By Katie Rosseinsky

Published: Tuesday, 17 January 2023 at 12:00 am


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