One of the UK’s most popular reality TV series,Love Islandis a wildlyentertaining ‘guilty pleasure’ series. Unsurprisingly, due to its high potential for dramatic arguments, shocking recouplings and funny and romantic moments, the series has created a vast international franchise including thesuccessful USLove Island.
Introducing audiences to large casts of beautiful and entertaining contestants every year, the series has contained many compelling and memorable couples and individual contestants, launching many of them to national stardom even after their seasons' conclusions. With so many contestants to choose from, these are 10 who particularly stand out as noteworthy.
10Whitney Adebayo
Entering as a bombshell contestant in the first week, entrepreneurWhitney Adebayoquickly became the main character ofLove Islandseason 10 due to her dry wit and effortless charisma. After spending several weeks coupled up withMehdi Ednountil his shock eviction,Whitney metLochan Nowackiin Casa Amor and the two eventually went on finish the show in second place.
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At many times throughout the series, Whitney served as an audience avatar, providing perfect and extremely memeable reactions to dramatic moments. Season 10 was one ofLove Island’s strongest, and Whitney was the most memorable contestant among the cast.
9Faye Winter
Estate agentFaye Wintercompeted on season 7 ofLove Islandand became one of the series' most notable contestants for both positive and negative reasons. Faye was funny, relatable and honest in her time on the show, vulnerably and openly discussing her insecurities as well as providing great reactions and one-liners.
However, Faye also attracted significant controversy because of an altercation, for which she apologized sincerely both on and off the show, between her and partnerTeddy Soareswhom she explosively berated after a perceived betrayal. The argument resulted in 25,000 complaints being leveled against the show from viewers, and it is clear that the producers neglected their duty of care by not intervening in the conflict.
8Toby Aromolaran
Season 7 runner-upToby Amorolaranprovided one of Love Island’s all-time best arcs as he progressed from his initial fears of commitment to being part of one of the season’s most popular couples withChloe Burrows. Toby entered the villa as an energetic and boyish footballer in his early 20s who appeared deeply unprepared for a relationship.
Despite his genuine and sweet connection with Chloe, Toby’s wandering eye and immaturity challenged their relationship throughout the first half of the season. However, after several crucial fumbles and recouplings, Toby showed significant growth and rekindled his romance with Chloe leading to many viewers considering them to have been ‘robbed’ of first place.
7Megan Barton Hanson
Season 4 bombshellMegan Barton Hansonwas the most notable contestant in her entire season. Megan and her turbulent relationship withWes Nelsonwere responsible for much of season 4’s drama, as she established herself as a true player with serious power over the men of the Island.
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As well as Wes, whose relationship withLaura Andersonended dramatically because of Megan’s interest in him, Megan also coupled up withEyal BookerandAlex Milleron the show, taking full advantage of the ability to explore any connection that took her fancy. Whether viewers loved or hated the drama she created, it was undeniable that Megan ruled season 4 and was one ofLove Island’s most memorable contestants.
6Kem Cetinay
AlongsideAmber Davies,Kem Cetinaywon season 3 ofLove Island. Kem was a fan favorite contestant throughout the season due to his energy and humor, making him a very likable television personality. His bromance with friendChris Hughesbecame one of the season’s most notable elements, and was arguably more popular than any of the season’s romantic relationships.
As a huge fan of rap music, Kem was responsible for one of season 3’s most iconic moments alongside Chris and fellow contestantMarcel Somerville- their rap song ‘Little Bit Leave It’, which Chris and Kem released as a genuine single after the series. Kem was undoubtedly one of season 3’s stand-out contestants, and one of the most notable inLove Islandhistory.
5Amber Rose Gill
Beauty therapistAmber Rose GillbeganLove Islandseason 5 as one of the least popular Islanders but ended up finishing the show as the winner, even managing to beat favorites to winTommy FuryandMolly-Mae Hague. Amber was funny and fiery in her time onLove Islandpresenting herself as blunt initially but showing loyalty, kindness and vulnerability as the season progressed.
Amber was a true underdog winner, gaining public support after being treated disrespectfully byMichael Griffithsand having a tumultuous time dating on the show, being in 5 different couples throughout the course of the season. Due to the strength of her character and her likability, Amber’s win was a deeply cathartic and satisfying result to the season.
4Olivia Attwood
Olivia Attwoodis one ofLove Island’s most divisive contestants and has been one of the show’s greatest success stories. Describing herself in her intro video as “fun, kind and a bit of a dickhead”, throughout season 3 Olivia showed herself to be very witty and smart but also highly confrontational.
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Olivia’s approach toLove Islandwas controversial because she created extremely engaging television, but some viewers found her savage sense of humor and penchant for drama troublesome. Ultimately, Olivia had the last laugh, finishing the show in third place alongsideChris Hughesand going on to have an extremely successful career as a television personality and presenter.
3Maura Higgins
Entering season 5 as a bombshell, boxing ‘ring girl’Maura Higginsimmediately established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Charismatic, witty, and extremely open about her feelings and opinions, Maura drew focus due to her strong personality and confident approach towards the men she was interested in.
As well as maintaining sweet friendships with many of the girls, encouraging them when they were upset and defending them in confrontations, Maura brought significant drama through her fiery personality. Although she ultimately finished in fourth place due to her unpopular coupling withCurtis Pritchard, Maura has maintained her place in the public eye with high profile modelling and television jobs.
2Ovie Soko
While many reality TV contestants are notable for the dramas they are involved in,Ovie Sokohas the rare status of being memorable for simply being incredibly cool. Appearing in Love Island season 5 and finishing third withIndia Reynolds, Ovie was a handsome 6'7 professional basketball player who also happened to be extremely nice, funny and drama-free.
Ovie brought a much-needed chill attitude to season 5, which was one ofLove Island’s most explosive and dramatic seasons. With his penchant for bucket hats, catchphrase of exclaiming “message!” every time the producers texted Islanders and his immense likability, Ovie is one ofLove Island’s most popular contestants to date.
1Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
The most memorable contestant inLove Islandhistory is indisputablyEkin-Su Cülcüloğlu. Alongside partnerDavide Sanclimenti, Ekin-Su brought incredibly memorable conflict and the show’s most compelling enemies-to-lovers storyline to date, progressing from explosive arguments and Davide’s iconic “you are a liar, actress!” exclamation to confessing their love for each other over the course of the summer.
With her incredibly confident and outgoing personality as well as her sharp wit, Ekin-Su completely won over the public and was jokingly referred to as an honorary producer due to her involvement in many of the season’s most dramatic moments. Since the show, she has remained in the public eye and is slated to appear as a contestant onseason 2 of the US edition ofThe Traitors.
