Ellie, and Sam began getting to know one another. They participated in an Ice Breaker round, answering questions about who they fancied most, their types, and whether they had noticed any red flags. Maya then announced that the islanders would decide their own couples, bypassing the public vote. In cases where multiple people were interested in the same person, they had to resolve it among themselves.
After deliberation, Mica chose Samraj, Lorenzo coupled with Jasmine, Aidan selected Ellie, Angelista paired with Ope, Sean chose Lola, and Sam was left with Robyn.
Revamped Villa and New Features
This year, the villa has undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment, featuring designer goods and an increased number of beds to accommodate more bombshells. Located in a remote area of Mallorca with single-track roads leading to a guarded front gate, the villa offers a secluded setting. Upon arrival, the islanders walked along a wooden walkway through a giant chrome heart to enter their new home, where they have access to an array of designer clothes and a choice of double beds for the first night with their partner.
Producers Amanda Stavri and Lewis Evans told the Daily Mail from the Mallorca villa: 'There are more beds, and with more beds comes more bombshells!' The glamorous hideaway has been refreshed with baby pink and teal walls, gold accessories, and an outdoor terrace featuring a sexy swing and plunge pool, perfect for romantic dates. TV producers will stock the hideaway wardrobes with sex toys and lingerie to encourage saucy action.
Sustainable Fashion and Amenities
Love Island has again collaborated with eBay as the series sponsor to combat fast fashion, providing contestants with pre-loved clothing. Inside the bright blue dressing room, an impressive wardrobe includes Prada, Dior, and Louis Vuitton handbags, as well as stylish heels and trainers. The beautifying boudoir is equipped with luxury hairdryers and an endless supply of makeup products.
The garden has been revamped, with the famous fire pit painted blue for the new series. The rest of the villa follows a pink and green theme, with a ready-to-go kitchen and lounging area. The freezer is stocked with Solero ice cream, which recently collaborated with Maya, while the fridge contains American soft drink brand Poppi.
Villa History and Booking
The iconic villa, always based in Mallorca, has undergone many changes. The original Love Island villa, used for the first two series, was located in Santanyi and was sold to a mystery buyer in March 2022. The current villa, in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar on the east coast, underwent major renovations after the 2022 series, and in 2024 a secret new hideaway was revealed that requires no invite. It boasts a 20-meter swimming pool, plush sun loungers, day beds, and the famous fire pit. The terrace, where secret chats usually take place, now has shorter fencing, making it easier for other islanders to spot activity.
Fans can book their own stay at the villa, though it is not cheap: a one-week holiday costs around £5,000 and includes access to six bedrooms.
Meet the 2026 Islanders
- Jasmine, 27, Fashion Business Owner from Dubai (lives in London). On handling competition: 'Respectfully, what competition?'
- Aidan, 23, Property Broker from Kent. His type on paper: 'Personality is the most important thing for me.'
- Lorenzo, 28, Business Owner from Hertfordshire. On drama: 'I think drama is fun! As long as no one is crying, all is fair in love and war.'
- Sam, 25, Electrician from Dudley. On competition: 'I know what I bring to the table, and I’m confident in what I have to offer.'
- Samraj, 25, Model from Birmingham. On strategy: 'I don’t really chase that much, I’m used to girls coming to me.'
- Sean, 25, Primary School Teacher from Galway. On competition: 'If I see someone I like, I’m going for it and nothing’s gonna stop me.'
- Ope, 27, West-End Performer from Lincolnshire. On competition: 'No one phases me. I’m so confident in my ability to just do my thing.'
- Mica, 21, Student from Barbados (lives in London). On drama: 'I’ll dabble in both. Obviously the whole point is finding love.'
- Lola, 28, Detective from Kent. On flirting: 'I can be a bit of a brat, I get really hangry! If you just feed me, I’ll be alright.'
- Angelista, 24, Nurse from Staffordshire. On personality: 'Someone who wants to be in everyone’s face all the time, centre of attention all the time, that’s an ick!'
- Ellie, 24, Real Estate Videographer from West Lothian. Her type on paper: 'Simple… tall, dark and handsome. Nice teeth, nice tattoos.'
- Robyn, 21, Quantity Surveyor and DJ from Liverpool. On love life: 'The right person hasn’t come yet. That’s the only reason I haven’t qualified.'
The dating show returned on Monday, June 1, with a fresh batch of hopeful singles. Maya, who has just finished filming The Celebrity Traitors, returns to host and has promised even more twists this year. Love Island continues on Tuesday night at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
