With a brand-new villa and Laura Whitmore taking over from Caroline Flack as the host, the most addictive reality show on TV is heading back to our screens.

From wealthy property heirs to troublesome twins, the new series is sure to provide the essential juicy drama needed to brighten up dreary January.

Here are the 12 new contestants hoping to find love in the villa.

 

Nas Majeed, 23, builder from London

Nas’ Instagram: @nas_jm

Bulky builder Nas describes himself as a “jack of all trades, master of none”.

The sports science graduate reckons he’s unlike any of the previous male contestants on Love Island, citing his humour and considerate nature as evidence…

If things are to go awry in the villa, as they often do, the fellow islanders shouldn’t expect sincerity from Nas, who states his worst habit is laughing in awkward situations.

As for how he’s going to approach romance in the villa, Nas says: “I will always put my cards on the table and then it’s for the girl to decide”.

 

 

 

 

 

Shaughna Phillips, 25, democratic services officer from London

Shaughna’s Instagram: @shaughnaphillips

Shaughna admits she’s a huge politics nerd and is looking for someone she can watch the news with and have a thought-provoking conversation after, but crucially not someone smarter that her: “I’d get really annoyed,” she admits.

The democratic services officer from South London says former Love Island winner Jack Fincham is her celebrity crush, and if she found a connection with someone in the villa, she wouldn’t be afraid to mark her territory.

Having been hurt by cheating in the past, any boys with a history of infidelity will be a huge red flag for Shaughna, who claims she is ultimately a relationship girl.

                                                                                                              

 

 

Callum Jones, 23, scaffolder from Manchester

Callum’s Instagram: @_callum_jones

Often the most compelling relationships within the villa are the bromances that emerge between the men, think Curtis and Tommy, Chris and Kem. Northern lad Callum reckons his builder’s banter and reputation as a cheeky chappy makes him the ideal personality for Love Island.

With a penchant for Thai cuisine, Callum hopes his ability to cook up a storm will impress the ladies. 

As for his dream first date, Callum’s idea of a sunset-lit river cruise and beach dinner suggests he’s a hopeless romantic at heart.

 

 

 

 

 

Eve and Jess Gale, 20, students and VIP hostesses in London        

Eve’s Instagram: @evegale​​
Jess’s Instagram: @jessicarosegale

For the first time in UK Love Island’s history, the villa will be graced with a pair of identical twins who will no doubt generate confusion and drama.

Students by day, VIP hostesses by night, Eve and Jess believe their spontaneity and confidence make them the perfect Love Islanders.

While they share the same genes, there’s no chance they’ll be sharing a man, with Jess stating: “We’ve got so much respect for each other we’re not going to argue over a boy!”.

Having said that, with both having a crush on heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua it’s fair to say they have similar tastes in men.

 

 

 

Siânnise Fudge, 25, beauty consultant from Bristol

Siânnise’s Instagram: @siannisefudge

Back in Bristol Siânnise’s friends call her ‘Princess Jasmine’, and she’s entering the villa looking for her own tall, dark and handsome Aladdin.

With a surname like ‘Fudge’, Siânnise has seen her fair share of terrible sweet-flavoured pick-up lines which, unless they’re coming from Anthony Joshua or a 90s Leonardo DiCaprio look-alikes, aren’t going to impress her.

The beauty consultant isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers during her time in the villa, stating, “If I see something I want, I’m not afraid to go for it […] I’m up for a challenge!”

 

 

 

 

 

Connor Durman, 25, coffee bean salesman from Brighton

Connor’s Instagram: @connordurman

If anyone wants to wake up to a romantic morning coffee, they’re going to want the island’s resident “Mr Bean” on the job.

Coffee connoisseur Connor from Brighton admits that beneath the bulging muscles and tattoos he’s a “soppy person who falls in love easily”.

Having lived in Australia for four years, Connor feels like he’s matured and is now ready to settle down into a serious relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sophie Piper, 21, medical PA from Essex

Sophie’s Instagram: @sophpiper_

Hopeless romantic Sophie is hoping to find her fairy tale “happily ever after” over in South Africa; the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale in particular, as the 21-year-old claims her worst habit is excessive napping.

Describing herself in three words, she says: “I’m kind, fun and energetic…when I get eight hours of sleep”.

The medical PA is no stranger to the world of television as her famous sister, presenter Rochelle Humes, is quickly becoming one of the most prevalent faces in the biz.

As for her search for love, Sophie hopes she won’t experience any cringeworthy moments: “I love banter but hate it when someone tries to be funny and they’re not”.

 

 

 

 

Leanne Amaning, 22, customer service advisor from London

Leanne’s Instagram: @leanneamaning

As the self-confessed “Beyoncé of Waltham Forest”, Leanne says the song that most sums up her life is her namesake’s hit Single Ladies.

However, upon entering the villa Leanne pledges to change her singleton ways and open herself up to finding someone special.

As for what she’s looking for in a potential partner, she wants someone who is “rugged and manly, not sensitive, boring or rude”.

 

 

 

 

 

Paige Turley, 22, singer from West Lothian

Paige’s Instagram: @turley_paige

Not many people can claim they inspired one of the year’s longest running number one singles. Allegedly the Scottish singer is the subject of her Lewis Capaldi’s heartbroken ballad Someone You Loved, who happens to be her ex. As a result, it’s going to take a lot to impress this blonde bombshell.

At just 14 years old, Paige made it through to the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent, where she sang Birdy’s Skinny Love. Eight years on, however, if she had to describe her dating life with a song she’d use ACDC’s song Highway to Hell, she says, “My dates don’t know what they’re letting themselves in for!”

Having grown up in rural West Lothian, Paige is looking to break free of the small village mentality and find someone different. Her ideal man must be able to handle a bit of banter and be quick-witted with a strong personality, and a cockney accent would be the cherry on top.

 

 

Mike Boateng, 24, police officer from London

Mike’s Instagram: @michaelboateng01

It’s cuffing season for police officer Mike, who is looking to find his ambitious and charismatic ideal woman inside the villa.

With a new year’s resolution to find a serious relationship, Mike will have to keep his wandering eye under control. He’s willing to step on a few toes and burn a few bridges to find love.

Revealing his celebrity crushes are Beyoncé and Rihanna, Mike hopes his voice impressions of Barack Obama and Drake will entertain his fellow islanders.

With the help of the three C’s: confidence, charm and charisma, Mike aims to find a girl he can truly connect with.

 

 

 

Ollie Williams, 23, heir to the Lanhydrock estate

Ollie’s Instagram: @olliesjwilliams

With next-door neighbours as famous as Prince Charles and Camilla, it’s fair to suggest that wealthy landowner Ollie isn’t just entering the villa for the £50k prize.

The future Lord claims he’s an alpha male who commands any room he enters, and throws parties like Cornwall’s answer to Gatsby, except with better fireworks.

As for pick-up lines, he’s confident he merely has to state that he owns Polzeath beach in Cornwall: “That’s it. Chat up line, done”.