Former Love Island star Olivia Hawkins has opened up about the profound life lesson she received from friend and fellow reality TV personality Kerry Katona, as she makes a significant career move into acting with a new film role.
From Reality TV to the Big Screen
Olivia Hawkins, who rose to fame on the 2023 season of Love Island before returning for the All Stars edition in January, is now preparing for her return to acting in the independent British movie Tales From The Trap. The 30-year-old revealed that while filming is already underway, it's the advice from her friend Kerry Katona, 45, that has truly made an impact on her life and career direction.
The pair first met earlier this year while appearing on Celebs Go Dating and quickly formed a close bond. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, Olivia described Kerry as her 'safe place' and explained how their friendship has provided unexpected value beyond their search for love on the dating show.
The Valuable Friendship and Its Lessons
'Kerry is like my safe place. I feel like me and her have the same craic!' Olivia shared with the Daily Mail. 'We were at the Beauty Awards the other day because we presented an award, and she's just so much fun.'
She went on to reveal the crucial advice that has stayed with her: 'She taught me not to be a people pleaser, to stand my ground and be unapologetically myself.' This lesson appears to have come at the perfect time as Olivia transitions from reality television back to her acting roots.
Though she didn't find romantic love on Celebs Go Dating, Olivia emphasised the value of what she did gain from the experience: 'I may not have found love on Celebs Go Dating, but I found a really great friendship.'
Embracing a New Acting Chapter
Olivia is now fully focused on her role in Tales From The Trap, which features an impressive ensemble cast including Danniella Westbrook, producer and actor Terry Stone, Vas Blackwood, Frazer Clarke, Judith Shekoni and newcomer Grime MC Amzzino.
While remaining deliberately vague about her specific character details, she did share: 'I'm playing a woman who is a bit of a honey trap. I know Danniella is playing some kind of gangster granny.'
The film represents a significant departure from her reality TV work, described as a gritty urban drama that explores south London's county lines gang culture, the drill music scene and the violent realities of inner-city life. Producer Terry Stone has called it his boldest project since his iconic crime films.
When questioned about a potential return to Love Island after appearing on both the original show and All Stars, Olivia was definitive about moving on from reality television. 'No, I'd never do it again. I feel like I've completed it, and I'm at a different stage in my life,' she stated clearly.
Instead, she's enthusiastic about showing audiences a different side of her talents: 'I can't wait for fans to see me in Tales From The Trap because I don't feel like they know this side of me. I know I touched base on it, but I've not done anything like this since before Love Island.'
Looking ahead, Olivia confirmed her current focus remains on acting: 'I'm focusing on acting for the moment. I'm not saying it's a no to reality TV but that door is slightly closed for now.'
However, she did admit to one reality show ambition that remains: 'I'd love to do Strictly. It's my dream. Even though I'm a trained actress and dancer, it will be completely different. Like, I wouldn't know what to do with ballroom.'
As 2025 approaches its conclusion, Olivia reflected on her biggest achievements of the year: 'I've bought a house and am picking up my keys in the next few days, finishing 75 Days Hard on Friday (November 28), and filming this (Tales Of The Trap).'
