Love Island 2023: Meet The Contestants On The Series 9 Line-Up
2 March 2023, 10:03
Here’s a roundup of all the confirmed Love Island contestants, as we get ready for season 9 with new host, Maya Jama.
Love Island is back on our screens in 2023 and the contestants have settled into the villa in South Africa for the show's winter series.
This is the first year we are set to be treated to two series of the dating show on ITV2; with the winter series which started on January 16, and a summer series this June.
Maya Jama has also made her Love Island debut as the brand-new host, taking over Laura Whitmore’s hosting duties after she quit.
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The 2023 contestants include TikTok famous 'Farmer Will', Love Island Australia contestant Jessie Wynter and makeup artist Lana Jenkins.
So, who are the winter Love Island 2023 contestants? Here's the complete line-up for series nine...
Cast of Love Island 2023 revealed
Rosie Seabrook
Instagram handle: @rosieseabrook
Age: 24
From: Buckinghamshire
Job: Industry Placement Adviser
Rosie arrived during week six of Love Island, entering as a bombshell and quickly turning Casey O'Gorman's head.
She said before heading into the villa: "Personality is the main thing for me; they need to be funny. I can’t be with someone that doesn’t make me laugh."
Keanan Brand
Instagram handle: @keabrand_
Age: 24
From: Wigan
Job: Professional rugby player
Keanan entered Love Island as a bombshell, describing himself as: "Energetic, caring and happy go lucky," adding: "I’ve got the gift of the gab so I will definitely bring some fun, I want to go in, have a great time and find love!"
At his first recoupling he coupled up with Claudia Fogarty in a friendship, after Casey had his head turned by Rosie.
Layla Al-Momani
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @laylamomani
Age: 28
From: Kingston, South West London
Job: Brand Managing Director
Layla hit it off with farmer Will after arriving as a bombshell, but their fling made him realise his true feelings for Jessie.
The 28-year-old was dumped after being left single at the recoupling when the girls returned from Casa Amor.
Sammy James
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @sammymayjames
Age: 27
From: Leicester, lives in Dubai
Job: Beauty Buyer
Sammy entered Love Island as a bombshell but failed to find romance during her short time there.
She was dumped with the other singletons after just a few days.
Cynthia Otseh-Taiwo
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @cynthiataiwo_
Age: 25
From: North London
Job: Dental Receptionist and Baker
Cynthia had a brief fling with Casey after entering the show as a bombshell, but he chose to couple up with partner Claudia instead.
She was left emotional after he revealed to Claudia what went down between them and his apology to her left Claudia concerned about how deeply their connection had really developed while she was away.
Sanam Harrinanan
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @sanamiee
Age: 24
From: Bedford
Job: Social Worker
Sanam arrived as a Casa Amor bombshell but was kept in the villa after Kai Fagan chose to recouple up with her over original partner Olivia.
The 24-year-old is quickly growing thousands of followers on Instagram while on the show, as viewers get to know her a little better.
Lydia Karakyriakou
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @lydiakarax
Age: 22
From: Glasgow
Job: Retail Customer Assistant
Lydia grew close to Tom Clare on Love Island but he didn't couple up with her at the end of Casa Amor.
Instead, he reunited with partner Samie Elishi and Lydia was dumped with her fellow single bombshells.
Lynda Flix
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @lyndaflix
Age: 22
From: Salford, Manchester
Occupation: Healthcare Assistant and Singer
Lynda was another Casa Amor bombshell, sent in with the other girls to try and turn the boys' heads.
When she was sent home single she said on Instagram: "Unfortunately, i had no control over the shows editing and lack of airtime. However, i stayed true to myself, meaning i didn’t fake any feelings towards anyone in there, it was an amazing experience, look forward to showing you all my personality that was not shown on ur screens."
Kain Reed
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @kain.reed
Age: 21
From: Gateshead, Newcastle
Job: Energy Consultant
Kain was another Casa Amor bombshell who failed to find love on Love Island.
He said after returning home: "Gutted to be out the @loveisland Villa but what an experience, thanks everyone for the messages and support. Looking forward to being back with family and friends."
Ryan Weekley
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @ryanweekley1
Age: 22
From: Nottingham
Job: Steel Erector
Love Island viewers wanted to see more from Ryan on the show, but unfortunately he failed to find romance in Casa Amor.
He was dumped from the villa after just a few days in the villa after being left single.
Frankie Davey
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @frankie_davey
Age: 22
From: Ipswich
Job: Pro Boxer
Boxer Frankie entered Love Island as a bombshell on Casa Amor but he was unlucky in love and was sent home after just a few days.
He returned to social media days after his exit and told his new followers: "Just want to say a big thank you to everyone who made it such an enjoyable experience. I’ve made memories and friendships to last a lifetime."
Maxwell Samuda
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @maxwells_16
Age: 23
From: London
Job: Finance Student and Restaurant Host
Maxwell was one of two successful Casa Amor bombshells who managed to get their ticket to the main villa.
The 23-year-old coupled up with Olivia Hawkins in Casa Amor.
Bayley Mummery
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @bayley_mummery
Age: 25
From: Surrey
Job: Operations Manager
Bayley was a Casa Amor bombshell who failed to find love while on Love Island.
He was dumped after just a few days after most of the girls recoupled with their original partners in the main villa.
Martin Akinola
Casa Amor Bombshell
Instagram handle: @mart1n.jr
Age: 27
From: Dublin
Job: Senior Software Engineer
Martin was a Casa Amor bombshell who was brought back to the main villa by Tanya Manhenga after they hit it off during Tanya's time away from partner Shaq Mohammad.
She didn't stay with Martin for long however, and upon returning to the villa realised her true feelings for Shaq and they quickly reunited, leaving Martin single.
Claudia Fogarty
Instagram handle: @claudiafogarty
Age: 28
Job: Fashion Boutique Owner
From: Blackburn
Claudia is looking to settle down after three long-term relationships, admitting she gets the 'three-year itch.'
She's the youngest daughter of motorcycle racer Carl Fogarty, who won I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2014.
The fashion brand owner said before heading into the villa she'd bring, "My northern charm with some humour, bubbliness and sass."
She added: "My northern banter is going to be coming in with me. I think I’ll spice things up a bit, I’m a confident person, I can be fiery when I want to be, but I’m a girls’ girl so I know I will get on well with all of them all."
Casey O'Gorman
Instagram handle: @caseyogorman
Age: 26
Job: Recruitment Consultant
From: Tring
Casey is hoping to find a girlfriend to settle down with on Love Island, revealing he wants to be 'married with kids by the time I'm 30'.
His last relationship was a year ago and after 'lots of fun' Casey said he's ready to 'find something real.'
Casey describes himself as 'very cheeky, naughty, outgoing, ambitious'.
Jordan Odofin
Instagram handle: @snapsofjords
Age: 28
Job: Senior HR Advisor
From: London
Jordan entered Love Island series nine as a bombshell, saying in his pre-villa chat he's been 'busy and focused' on his career but feels now is the time he can settle down.
He promised to bring his 'London swagger' and hopes that his 6'5 height will impress the ladies but was unfortunately he was dumped less than two weeks into his experience, with partner Ellie Spence.
Samie Elishi
Instagram handle: @samieelishi
Age: 22
Job: Senior Estate Agent Coordinator
From: London
Samie Elishi strutted into the show on January 29th to shake up the dynamic of the villa, and she caught everyone's attention in the process!
Her surprise arrival was announced with one of those famous text alerts, it read: "Boys, grab a drink and head to the sundeck to meet Samie #HappyHour #GetOnJob."
The girls saw Samie make her way to the fire pit to say hello to the boys and it's safe to say that tensions in the villa were building – will Samie turn heads, only time will tell...
Ellie Spence
Instagram handle: @elliespennie
Age: 25
Job: Business Development Executive at a law firm
From: Norwich
Bombshell Ellie headed into the Love Island to ruffle some feathers and she certainly switched things up.
The 25-year-old was due to be an OG bombshell after the public was tasked with voting between Ellie and Tom Clare as the first bombshell to appear in the series - and the public went with Tom.
Ellie was dumped just a few weeks into her journey, with partner Jordan Odofin.
Spencer Wilks
Instagram handle: @spennywilks
Age: 24
Job: E-Commerce Business Owner
From: Bournemouth
Bombshell Spencer Wilks was hopeful to find love in the villa, admitting this is the first time in his life he's been single, but sadly was dumped from the villa during a double-elimination.
He got to know Olivia Hawkins on the show but ultimately they decided they were better off as friends.
Aaron Waters
Instagram handle: @aaronmwaters
Age: 25
Job: Model and Content Creator
From: Melbourne
Aaron appeared on Love Island Australia in 2021 where he found love, and even reached the final, but things didn't last in the outside world.
He gave Love Island UK a go because he feels it's 'the perfect opportunity to finally meet someone', however, he was dumped from the villa with co-star Spencer Wilks during a double-elimination.
Despite having some chats with the girls in the villa, Aaron didn't develop any connections in the South Africa villa.
Jessie Wynter
Instagram handle: @jessiereneewynter
Age: 26
Job: Personal Trainer and Influencer
From: Tasmania
Diehard Love Island fans will know Jessie from series two of the Australian version of the show.
She's trying her luck in the UK series as she's 'lonely' after having been single for quite some time.
Jessie found love with Todd in Love Island Australia in 2019 but felt they weren't 'on the same page' when they left the villa together.
By entering the UK version Jessie said she'll bring 'good vibes' as she searches for romance once more.
Zara Deniz Lackenby-Brown
Instagram handle: @itszaradeniz
Age: 25
Job: Model and property developer
From: London
Zara described her love life as 'shambolic', revealing her reasons for heading into Love Island as: "It would be nice to date in a different environment as whatever I'm doing at the minute isn't working."
The 25-year-old is a model and fully trained dancer who's worked with the likes of Aitch, Headie One and Tion Wayne.
Unfortunately she was dumped after just a few weeks in the Love Island villa.
David Salako
Instagram handle: @davidsxalako
Age: 24
Job: Money Adviser
From: Essex
David was dumped just a few days after arriving on Love Island after he was left single at the first re-coupling.
Before heading in, he said he was looking for a partner who's a 'joker, very ambitious and a good person to be around'.
Let's hope he has better luck on the outside world!
Tom Clare
Instagram handle: @tomclare__
Age: 23
Job: Semi-pro footballer
From: Barnsley
Tom entered Love Island as a bombshell after viewers voted for him to be the first surprise arrival.
Asked about why he signed up to the show, Tom said: "I want to meet someone. It’s good going out and having a laugh but I miss sharing stuff. Life’s too short. These opportunities don’t come around often.
"I’m a good laugh, a good vibe. I’m not snakey, I don’t like that kind of stuff. If I’ve got an issue with someone I’ll speak to them. "
Haris Namani
Instagram handle: @haris_namanii
Age: 21
Job: TV salesman
From: Doncaster
When talking about heading to the famous villa in the pursiot of romance, Haris said: "I’ve never found love. I think this is the show that can help me.
"It’s the best opportunity for me to find the girl and find the right one. I’ve obviously not found the right one myself," he explained before he jetted off to South Africa.
However, Haris was dumped from the island in a double-elimination with Anna-May after reaching the bottom six via public vote.
Aussie bombshells Jessie and Aaron then voted for Haris and Anna-May to leave the villa.
Olivia Hawkins
Instagram handle: @livhawkinss
Age: 27
Job: Ring girl and actress
From: Brighton
Olivia revealed that she has never been in a serious relationship before, and she think she can find the one on Love Island! She revealed: "I feel like now I’m really ready to settle down and hopefully find the love of my life."
The self-professed "confident, bubble" Islander thinks she'll bring "fun, vibes" and "maybe a little bit of drama" to the villa – interesting!
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Shaq Muhammad
Instagram handle: @shq24s_
Age: 24
Job: Airport security officer
From: London
Shaq is heading to Love Island because he 'hasn't had the best luck with previous relationships' and is hoping to come out 'with my future wife'.
He admits he 'wears his heart on his sleeve' and 'falls very hard, very fast'.
The 24-year-old spilled before heading into the villa: "Every time I watch Dear John I cry. That’s my favourite film. Any time I’m with someone and they say, ‘Let’s watch a romantic film’, I’m like, ‘How about Dear John, how does that sound?’"
Tanyel Revan
Instagram handle: @tanyelrevan
Age: 26
Job: Hair stylist
From: North London
Tanyel is a hair stylist from North London. Before heading into the villa she said she'd bring her 'energy and confidence' to the island and she certainly did.
After a brief romance with Kai and a BFF-ship with Ron, Tanyel was dumped after she was left single in week four.
Will Young
Instagram handle: @farmer_will_
TikTok: farmerwill_
Age: 23
Job: Farmer
From: Buckinghamshire
Will, aka 'Farmer Will' from TikTok, is heading into the Love Island villa in South Africa!
The 23-year-old is ditching the cold countryside for some much-needed sunshine and the chance to find romance.
He said before heading to the villa: "Love Island will give me time away from the farm to solely go out and find love. I think I’m at the time of my life where I’m mature enough to go and find a wife."
Anna-May Robey - dumped
Instagram handle: @annamayrobey
Age: 20
Job: Payroll administrator
From: Swansea
Anna-May said she headed into the villa to find 'someone who makes me laugh', revealing her mum was 'bugging' her to find a boyfriend.
However, Anna-May was dumped from the island in a double-elimination alongside Haris after reaching the bottom six in a public vote.
Aussie bombshells Jessie and Aaron then voted for Haris and Anna-May to leave the villa.
Ron Hall
Instagram handle: @ronhall__
Age: 25
Job: Financial advisor
From: Essex
Ron is heading into the villa with the intention to 'have good times and make memories'.
The financial advisor is blind in one eye after a football injury aged 8. He explained before going into the villa: "I went in for a header and got kicked in the face. I’ve got two different coloured eyes, one blue and one green.
"It’s added to my character, there are so many people that are worse off than me. And if anything, losing something like that makes you realise that. It’s not hindered me in any shape or form. It’s a good conversation starter I must admit."
Lana Jenkins
Instagram handle: @lanajenkinss
Age: 25
Job: Makeup artist
From: Luton
Lana was the third Love Islander to be confirmed for series 9. The 25-year-old admits she 'falls in love quickly' and would happily tell someone she loves them after a week of dating.
As a makeup artist she's worked with 'lots of celebrities' and worked as an extra on TV series Benidorm when she was just 6 years old while her family lived in Spain.
Kai Fagan
Instagram handle: @kaifagan_
Age: 24
Job: Teacher
From: Manchester
Kai is a science and PE teacher from Manchester heading into Love Island because he's 'looking for the right girl'.
When asked to share something not many people know about him, Kai said he's a Jamaican citizen. The 24-year-old also plays semi-professional rugby for Burnage RFC.
Tanya Manhenga
Instagram handle: @talkswithtt_
Age: 23
Job: Student (biomedical science) and influencer
From: Liverpool
Tanya Manhenga is a 22-year-old biomedical student and model from Liverpool and was the first confirmed contestant to be heading on Love Island 2023.
Tanya will join the new South African villa this month, having already built an impressive 14,000 followers on Instagram.
She has also already worked with huge brands including boohoo, Simmi shoes and Ego footwear.
Love Island said on Instagram when they unveiled the model as this year's first singleton: "Biomedical science student Tanya is bringing brains, beauty and big vibes to the villa."
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