Gather round the fire pit, because twelve hot new bombshells are entering the villa amongst the twists, tears, and infamous texts!
This week, the latest islanders were introduced on social media in their skimpiest swimwear! Included in the cast is the regular lineup of two semi-professional footballers, an air stewardess, and of course, a model.
This year’s youngest contestants are project manager Shakira Kahn and landscaper Tommy Bradley, both 22. Shakira has described the men in her life as “frogs”, and is searching for her husband in the villa, whilst Tommy is looking for “a bit of everything” in a girl! Cabin crew Helena Ford, 29, and model Harry Cooksley, 30, are the two oldest contestants to be revealed this year. Harry’s modelling portfolio includes being the body double for Declan Rice, and Helena has said she favours personality, particularly northerners who “have much more banter than southerners.”
The popular dating show has carried a shadow of controversy since its debut in 2015, with many criticising the lack of body and ethnic diversity. Viewers have taken to social media to comment on the ‘clones’ the producers have selected out of the thousands of applicants. Similarities have been made between water operative Kyle Ashman and seventh series runner-up, Toby Aromolaran, both sharing a ripped physique and a pearly grin. Maura Higgins’ name has also been thrown in the ring this year, with fans seeing double with musical theatre performer and Dubliner Megan Forte-Clarke. Maura Higgins won fans over in series five with her sassy Irish wit and tough love approach, which saw her get to the final with Curtis Pritchard.
Hugo Hammond was the first physically disabled contestant to enter the villa in 2021 in response to the lack of representation. This year, motivational speaker and “CEO of empowerment” Sophie Lee, 29, is the first islander with a facial disfigurement. Previously, Sophie worked as a firebreather, but her career came to a halt after a freak accident at the age of 22, leaving her with burns to her face and chest. Sophie is determined to make “women feel beautiful and validated in themselves” during her Love Island journey. Despite these recent progressive steps from ITV, fans are still waiting for more body positivity from the show, with producers still favouring cast members with washboard abs, fillers, and the ‘perfect’ everything!
The twelfth series returned to our screens on the 9 June 2025 at 9pm and is expected to continue until the end of July. Host Maya Jama has promised “more twists”, “more bombshells”, and “more drama”.
Words by Amy Scott-Munden
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