The Love Island villa doors officially opened for 2023 this week, with the ITV2 reality hit returning for another winter season.
The premiere episode saw new host Maya Jama welcome the season 9 islanders into Love Island’s South African abode and this year, it was the boys who got to step forward for the incoming girls.
Starting drama from day dot was Olivia Hawkins, the actress and ring girl who decided to steal Kai Fagan from Anna-May Robey when it came to the initial coupling – although the move ultimately backfired when Kai stepped forward for Tanyel Revan and Olivia paired up with the only single boy left: Will Young.
The 29-year-old has crossed paths with a few celebrities throughout her career, revealing that she was previously a body double for Shona McGarty character Whitney on EastEnders.
“That would be a very full circle moment to go on and be one of the characters, even if it was just a drop-in role,” she told RadioTimes.com and other press.
With her penchant for drama, do we have another Ekin-Su on our hands? Here’s everything you need to know about Olivia.
Olivia Hawkins – key facts
Age: 27
Job: Ring girl and actress
Instagram: @livhawkinss
Coupled up with: Will Young
Why did Olivia want to take part in Love Island?
Olivia’s a ring girl, an actress… and ready for something real! 😍 #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/pMn8D6epIP
— Love Island (@LoveIsland) January 9, 2023
Olivia hasn’t had a relationship before, and is hoping that Love Island will give her the chance to find the one.
“I’m 27 and I’ve never been in a relationship so I feel like now I’m really ready to settle down and hopefully find the love of my life,” she says.
She promises to “bring fun” and “vibes” to the villa too.
How old is Olivia on Love Island?
Ring girl and actress Olivia Hawkins is 27 years old, currently making her the oldest contestant in the 2023 cast.
She is by no means the oldest contestant in Love Island history, however, with season 4 runner-up Paul Knops, season 3’s Marcel Somerville and season 1’s Jordan Ring all being 31 whilst on the show.
Is Olivia on Instagram?
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You can follow Olivia on Instagram on @livhawkinss, where the Love Island hopeful has previously shared glammed-up photos from London nights out, envious holiday snaps, as well as behind-the-scenes glimpses from her filming jobs, including a stint as Emma Watson’s stand-in on last year’s Harry Potter reunion show.
While she’s appearing on the dating show, though, she’ll be pausing posts from all her social media accounts.
Although islanders usually hand over their Instagram passwords to a close friend or family member to take on posting duties when they head into the villa, ITV’s new duty of care guidelines ask that contestants “pause handles and accounts on their social media platforms for the duration of their time on the show” to “protect both the Islanders and their families from the adverse effects of social media”.
What is Olivia looking for in a partner?
Olivia hasn’t yet revealed much about her type on paper, but it seems that she’ll need someone who can match her energy and keep up with “a little bit of drama”.
“I’m a very confident, bubbly person,” she adds. Fingers crossed she finds the one.
Love Island continues on ITV2 and ITVX tonight at 9pm. Previous seasons of Love Island are available on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial.
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