Love Island have revealed their first couples for the 2023 summer series.
The ITV2 show is back for its latest series, with Maya Jama hosting once again after taking over from former host Laura Whitmore. In a huge twist at the start of the series, it was revealed that the public would be putting the pairs into their first couples.
As the vote was revealed, the Islanders looked stunned that the vote was taken out of their control and it now means they must get to know the person that the public think are most compatible with them.
Who are the 2023 couples?
Ruchee and Medhi
Ruchee is a 24-year-old beautician from Sutton.
Of why she's heading on the show, she said: "I'm single and looking for love, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to find someone. I’m a relationship kind of girl, but so far it’s not worked out for me. I’m looking forward to hopefully finding the right person in the Villa."
Medhi, meanwhile, is a communications manager from Bordeaux, but he lives in London.
The 26-year-old insists he isn't shallow, explaining: "Looks are important but they aren’t everything, a good sense of humour and someone who is outgoing and up for an adventure is what I’m looking for.
"I’ve been busy for the last few years with work, and doing my Masters degree but now I’m done with the busy schedule, and ready to find love. I’ve watched the show before, and my friends always say I should go on it - they say I’m made for it!"
Molly and Mitchel
Molly is a musical theatre performer and influencer, and is excited to meet someone in the villa - without having to use a dating app.
"I think it’s ideal timing and the perfect way to find someone. I don’t go out and party and I don’t use dating apps, I’m actually quite old-fashioned, so there’s no better way to meet someone by going into a Villa in the sun with the potential ‘one’ in there," she said.
Mitchel is a gas engineer from Sheffield and hopes to find The One this summer.
He shared: "I thrive on being a gentleman. I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates, I’ll fill your bedside draw with your favourite sweets and chocolate. I’ve been single, I’ve had my fun, and now I want to settle down now."
Jess and George
Jess, 22, owns her own business and is an aesthetics practitioner.
Giving her long list of icks, she said: "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! Another one 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."
George is a business development executive from Bedford.
The 24-year-old shared: "I’ve put myself first in relationships before and it didn’t end well, so I’m looking to focus and give 100% of my time and care to someone. I want to settle down, I’m getting old."
Ella and Tyrique
Model Ella has worked with some huge stars including Brad Pitt and rap stars Headie One and Burna Boy, but her focus this summer is finding The One to match her bubbly personality and good energy.
Asked why she's single, she said: "There is something going on with men these days, they don't know a real one when they’ve got one. I’d say it’s no fault of my own but by choice because I’d never settle for less, you have to keep your standards high."
Tyrique, the 24-year-old semi-professional footballer from Essex, has had his fair share of bad dates.
"I was in a restaurant on a date and when I went to pay the bill my card declined, but I knew I had money in my account. I tapped it a second and third time but it kept declining and the waiter started shouting ‘it’s declined’ which was getting me all hot and flustered! The girl I was on a date with then offered to pay and as soon as we were walking back to the car, I sent her the money back. I realised that my card had expired! .I told the girl this, but I don’t think she believed me," he recalled.
Catherine and Andre
Commercial real estate agent Catherine hails from Dublin and she is hopeful her "fun" nature will attract all the boys.
"I feel like this is the perfect opportunity to narrow down what I’m actually looking for and reach my goal to find love. I want to get my feelings out there and put myself out there. I want to love, and to be loved - and with no distractions as well," she revealed.
Andre, 21, a business owner from Dudley, is hoping to find love this summer.
Asked what he thinks he can bring to the table, he said: "My friends and family would say I’m very gentle, very respectful, good manners, confident and I’m someone that knows how to read the room. Some friends call me sexy!"
