Summer Love Island 2023: Start date, contestants and where to watch

The beloved reality dating series Love Island is getting ready to make a big return to screens with its summer season.

The winter version saw Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan crowned the winners.

Maya Jama, 28, will be back as the host and, as always, the winning couple will be offered a £50,000 prize.

But when will the highly anticipated series kick off, where will it be based, and who are the contestants?

Here is everything we know.

When does Love Island 2023’s summer season start?

Love Island 2023’s summer season will begin on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Its opening episode starts on ITV2 at 9pm, and will last until 10.35pm.

You can also watch it online via the ITVX streaming platform.

The series will be eight weeks long, with 49 episodes culminating in a live final on Sunday, July 20.

Where will Love Island 2023’s summer season take place?

This year’s summer season is set to take place in the villa in Majorca, which viewers will recognise from the 2022 series.

The six-bed retreat is reported to be worth £2.57 million, with its 20-metre swimming pool, famous fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and more.

The villa will be decked out with tens of cameras so that viewers get to follow the islanders’ lives and love stories without missing out on any of the details.

Who are Love Island 2023’s summer contestants?

According to The Sun, ITV decided on the final cast of this summer’s series and flew them out to the Spanish island.

In mid-April, they revealed: “ITV have already lined up the islanders who will be heading to the show’s villa in Majorca.

“The cast will fly out late next month ready for the show to begin in just eight weeks.”

The initial line-up is as follows:

Molly Marsh

The 24-year-old actress daughter of Coronation Street star Janet Marsh said: “I think it’s ideal timing and the perfect way to find someone.

“I don’t go out and party, and I don’t use dating apps. I’m actually quite old-fashioned, so there’s no better way to meet someone than by going into a villa in the sun with the potential ‘one’ in there.”

Ruchee Gurung

The 24-year-old beautician from Sutton said: “I’m single and looking for love, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to find someone.

“I’m a relationship kind of girl, but so far it’s not worked out for me. I’m looking forward to hopefully finding the right person in the villa.”

Tyrique Hyde

The 24-year-old semi-professional footballer from Essex is deaf in his right ear.

He said: “I’ll bring vibes, confidence, good energy, and honesty. I don’t sit on the fence — if I have an opinion, I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want.”

George Fensom

The 24-year-old from Bedford is a business development executive. He says: “I’m the first person to bring the vibe up, I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants to go out.

“My go-to dance move is what I call the ‘Dad Dance’. I’m gonna bring dad jokes and dad dancing to the villa.”

Catherine Agbaje

The 22-year-old is a commercial real estate agent from Dublin, and is among the youngest in the villa.

She says: “I have two degrees: I have my undergrad and my masters in Psychology and Sociology and Real Estate.”

Mehdi Edno

The 26-year-old is a communications manager who divides his time between Bordeaux and London.

He said he is ready to find the one: “I’ve been busy for the last few years with work and doing my Master’s degree but now I’m done with the busy schedule, and ready to find love.”

Ella Thomas

The 23-year-old model from Glasgow said: “I’m the whole package. I know what I want in life and I’ve got a big heart. I’d let the boys know that I’m wifey material, so don’t play with me!”

She added: “I’ve been in a Headie One and Burna Burna Boy music video and I was once an extra in World War Z. I was 12 years old when I filmed it and got to meet Brad Pitt, which was cool.”

Mitchel Taylor

The 26-year-old gas engineer from Sheffield said: “I thrive on being a gentleman.

“I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates, I’ll fill your bedside drawer with your favourite sweets and chocolate. I’ve been single, I’ve had my fun, and now I want to settle down.”

Jess Harding

The 22-year-old aesthetics practitioner from London said: “I’ve got quite a big personality and I’ve got a heart of gold. I can stand up for myself if I need to. I’m honest, and I love love. I’m also a really good girlfriend.”

She added: “When a guy stunts for money, that’s an ick. Showing off all their designer clothes because most of the time they’re probably fake anyway!”

André Furtado

The 21-year-old economics graduate and clothing entrepreneur said: “I’m charming, I’m going to bring good looks and some language lessons.

“I’m going to teach the other Islanders Portuguese, Spanish, and a little bit of Creole. I think I’ve got every slice of the pie.”

Where can I watch Love Island 2023?

Love Island will air at 9pm on ITV2 and will be available to stream on ITVX.

Episodes will also be available to watch at a later date on ITVX.