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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Ellie Harrison,Annabel Nugent and Tom Murray

Ella, Molly, Kady... meet the cast of Love Island’s 2023 summer edition

Love Island Twitter

Get stuck in for glam, grafting, and girls and guys “pulling each other for a chat” – Love Island is back for its 10th season with a whole new batch of islanders.

The new summer series began on Monday 5 June, with Maya Jama back on hosting duties after she made her debut on the winter edition earlier this year.

Jama proved a charismatic, and very popular, host for the winter show, which was filmed in South Africa and won by Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan.

Opinion: Love Island can’t hide from its ugly past – what place does the series have in 2023?

It was recently revealed what training the Love Island contestants were being given ahead of the launch, in line with the ITV2 show’s duty of care procedures.

All contestants on the 2023 summer series have completed video training and guidance across a range of topics, including mutually respectful behaviour in relationships, behaviour patterns associated with controlling and coercive behaviour and language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, and microaggressions.

Check out all the new contestants below – we’ll be updating this article as they are unveiled…

Catherine Agbaje

Islander Catherine Agbaje
— (ITV)

Age: 22

From: Dublin

Occupation: Commercial real estate agent

Instagram: @catherine_agbaje

Catherine said she can “chat your ears off” and is “always smiling, always happy, always laughing”.

She wants to emphasise that her teeth are real, and not veneers, and that she has two degrees – an undergrad in Psychology and Sociology and a master’s in Real Estate.

Catherine is coupled up with Scott. She was previously coupled up with eliminated contestant André, as well as a brief partnership with Zachariah.

Tyrique Hyde

Islander Tyrique Hyde
— (ITV)

Age: 24

From: Essex

Occupation: Semi-professional footballer

Instagram: @tyriquehyde

Tyrique, like many, many Islanders before him, said he’s “not afraid to go after what I want”.

Speaking about interesting facts about himself, he said: “I’m deaf in my right ear. I’ve got a tattoo next to my left one that symbolises strength and power in my good one.” He also said he is best mates with former Love Island star Toby Aromolaran.

Tyrique is coupled up (again) with Ella, after previously being briefly coupled up with Leah.

Ella Thomas

Islander Ella Thomas
— (ITV)

Age: 23

From: Glasgow

Occupation: Model

Instagram: @ellathomas_

Ella said she knows what she wants in life and that she’s got a “big heart”, insisting that she’s “wifey material”.

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Speaking about her claim to fame, she added: “I’ve been in a Headie One and Burna Boy music video and I was once an extra in World War Z. I was 12 years old when I filmed it and got to meet Brad Pitt which was cool.”

Ella is coupled up with Tyrique (again), after a brief separation when he was chosen by Leah on Tuesday 13 June’s recoupling.

Mitchel Taylor

Islander Mitchel Taylor
— (ITV)

Age: 26

From: Sheffield

Occupation: Gas engineer

Instagram: @mitcheltaylor_

“I thrive on being a gentleman,” said Mitchel. “I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates, I’ll fill your bedside drawer with your favourite sweets and chocolate.”

But Mitchel is “really picky”, so he’ll only do this with a girl who doesn’t give him the “ick” for the following reasons: “Food in your teeth and counting coins in your hand – when a girl stands at the bar counting out the coins to pay for a drink, it’s not for me!”

During a dare on Thursday 8 June, Mitchel was asked to kiss the islander he found most attractive besides his partner and he kissed Ella.

Mitchel is coupled up with Jess but was previously coupled up with Leah.

Jess Harding

Islander Jess Harding
— (ITV)

Age: 22

From: London

Occupation: Aesthetics Practitioner

Instagram: @jesshardingox

“When a guy stunts for money, that’s an ick. Showing off all their designer clothes because most of the time they’re probably fake anyway!” she said. “Another [ick] is when a boy runs for the train and the train goes without him. Lunch Boxes also – just go to Tesco and get a meal deal!

Jess added that she is “a really good girlfriend”, stating that she’s “got quite a big personality and I’ve got a heart of gold”.

Jess is coupled up with Mitchel but was previously coupled up with Sammy.

Zachariah Noble

Zachariah Noble
— (ITV)

Age: 25

From: South East London

Occupation: Personal trainer and basketball player

Instagram: @zachariah_noble97

On what gives him the ick, Zachariah said: “I’ve got two and they’re both really stupid; Bad handwriting – I’ve got terrible handwriting so they’d need to have better handwriting than me and twerking, I really don’t like twerking!”

He also said he loves his cat... a lot. “My cat is a huge part of my life, I honestly love him. He’s called Frank, I named him about 10 years ago – his full name is Frankie G Swagger Don, I treat him as if he’s my son, I’m going to miss him so much when I’m in the villa.”

After entering the villa as a bombshell, Zachariah chose to steal Catherine away from André.

Zachariah is coupled up with Kady, after previously being coupled with Molly and Charlotte. He was also previously coupled with Catherine.

Whitney Adebayo

Whitney Adebayo
— (ITV)

Age: 25

From: London

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Instagram:@whitbrownsx

Whitney joined the villa on Wednesday 7 June as a Bombshell, and immediately formed a connection with Andre. However, the four-year age gap was repeatedly mentioned as a potential roadblock to a relationship.

“I’m too much to handle sometimes, maybe people are intimidated by me. I know what I want and I’m very picky,” she said, ahead of joining the show.

Whitney is single but was previously coupled up with Mehdi.

Sammy Root

Sammy Root
— (ITV)

Age: 22

From: Kent

Occupation: Project Manager

Instagram: @sammyroot_

Sammy joined the villa on Thursday 8 June as a Bombshell, after which he chose to take out Ella, Molly, and Jess on speedy dates. None of their connections proved to be especially strong, however.

Asked to pick three of the most important things that he looks for in a partner, Sammy said: “She’s gotta have a nice bum, an amazing personality and be family orientated.”

He also said that Glass Onion star Madelyn Cline is the “perfect girl”.

Sammy is single but was previously coupled up with Mal and before that, Jess.

Leah Taylor

Leah Taylor
— (ITV)

Age: 27

From: Manchester

Occupation: Business Owner (Social Media Marketing)

Instagram: @leahjtaylorr

Leah was the second Bombshell to join the series on 12 June, alongside Charlotte. She is not currently coupled up with anyone.

Asked about the “elevator pitch” she would give to entice someone to date her, the islander replied: “I would say I honestly have so much love to give and being in love is the best thing you can ever experience.

“I’m ready for everything that comes with it and the hardships you have to go through in order to make that commitment and find the one.”

Leah is coupled up with Montel, but was previously coupled up with Mitchel.

Scott van-der-Sluis

Scott Love Island
— (ITV)

Age: 22

From: Connah’s Quay, North Wales

Occupation: Footballer (Goalkeeper)

Instagram: @scottvds17

Football goalie Scott is looking for a keeper in the villa, after entering as a bombshell contestant.

Yet, any prospective love interest needs to know how to give him space. Prior to entering the villa, he described his biggest ick: “Someone who gets too clingy too quickly. I don’t like too many calls and too many texts.”

Scott is coupled up with Catherine.

Kady McDermott

Kady McDermott
— (ITV)

Age: 27

From: Hertfordshire

Occupation: Returning former Islander, series two bombshell

Instagram: @kadymcdermott

Series two bombshell Kady is back. After finishing third in the 2016 season, the 27-year-old is vying for a second shot at the Love Island crown.

“The next person I’m with I want that to be marriage and babies. I don’t want to waste any more time with the wrong people – so I think I’ll be a lot pickier than what I was when I was previously in the Villa,” she said.

Kady is coupled up with Zachariah.

Montel McKenzie

Montel McKenzie
— (ITV)

Age: 25

From: East London

Occupation: Account manager and semi-professional footballer (Hemel Hempstead Town)

Instagram: @montelmckenzie

“Watch your girls because the guy that gets all of the girls is coming into the Love Island villa,” was Montel’s advice to the boys ahead of joining the show.

Speaking about his decision to enter Love Island, he explained: “I just haven’t found someone I want to date, I’m always so busy with work and football!” Here’s hoping he gets the time to concentrate on romance by the villa pool.

Montel is coupled up with Leah.

Casa Amor

Molly Marsh

Islander Molly Marsh
— (ITV)

Age: 21

From: Doncaster

Occupation: Musical theatre performer and social media creator

Instagram: @mollygracemarsh

Molly said she doesn’t go out much or use dating apps as she’s “actually quite old-fashioned”, so she’s decided she wants to meet someone in the Villa, instead.

She said she lives “on a farm with my mum, dad, sister, grandma, grandad, aunty, uncle, cousin, cousin’s husband, their baby and chicken”.

Molly was dumped from the villa on 23 June after Kady decided to steal Zachariah. However, she returned to the show – much to the boys’ shock – when the villa split for Casa Amor.

Tink Reading

Islander Tink Reading
— (ITV)

Age: 26

From: Birmingham

Occupation: Project Manager

Tink is excited to make memories and cause a little “mischief” as one of the girls joining Love Island for Casa Amor.

“I do back myself; I am funny and a bit of a lad - I like sports, football and F1,” she says. “Don’t get me wrong, I love getting dressed up and looking great but I am a lad at the same time. There are not many girls like me, so I think that will be a shock for them.”

Tink is not currently in a couple.

Danielle Mazhindu

Islander Danielle Mazhindu
— (ITV)

Age: 25

From: Liverpool

Job: Recruitment assistant and occupational therapy student

Danielle has total self-confidence, saying: “Looks are great and I don’t doubt that I am stunning, but my personality is 10 out of 10.”

She is interested in Zach, Montel and Scott.

Danielle is not currently in a couple.

Amber Wise

Islander Amber Wise
— (ITV)

Age: 19

From: Buckinghamshire

Occupation: Graphic design student

Aged 19, Amber is the youngest islander in the villa. She’s also the daughter of former England footballer Dennis Wise.

She’s got her eye on Montel, Sammy and Tyrique, calling the latter “a carbon copy of the boys I have previously dated”.

Amber is not currently in a couple.

Gabby Jeffery

Islander Gabby Jeffrey
— (ITV)

Age: 24

From: Newcastle

Occupation: Creative assistant

Gabby doesn’t see Casa Amor as a bad time to join the villa, and says that “there’s a chance that every single Islander could have their head turned”.

Gabby is not currently in a couple.

Abi Moores

Islander Abi Moores
— (ITV)

Age: 25

From: Hampshire

Occupation: Flight attendant

Abi has come on Love Island for one simple reason: to find a boyfriend.

“Everyone on Love Island is so sexy,” she says. “I feel like the kind of person that would do Love Island is definitely the type of person I could be in a relationship with.”

Abi is not currently in a couple.

Kodie Murphy

Islander Kodie Murphy
— (ITV)

Age: 20

From: Birmingham

Occupation: Social media marketer

Birmingham native Kodie says he’s going to be his “big, bubbly, cheeky self” in the villa, but knows he’s going to have his work cut out for him in Casa Amor.

“You have to lay it on a bit thicker in Casa Amor than the outside, which will be different for me but I am confident in approaching things,” he said. “I work well under pressure, so no worries there.”

Kodie is not currently in a couple.

Ouzy See

Islander Ouzy See
— (ITV)

Age: 28

From: Edinburgh

Occupation: Footballer, tradesperson and model

A jack of all trades (who plays football for Edinburgh City), Ouzy has a little bit of history with Ella, having met her on nights out and working as models. However, he insists nothing has ever happened between them.

He’s also interested in Leah and Kady, describing the latter as “a bit of a firecracker”.

Ouzy is currently single.

Zachary Ashford

Islander Zachary Ashford
— (ITV)

Age: 27

From: Manchester

Occupation: Senior sales executive

Zachary describes himself as a “very confident person” and intends to “stir the pot” in Casa Amor.

“I’m not bad to look at – there is a lot to go on,” he said. “We all have our weaknesses, but I’ll go in there strong. I‘ve got northern charm and southern girls normally like a northerner!”

Zachary is currently not in a couple.

Elom Ahlijah-Wilson

Islander Elom Ahlija-Wilson
— (ITV)

Age: 22

From: London

Occupation: Masseuse and fitness trainer

Elom, 22, says he wants to “ruffle a few feathers” in the villa and isn’t one to “beat around the bush”. He’s interested in getting to know Whitney, Leah and Ella.

Elom is not currently in a couple.

Lochan Nowacki

Islander Lochan Nowacki
— (ITV)

Age: 25

From: Windsor

Occupation: Account manager

The last boy joining the villa with Casa Amor, Lochan has his eye on Kady.

Lochan is not currently in a couple.

Dumped Islanders

Islander George Fensom
— (ITV)

George Fensom

Age: 24

From: Bedford

Occupation: Business development executive

Instagram: @georgefensom

George said he was going to bring “dad jokes and dad dancing to the Villa” and that he would love to meet a girl who can bring “even more banter” than him, though doubts whether that is “physically possible”.

He said he’s “the first person to bring the vibe up”, adding: “I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants to go out.”

George was the first islander to be dumped from the villa.

Islander Ruchee Gurung
— (ITV)

Ruchee Gurung

Age: 24

From: Sutton

Occupation: Beautician

Instagram: @rucheewawo

Ruchee said she is a “relationship kind of girl, but so far it’s not worked out for me”. She said she is super “caring”, adding: “My love language is gift giving, so I’m a real giver when it comes to relationships.”

The beautician revealed that there are two major things that give her the “ick”: “Guys with no ambition” or “Guys with white jeans and red trainers”. They are, she said, a fashion no-no.

Ruchee was dumped from the island on 14 June when the boys decided to save Ella over her.

André Furtado

André Furtado
— (ITV)

Age: 21

From: Dudley

Occupation: Business owner

Instagram: @dre.furtado

André said: “I would say I fall too quickly, to be honest. When I look at beautiful ladies, before I’ve said hello to them I’ve already fallen in love. I’m already planning the wedding.”

Asked what he brings to the villa, the business owner replied: “I’m charming, I’m going to bring good looks and some language lessons. I’m going to teach the other Islanders Portuguese, Spanish and a little bit of Creole. I think I’ve got every slice of the pie.”

André was coupled up with Catherine. After bombshell Zachariah chose to couple up with her on Wednesday 7 June, they were briefly split, but reunited on Tuesday (13 June).

André left the villa on 18 June after the girls decided to dump him.

Charlotte Sumner

Charlotte Sumner
— (ITV)

Age: 30

From: Bournemouth

Occupation: Dental Nurse

Instagram:@charlottesumner_x

Charlotte was one of two new Bombshells to arrive at the villa partway through Monday 12 June’s instalment.

Asked why she was competing on Love Island, the dental nurse responded: “Friends and family kept telling me to apply for Love Island so I thought, why not? The age I’m at and the experiences I’ve had, I feel ready to meet my Mr Right.”

Charlotte was coupled up with Zachariah after she chose to couple up with him on Tuesday (13 June).

Charlotte was dumped from the villa on 18 June after the boys decided to dump her because Zachariah and Molly coupled up.

Mehdi Edno

Islander Mehdi Edno
— (ITV)

Age: 26

From: Bordeaux/London

Occupation: Communications manager

Instagram: @mehdiedno

On how he woos girls, Mehdi said: “I simply start by speaking French, that usually gets girls interested.”

He added that, when he’s looking for a partner, “looks are important but they aren’t everything”, and he also values “a good sense of humour and someone who is outgoing and up for an adventure”.

Mehdi was dumped from the villa on 27 June.

Mal Nicol

Mal Nicol - Love Island
— (ITV)

Age: 25

From: Edinburgh

Occupation: Picture researcher

Instagram: @mallurpaal

Bombshell contestant Mal entered the villa with her eyes on a couple of potential love interests. “I do actually like Sammy,” she said ahead of joining the show.

“I think he’s quite funny and his personality is coming out more – there is something about him I fancy. I fancy Zach as well, Zach but I wouldn’t go in too strong on him as I feel like he’ll get a bit big for his boots because he’s had a lot of female attention. I think I’d play it cool with him.”

During her time on the Island, Mal was partnered with Sammy, but their romance was cut short when Mal was dumped from the villa on 27 June.

Love Island airs on ITV2 at 9pm Sunday to Friday.

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