Love Island fans have already predicted the winner of the new series, just moments into the first episode. The ITV2 show returned with a dramatic new format, where contestants had to form couples immediately.
Host Maya Jama asked the Islanders: "Are you gonna play it safe, or will you step outside of your comfort zone for the right person?" As the first six couples formed, viewers took to social media to name their early favourite. One fan wrote: "Omg I love Jasmine, my winner already #loveisland," while another added: "Ladies and gentlemen my winner has arrived. Jasmineeeeeee #LoveIsland." However, others are backing Lola and Angelista.
Jasmine, who previously dated former Arsenal player Hector Bellerin in 2021, said: "I'm open to getting to know everyone. If I like you, I like you, so I'm not put off from dating footballers."
This year, contestant welfare has been a priority for Love Island bosses, following a Panorama documentary titled The Dark Side of Married at First Sight. Executive producer Lewis Evans told The Mirror: "We take welfare very seriously. Love Island is a fixed rig show. It is six weeks long and the Islanders are always being filmed." ITV's director of programme publicity, Ben Webster, added: "Welfare is ever evolving."
Former Islander Gabby Allen shared her early predictions, backing Aidan and Ope. She said: "I think Aidan is going to be a cheeky chap and popular with the ladies. The stand out so far!" Of Ope, she added: "You heard it here first, Ope is going to do well. Player or not. People are going to like him."
