Love Island 2026 kicks off tonight (June 1) with a bang as host Maya Jama reveals a new twist that will 'rock the villa'. For the first time in the show's history, the hit ITV series begins after sunset, with twelve new singles ready to bring the heat at an exclusive welcome party under the stars.
Islanders and Revelations
After the islanders make their entrances and introduce themselves, viewers will discover that some of the cast have been single their entire lives. One islander can speak four languages, and another gets a mock arrest by a former detective. As they gather around the Sundeck, the highly anticipated arrival of Maya Jama takes place. Walking over to the contestants, she says: 'The night is still young, so who fancies playing a little party game to kick things off?' Maya then quizzes the islanders with a series of questions, leading to plenty of drama and shocking revelations.
The Coupling Process
She then begins the coupling-up process, but this time things are done differently. After a big twist is revealed, Maya asks: 'Are you gonna play it safe, or will you step outside of your comfort zone for the right person?' In true Love Island style, things get interesting from the start, with several islanders vying for the same person. Maya urges them: 'Just remember you are all here to find the one, so don't be shy.' After much consideration, the first six couples are formed, but some are left happier than others. The islanders then have the rest of the evening to get to know each other better. However, in the morning, as they waste no time getting their graft on, Maya arrives outside the villa to reveal a secret twist that will 'completely rock the Villa'.
Villa Revamp
This year, the villa has undergone a multi-million-pound revamp. It is filled with designer goods and more beds than ever before, making room for more bombshells to shake things up. Islanders are excitedly waiting in the wings to enter the villa, where they will be filmed for the next eight weeks and live in very close quarters, which is sure to cause tension among the new singletons. The villa is located in the middle of nowhere, with single-track roads leading up to the front gate, which is guarded by security to keep trespassers out. Upon arrival, the islanders will stride along a wooden walkway through a giant chrome heart to enter their new home, where they will have access to an array of designer clothes and their choice of double bed, which will be shared on the first night with their new partner.
Hideaway and Amenities
Speaking to the Daily Mail from the Mallorca villa, producers Amanda Stavri and Lewis Evans said: 'There are more beds, and with more beds comes more bombshells!' If contestants hit it off and are looking for some alone time away from their fellow islanders – but still very much on camera – they can head to the glamorous hideaway. It has been given a fresh makeover, with baby pink and teal walls, gold accessories, and its own outdoor terrace with a sexy swing and plunge pool, perfect for romantic dates. TV producers will fill the Hideaway wardrobes with sex toys and lingerie, guaranteeing saucy action beneath the sheets.
Love Island has collaborated with eBay again as the series sponsor to fight against fast fashion and provide the contestants with pre-loved clothing. Inside the bright blue dressing room is an impressive wardrobe, with Prada, Dior and Louis Vuitton handbags, as well as stylish heels and trainers. This leads to their beautifying boudoir, where islanders get glam with the help of luxury hairdryers and an endless supply of makeup products.
Garden and Villa History
Elsewhere, the garden has received quite the makeover, with the famous fire pit painted blue for the new series. The rest of the islanders' summer home follows a pink and green theme, with the kitchen and lounging area ready to go. The freezer is already stocked with Solero ice cream, which recently collaborated with host Maya, while the fridge has been stocked with American soft drink brand Poppi. The iconic villa has undergone many changes throughout the years and has always been based in Mallorca. The original Love Island villa, used for the first two series, was situated in Santanyi, Mallorca, and was snapped up by a mystery buyer in March 2022. The subsequent villa, still used for shows, is located in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar on the east coast of the island. The villa underwent huge renovations after filming concluded for the 2022 series, and in 2024 a secret new Hideaway was revealed, which requires 'no invite'. It boasts a 20m swimming pool, plush sun loungers, day beds, and the famous fire pit. There is also the famous terrace where secret chats usually take place, although this year the fencing around it has been made shorter and smaller, making it easier for other islanders to spot what's going on up there. Fans of the show can even book their very own stay at the villa – but it will not come cheap. A one-week holiday would set you back around £5,000, but anyone booking the property will have access to six bedrooms.
Return of Love Island 2026
The dating show returns on Monday, June 1, with a fresh batch of hopeful singles looking to find their type on paper. Maya, who has just finished filming The Celebrity Traitors, will return to host the series, and she has promised viewers there will be even more twists this year. Love Island 2026 airs on Monday, June 1 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Meet the Islanders
- Jasmine, Age: 27, Job: Fashion Business Owner, From: Dubai (lives in London). How do you plan to handle the competition? 'Respectfully, what competition?'
- Aidan, Age: 23, Job: Property Broker, From: Kent. His type on paper: 'I wouldn't say I have a strict type on paper. Personality is the most important thing for me.'
- Lorenzo, Age: 28, Job: Business Owner, From: Hertfordshire. Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal? 'I think drama is fun! As long as no one is crying, all is fair in love and war. It'll be interesting to see what unfolds…'
- Sam, Age: 25, Job: Electrician, From: Dudley. How do you plan to handle the competition? 'I've never really had to compete before, so it'll be interesting. I know what I bring to the table, and I'm confident in what I have to offer.'
- Samraj, Age: 25, Job: Model, From: Birmingham. What's your relationship strategy? Go straight for the goal or play it safe? 'Without sounding arrogant, in the outside world I don't really chase that much, I'm used to girls coming to me.'
- Sean, Age: 25, Job: Primary School Teacher, From: Galway. How do you plan to handle the competition? 'If I see someone I like, I'm going for it and nothing's gonna stop me.'
- Ope, Age: 27, Job: West-End Performer, From: Lincolnshire. How do you handle the competition? 'No one phases me. I'm so confident in my ability to just do my thing. I don't get phased, I don't get impersonated, I don't get threatened.'
- Mica, Age: 21, Job: Student, From: Barbados (lives in London). Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal? 'I'll dabble in both I feel. Obviously the whole point is finding love and that's going to be my main goal. I'm not saying I'm going to start drama but if there is drama going on, I would obviously be a little bit nosey and want to know what's going on.'
- Lola, Age: 28, Job: Detective, From: Kent. If VAR reviewed your flirting game, what foul would earn you a red card? 'I can be a bit of a brat, I get really hangry! If you just feed me, I'll be alright.'
- Angelista, Age: 24, Job: Nurse, From: Staffordshire. What kind of person are you hoping doesn't walk through the villa door? 'Someone who wants to be in everyone's face all the time, centre of attention all the time, that's an ick! Someone that's obnoxious I don't like.'
- Ellie, Age: 24, Job: Real Estate Videographer, From: West Lothian. Her type on paper: 'Simple… tall, dark and handsome. If it's not broken, don't fix it. It's a classic for a reason. Nice teeth, nice tattoos, partial to a blonde as well.'
- Robyn, Age: 21, Job: Quantity Surveyor and DJ, From: Liverpool. In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round? 'I just feel like the right person hasn't come yet. That's the only reason I haven't qualified, not because I can't.'
