And just like Netflix’s Too Hot To Handle, Love Island is also a reality series that is home to hot, hot women. They are quite different as the latter is a dating game and I really think it was the inspiration for the sex oriented THTH. But enough about that. This listicle features the hottest (at least in our opinion) contestants throughout the years. And yes, we are going to feature the UK version as the US one will be in another listicle. So let’s go!
Maura Higgins
Maura Higgins, born on November 25, 1990, in Ballymahon, Ireland, is an Irish reality TV star and model who shot to fame as a finalist on the fifth season of Love Island in 2019. Her quick wit, no-nonsense attitude, and iconic one-liners made her an instant fan favorite. Since then, she’s stepped into presenting roles and built a massive social media following—because when Maura talks, people listen.
Before becoming a full-on reality TV staple, Maura already had experience in the spotlight, working as a model and brand ambassador for companies like Monster Energy. She later appeared on shows such as Dancing on Ice, This Morning, and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!—each time bringing her signature “bombshell entrance” energy.
Her love life has also kept the tabloids busy. In late 2019, she briefly dated Curtis Pritchard after they reached the Love Island final together, but they split in March 2020. She later had a relationship with Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice, which ended in October 2021. More recently, between 2023 and 2024, Maura was linked to Bobby Holland Hanton—best known as Chris Hemsworth’s stunt double, because apparently even her boyfriends come with cinematic flair.
Gemma Owen
Gemma Rose Owen, born on May 1, 2003, is a British model and reality TV personality who first caught public attention on Love Island season eight in 2022, where she finished as a runner-up. She may be the daughter of former England footballer Michael Owen, but Gemma has been busy carving out her own path—preferably one lined with palm trees, horse stables, and business plans.
Long before stepping into the villa, Gemma was already an accomplished dressage rider. She’s competed internationally for Great Britain since she was 11 and even made it to the European Championships. Yes, while most preteens were learning TikTok dances, she was mastering elegant equestrian choreography.
On Love Island, she arrived as the youngest contestant of the 2022 season at just 19—and even managed to keep her dad’s identity a secret for a while, which is pretty impressive considering the man’s been on billboards.
Off the horse and off the TV screen, Gemma is also an entrepreneur. She launched her swimwear brand, OG Beachwear, and quickly built a strong social media presence, proving she’s more than just a famous surname. She’s a competitor, a businesswoman, and someone who can absolutely rock both a riding jacket and a bikini campaign.
India Reynolds
India Reynolds is an English model and TV personality from Reading, best known for her glamour modeling career—yes, including The Sun’s Page 3—and her appearances on Love Island. She finished third with Ovie Soko on Season 5 in 2019 and later returned for Love Island: All Stars in 2025. Born on December 20, 1990, she’s also built a solid presence as an influencer, part-time vegan chef, and fitness enthusiast—basically, she stays busy.
India kicked off her career in 2009 as a glamour model, appearing in shoots for Page 3 and well-known lads’ mags like Nuts, FHM, and Zoo. A decade later, she took her charm (and incredible hair) into the villa for Love Island 2019, where she became a fan favorite. In 2025, she stepped back into the spotlight for Love Island: All Stars, proving she’s still got that reality-TV sparkle.
Millie Court
Millie Court is a British model, fashion entrepreneur, and reality TV star who became a household name after winning Love Island season seven in 2021 alongside Liam Reardon. Before stepping into the villa, Millie was living the very relatable life of a fashion buyer’s administrator—basically helping decide what the rest of us would eventually panic-buy online.
She graduated with a degree in Fashion Buying and Brand Management from City University of London and went on to work at ASOS, which explains why her outfits on Love Island always looked dangerously good. Since her big win, Millie has continued to grow her career in fashion while building a strong social media following. She’s turned her love of style into a full-on personal brand—and fans are here for it.
Molly Smith
Molly Smith is a British model and reality TV personality who shot to fame on season six of Love Island. She entered during the iconic Casa Amor twist and immediately caught Callum Jones’ attention—one of the show’s most memorable shake-ups. Since then, Molly has continued to build her modeling career while staying active (and very aesthetically pleasing) on social media.
She first started sharing her fitness journey on Instagram back in 2016, long before stepping into the villa. She also runs a separate beauty and styling account called The Extensionist, where she posts hair tips, glam looks, and all things glow-up related.
Though known in the UK reality scene, Molly was actually born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. After appearing on Love Island in 2020, she and Callum dated for three years before parting ways. In 2024, she began a new relationship with Tyler Allison.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, born on August 21, 1994, in Islington, London, is a British-Turkish actress and reality TV personality best known for taking Love Island 2022 by storm—alongside Davide Sanclimenti, with whom she famously won the season. Before she became a villa icon, she studied performing arts at the University of Central Lancashire and acted in Turkish soap operas, giving her that dramatic flair viewers immediately fell in love with.
Her career didn’t slow down after Love Island. Ekin-Su went on to appear in Dancing on Ice, The Traitors US, Celebrity Big Brother, and Love Island: All Stars—because she doesn’t just do TV; she does TV moments. Her fiery personality and roller-coaster journey with Davide became one of the most talked-about storylines the show has ever produced.
Beyond entertainment, Ekin-Su also uses her platform for good. She’s an ambassador for the British Red Cross and has been involved in fundraising and relief efforts for the Turkey–Syria earthquake, showing there’s a big heart behind all the headline-grabbing drama.
Jess Gale
Jess Gale is a British reality TV star and influencer who first caught the public’s attention on Love Island season six. She entered the villa with her twin sister, Eve, and ultimately finished in fourth place alongside Ched Uzor. Since then, Jess has grown her social media following and collaborated with a variety of fashion brands—because if there’s one thing the Gale twins know, it’s how to serve a look.
She began modeling at 19, teaming up with Eve to create the kind of twin-glam energy that the internet absolutely loves.
Lana Jenkins
Lana Jenkins is a British makeup artist and reality TV personality who rose to fame on season nine of Love Island. Partnered with Ron Hall, she finished as a runner-up and quickly became a fan favorite. After the show, Lana went right back to doing what she does best—glam—and even became an ambassador for Rimmel London, which feels like the perfect match for someone who can blend a smokey eye in her sleep.
During her first two weeks in the villa, she bounced between pairings with Ron Hall and Will Young before settling into her storyline with Ron.
Before her reality TV chapter, Lana dated actor Owen Warner in 2020. They eventually split on friendly terms. She later dated Ron after Love Island, with the two in a relationship from February to July 2023.
Molly Mae Hague
Molly-Mae Hague is one of the UK’s most influential reality TV stars, entrepreneurs, and online personalities—best known for Love Island 2019 and for turning her fashion-blogger beginnings into a full-blown business empire. Her partnership with PrettyLittleThing became headline news: first as a brand ambassador, then as the brand’s Creative Director in 2021. Not bad for someone who once just wanted to share cute outfit pics.
She’s also the founder of Filter by Molly-Mae, her wildly popular self-tanning line, and Maebe, her eveningwear brand. And because she never does things halfway, she authored a memoir, Becoming Molly-Mae, where she opens up about her life, career, and the chaos that comes with overnight fame.
Her documentary series, Molly-Mae: Behind the Design, gives fans a closer look at her world—from creative meetings to everyday moments with her partner, boxer Tommy Fury, and their daughter. Molly-Mae eventually stepped down from her Creative Director role at PLT to focus on motherhood, though she remains connected to the brand.
In short: she’s a Gen Z powerhouse—fashion girlie, businesswoman, content creator, mum, and self-made mogul all in one.
Indiyah Polack
Indiyah Polack, born in London, is a British reality TV star and social media influencer who rose to fame on season eight of Love Island. Entering the villa on Day 1, she quickly became a fan favorite and went on to finish in third place with Dami Hope. Since leaving the show, Indiyah has leaned into TV presenting and built a strong Instagram following—because style, personality, and good lighting will take you far.
In May 2023, she began co-presenting PrettyLittleThing’s online show The Pink Courtroom alongside Nella Rose, bringing plenty of sass and sharp commentary. By July 2024, she was stepping in as a guest presenter on Capital Xtra’s breakfast show with Robert Bruce, filling in for Shayna Marie like she’d been doing radio for years. In December that same year, she even showed up as a contestant on The Weakest Link—a brave move for anyone, really.
And since 2024, Indiyah has taken on one of her biggest roles yet: host of the MOBO Awards, proving she’s not just a reality star—she’s a fully-fledged media personality with range.
Amber Gill
Amber Gill is an English TV personality, author, and influencer who first shot to fame after winning Love Island in 2019. Born on August 4, 1997, in Newcastle, she worked as a beauty therapist before becoming a household name. Since the show, Amber has branched into fashion collaborations, publishing, presenting, and basically anything that lets her combine her style, humor, and trademark honesty. She’s also known for her skincare content and outspoken personality—two things the internet loves her for.
Beyond TV, Amber made a surprising (and very successful) leap into the literary world. She was initially invited to judge a Mills & Boon writing competition highlighting underrepresented voices. Soon after, they asked if she wanted to write her own book—a twist she didn’t see coming. Having grown up feeling underrepresented, Amber wanted to create a Black love story, and the result was Until I Met You, co-written with US romance author Nadine Gonzalez. Set in Tobago, honoring part of Amber’s heritage, the novel was released in July 2022. She’s already said she plans to write more.
In her personal life, Amber publicly came out in 2022, saying she was open to dating women. She later dated Scottish international footballer Jen Beattie until their split in late 2023.
Amber also dipped into the world of extreme reality TV when she joined Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2022… though she left after two days, reminding everyone that she is, in fact, human—and also very smart.
Jess Hayes
Jessica Hayes, born on April 22, 1993, in Gloucester, is a British reality TV personality best known for winning the very first season of Love Island alongside Max Morley. After her win, Jess built a strong career in fashion and grew a sizable social media following, becoming a familiar face in the influencer world.
Before her reality TV breakthrough, she briefly worked in the adult entertainment industry under the name Anna Jeffries—a past she has openly acknowledged. Jess later earned a nomination for Reality Personality of the Year at the National Reality TV Awards, cementing her status as one of the show’s most memorable alumni.
Originally from Essex, she and co-winner Max Morley ended their relationship just 40 days after the Love Island finale—proving that villa romances don’t always survive the real world. In 2019, Jess welcomed her son, Presley. She later announced in December 2023 that she was expecting another baby with her partner, Zeb. In May 2024, she celebrated the arrival of her daughter, Zendaya Rose.
Alima Gagigo
Alima Gagigo, born on September 22, 2001, is a Scottish reality TV personality who rose to fame on season twelve of Love Island. Before stepping into the villa, she worked in wealth management as a client services executive—because apparently you can manage money and manage villa drama at the same time. She also holds a BA (Hons) in International Business from Glasgow Caledonian University, graduating in 2023.
Since her time on the show, Alima has built a strong social media presence, amassing more than 140,000 followers on her @alimsssx Instagram account. She’s collaborated with major brands like NARS and White Fox Boutique, turning her post-villa glow into a growing influencer career.
Shortly after returning home, she appeared in an exclusive interview and editorial for Grazia UK in August 2025, sharing more about her life beyond the island. A fun bonus: Alima spent part of her childhood studying in Portugal, which is how she became fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese—truly an overachiever on and off the screen.
Emily Moran
Emily Moran, from Aberdare, Wales, made a splash as a bombshell on the twelfth season of Love Island in 2025. She entered the villa on Day 5 and quickly became one of the personalities viewers couldn’t stop talking about. Before her reality TV debut, Emily lived in Sydney, Australia, and since the show, she’s built a strong and steadily growing social media following.
Before trading office life for villa life, she worked as an insurance development executive—proof that even people with very serious job titles can go on reality TV and thrive.
Emily loves traveling, appreciates good manners (a rare villa commodity), and has a passion for all things beauty. She’s known for her striking look and often shares TikTok videos trying out new makeup products, turning her feed into a mini beauty lab with great lighting.
Mimii Ngulube
Mimii Ngulube, born on November 4, 1998, is a British reality TV star who rose to fame after winning season eleven of Love Island. Entering the villa on Day 1, she formed a strong (and ultimately winning) partnership with Josh Oyinsan. Since leaving the show, Mimii has built a solid presence as a social media influencer and content creator, sharing her style, personality, and villa-level confidence online.
Before her reality TV moment, Mimii worked as a mental health professional—a background that definitely came in handy navigating villa drama. She’s from Portsmouth, often rocks a nose ring as part of her signature look, and has shared travel snaps from places like Dubai. Fans also remember her victory in the Love Island “Game, Sex, Match” challenge, one of the standout moments of her season.
She frequently posts swimwear shots and lifestyle content on Instagram, continuing to grow her audience and influence beyond the villa.
Belle Hassan
Belle Hassan is a British reality TV personality and makeup artist best known for her appearance on season five of Love Island in 2019. The daughter of actor Tamer Hassan, Belle grew up around the entertainment industry and has since made her mark in both beauty and television.
She runs her own business, Makeup By Belle, where she showcases her glam skills and signature looks. Fun fact: Belle actually made her first on-screen appearance way back in 2004 in the film The Football Factory—long before the villa days and contour palettes.
Chloe Burrows
Chloe Burrows is a British television personality who shot to fame on season seven of Love Island in 2021, finishing as a runner-up with Toby Aromolaran. Since her villa days, Chloe has kept busy with a mix of media projects, most notably hosting her own podcast, Chloe vs The World, where she interviews celebrity guests and dives into all the chaotic, hilarious, and relatable parts of their lives.
She launched the podcast in April 2023 under The Fellas Studios, quickly turning it into a fan favorite thanks to her unfiltered humor and sharp one-liners.
In July 2025, Chloe joined the lineup for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. However, true to her honest, self-aware style, she bowed out early—leaving the show in Episode 2. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do… is say “absolutely not.”
Dani Dyer
Dani Dyer is an English TV personality, actress, and author best known for winning Love Island in 2018—and for being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer, which basically guaranteed she’d have great one-liners and a lovable Essex charm. Since her villa victory, Dani has built a successful career on television, starred in documentaries, hosted podcasts with her dad, and become a relatable voice for young women navigating everything from anxiety to everyday life decisions.
Her personal life has grown just as full as her career. She welcomed her first child, Santiago, in 2021 with her ex-partner Sammy Kimmence. In 2023, she and footballer Jarrod Bowen welcomed twin daughters, Star and Summer. The couple married in May 2025, officially becoming one of Britain’s favorite celeb families.
Dani is also a passionate advocate for mental health, fronting documentaries and speaking openly about her own experiences. Whether she’s on TV, writing, podcasting, or juggling life as a mum of three, she’s maintained the down-to-earth personality that made viewers fall in love with her in the first place.
Siânnise Fudge
Siânnise Fudge is a British TV personality and influencer who rose to fame on the sixth season of Love Island in 2020. She entered the villa on Day 1 and went all the way to the finale, finishing as a runner-up with Luke Trotman. Originally from Bristol, Siânnise has since grown a strong social media presence, where she shares glimpses of her life, style, and ongoing projects.
Before reality TV, she began modeling at age 18—clearly destined for the spotlight from the start. She’s also a self-confessed Disney lover, with Aladdin ranking as her favorite movie and Princess Jasmine topping her list of Disney icons. And in true family-business fashion, her two sisters help run her social media accounts, making sure everything stays as polished and on-brand as her signature glam.
Jess Harding
Jess Harding is a British reality TV personality who rose to fame on season ten of Love Island, where she won the show alongside Sammy Root. Outside the villa, Jess is known for her work as an aesthetics practitioner and for maintaining a lively, engaging social media presence.
She owns Candy Aesthetics, a beauty clinic in West London where she offers treatments like fillers, chemical peels, and even hosts masterclasses—basically, she’s the go-to girl for glow-ups.
Before entering the villa, Jess admitted in her pre-show interview that one of the reasons she struggles to find love is her long, extremely specific list of “icks.” Fortunately, none of those icks stopped her from taking home the Love Island crown.
Nicole Samuel
Nicole Samuel is a British reality TV personality who rose to fame on season eleven of Love Island. She entered the villa on Day 1 and went all the way to the finale, finishing as a runner-up with Ciaran Davies. After the show, Nicole returned to her career in research and now works as an associate research scientist at the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University—because yes, you can be both a villa queen and an academic powerhouse.
Before joining Love Island, she worked as an account manager, proving she had real-world responsibilities long before the drama, dates, and firepit recouplings.
Camilla Thurlow
Camilla Thurlow, born on July 9, 1989, in Dumfries, Scotland, is a TV personality and former explosive ordnance disposal specialist—yes, she literally worked with bombs before Love Island. She rose to fame on the show’s third season in 2017, finishing as a runner-up with Jamie Jewitt and quickly becoming one of the most beloved islanders thanks to her kindness, intelligence, and refreshingly drama-free energy.
Since leaving the villa, Camilla has continued her humanitarian work and even authored a book, Not the Type: Finding Your Place in the Real World, where she shares her experiences and the journey that led her far beyond the firepit.
Sanam Harrinanan
Sanam Harrinanan is a British reality TV personality best known for winning season nine of Love Island in 2023 alongside Kai Fagan. Entering the villa on Day 29, she quickly became a standout contestant and won audiences over with her warmth and down-to-earth charm. After taking home the crown, Sanam returned to her career in social work, proving she didn’t need a villa to keep changing lives.
Before her reality TV moment, she already worked as a social worker—and she’s continued to share parts of both her personal and professional journey with fans on social media.
Amber Davies
Amber Elizabeth Davies, born on October 4, 1996, in Denbighshire, Wales, is a Welsh actress and TV personality who first shot to fame after winning Love Island season three in 2017 with Kem Cetinay. After her villa victory, Amber didn’t just ride the wave of reality TV fame—she stepped straight into the world of professional acting. Trained at the Urdang Academy, she’s since built an impressive stage career, appearing in multiple West End productions and branching out into television projects.
In February 2025, it was announced that Amber Davies would take on the role of Jordan Baker in the West End and European premiere of The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum, starring alongside Jamie Muscato, Frances Mayli McCann, Corbin Bleu, and more. Not long after, she was cast as Elle Woods in the 2026 UK tour of Legally Blonde—a role that practically demands main-character energy, which Amber has in abundance.
And because she likes to stay booked and busy, the day after her Legally Blonde casting was revealed, she was announced as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing season 23. She joined the lineup as a last-minute replacement for Dani Dyer, who withdrew due to injury, and was partnered with pro dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
Cara De La Hoyde
Cara De La Hoyde, born on July 10, 1990, is a British reality TV personality best known for winning Love Island season two in 2016 alongside Nathan Massey. The pair went from villa sweethearts to real-life partners, eventually marrying in 2019 and welcoming two children, Freddie and Delilah. A true Love Island success story—very rare, very precious.
Before her villa days, Cara worked as a glamour model and actress, and after her win, she stayed firmly in the public eye through social media, TV appearances, and even popping up on TOWIE (The Only Way Is Essex). Over the years, she’s become known for her down-to-earth personality and refreshingly honest take on motherhood, relationships, and life after reality TV fame.
Whether she’s sharing parenting moments or reminiscing about Casa Amor chaos, Cara continues to be one of the franchise’s most loved and relatable stars.
Laura Anderson
Laura Anderson, born on April 23, 1989, in Stirling, Scotland, is a television and radio personality who first became widely known as the runner-up on season four of Love Island in 2018. After leaving the villa, she kept her momentum going with appearances on shows like Celebrity Karaoke Club and Celebs Go Dating, proving she’s just as entertaining off the island as she was on it.
From 2019 to 2020, Laura hosted her own podcast, Laura Anderson’s First, where she chatted with guests about the pivotal “firsts” in their lives—often diving into tough or transformative experiences. In 2022, she returned to the spotlight as a contestant on the third series of Celebrity Karaoke Club, bringing her signature charm (and karaoke chops) to the stage.
Whitney Adebayo
Whitney Adebayo is a British entrepreneur and TV personality who shot to fame on Love Island Series 10 in 2023, finishing second with her partner Lochan Nowacki. Born on November 20, 1997, Whitney quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her confidence, sharp humor, and unbeatable “good vibes only” energy.
Outside the villa, Whitney is a full-on businesswoman. She owns CC Hair (Candy Corner), a successful wig company, and studied Internet Technology at the University of Hertfordshire—because beauty and brains can absolutely coexist. Her bold fashion sense and authentic personality have helped her grow into a popular influencer and brand ambassador, working with major names like Gymshark.
In March 2025, she added another reality credit to her résumé by competing in the second season of the Netflix series Inside, proving she’s got range far beyond the firepit.
Paige Turley
Paige Turley is a singer and reality TV personality best known for winning season six of Love Island in 2020 with Finley Tapp. Long before her villa days, Paige was already showing off her vocal talent—she reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2012, proving she had star quality early on.
After her Love Island win, she continued pursuing music, releasing singles like “Lonely Tonight” and “Movin’ Too Fast.” Whether she’s on stage or in the villa, Paige brings charm, talent, and a voice that’s just as memorable as her TV moments.
Malisha Jordan
Malisha Jordan is a British reality TV personality who appeared on the twelfth season of Love Island. She entered the villa as a bombshell on Day 5, bringing plenty of energy and charm, and although her stay was short—she exited on Day 8—she certainly made an impression.
A teaching assistant from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, Malisha quickly stood out for her vibrant personality and engaging presence. Even in just a few days, she showed viewers why she was cast: confidence, charisma, and a smile that could cause a recoupling.
Olivia Bowen
Olivia Bowen, born on January 3, 1994, in Chelmsford, is an English reality TV personality who first found fame as the runner-up on Love Island season two in 2016. Entering the villa on Day 1, she formed an instant connection with Alex Bowen—one of the show’s most iconic couples—whom she went on to marry in 2018. Since then, Olivia has stayed firmly in the public eye through TV appearances, fashion collaborations, and a strong social media presence.
In February 2025, People magazine reported that Olivia and Alex experienced a heartbreaking loss due to vanishing twin syndrome (VTS). The condition occurs when one twin is lost early in pregnancy and the fetal tissue is naturally absorbed by the mother, placenta, or surviving twin, giving the appearance of a “vanishing” twin. Olivia and Alex were open about their experience, offering comfort to many others who have gone through similar losses.
Sophie Lee
Sophie Lee is a British motivational speaker and author from Manchester who appeared on season twelve of Love Island in 2025. Before her time on the show, she worked as a fire breather—yes, literally breathing fire for a living—until a serious accident left her with facial burn scars. Instead of stepping back, Sophie stepped forward, becoming widely admired for her resilience, honesty, and the confidence with which she shares her story.
Her transparency about her journey has inspired many, both inside and outside the villa, and she continues to use her voice to uplift others while building her career as a speaker and writer.
Lauren Richardson
Lauren Richardson, from the United Kingdom, first came into the spotlight as a contestant on the very first season of Love Island in 2015. Entering the villa on Day 1, she went all the way to the finale and finished in third place with Joshua Ritchie.
After her time on the show, Lauren stayed active in the public eye, taking on modeling work and making various media and event appearances—proving that even the earliest islanders knew how to keep the momentum going.
