Love Island Winter 2023: Looking back at Geordie stars of yesteryear from heartbreakers to fan favourites

Love Island will be returning to our screens sooner than expected with the second winter series of the show. The popular ITV dating show will be filmed in a luxurious villa in South Africa in January. Although not officially confirmed, it will reportedly begin on January 16.

The upcoming winter series will be the first time Maya Jama will be presenting, after being announced as the new presenter in October of this year. This came after Laura Whitmore stepped down from the role, after three series.

Each Love Island series has had at least one person from Newcastle take part, and we are hoping that the new series will bring some Geordie personalities to our screens once again.

As we patiently await the revealing of the 2023 winter cast, let’s take a trip down memory lane to remember all of the previous Geordie contestants, how they did in the show and what they are up to now.

Chris Williamson

Chris Williamson took part in the very first series of Love Island. He was coupled up with three girls in the show, Danielle Pyne, Lauren Richardson and Zoe Basia Brown, but was sadly dumped (which means he left the show) on day 19.

Chris is now a podcaster, YouTuber and club promoter. He hosts his own podcast named Modern Wisdom.

Sophie Gradon

Sophie Gradon took part in the second series of Love Island. The former Miss Newcastle and Miss Great Britain, found love with Tom Powell on the show. However, after the relationship didn’t work out, Sophie became the first ever contestant to couple up with same sex - contestant Katie Salmon. Sophie decided to walk from the show on day 29.

Sadly, Sophie passed away in 2018 at the age of 32.

Alex Beattie

Although fairly quiet, Alex Beattie - who took part in the third series, was very popular due to his sweet nature. A late arrival, he soon coupled up with Montana Brown and remained with her until he was dumped on day 50.

Alex now works as both a model and personal trainer.

Adam Collard

In series four, we were introduced to Adam Collard. Adam coupled up with Rosie Williams, Zara McDermott and Darylle Sargeant during his time on the show before being dumped on day 33. During his Love Island stint, Adam gathered negative attention for his treatment of women, with Women’s Aid issuing a statement about his behaviour.

Adam returned to Love Island for the most recent series, coupling up with Paige Thorne. The pair were dumped just before the finale. They stayed together for a short while after the villa, before splitting up amid cheating allegations. Outside of Love Island, Adam works as a personal trainer.

Ellie Brown

Ellie Brown was a late arrival in series four, and coupled up with doctor Alex George. However, her head was soon turned and she coupled up with Charlie Braker before being dumped on day 43. Ellie and Charlie stayed together for a short while, before breaking up.

Ellie has recently announced that she will be hosting a podcast named The Blonde Diaries, with fellow Love Island contestant Mary Bedford.

Amber Gill

Amber Gill had a bit of a wild ride on the fifth series of Love Island. She originally coupled up with Callum McLeod, then Anton Danyluk before she eventually found a connection with Michael Griffiths. Sadly, Michael broke her heart. She eventually went on to win the show, with late arrival Greg O’Shea.

Since the show, Amber has gone on to appear on Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, and has written and published her own fiction book.

Harley Brash

Harley Brash was a late arrival in series five, and coupled with Chris Taylor. Sadly her time in the villa was brief as she was dumped on day 52.

Harley is currently working as an influencer, using her Instagram platform to promote fashion products.

Rebecca Gormley

Another Miss Newcastle winner, Rebecca Gormley had one of the most explosive entrances to the villa, as she arrived during the iconic dancing challenge in the first winter series. During her time in the villa, she coupled up with Luke Trotman, Wallace Wilson and Jordan Waobikeze. She was dumped on day 30 in a huge quadruple dumping.

Rebecca is working as an influencer, however she recently took part in a property investment academy.

Lillie Haynes

Lillie Haynes took part in the seventh series of Love Island. As a Casa Amor girl, Lillie won over Liam Reardon who was coupled up with Millie Court in the main villa. However, Liam chose to return to Millie, and Lillie was dumped, but not before she made sure Lillie was aware of Liam’s behaviour in Casa Amor.

Lillie splits her time between Newcastle and Abu Dhabi. She is an Instagram influencer.

Jazmine Nichol

Lastly, Jazmine Nichol who was a Casa Amor girl from the most recent Love Island series. She sadly did not find love in the villa, and was dumped.

Jazmine works as a model and influencer.

Celebrity Love Island

If you can cast your mind to 2005, you may remember the celebrity version of Love Island. The original concept made way for the popular show we know today. The first ever series was won by Jayne Middlemiss and Fran Cosgrove. Top of the Pops presenter Jayne is a Geordie - hailing from Northumberland.

The second series did not include any Geordie’s. However, it was won by Bianca Gascoigne and Calum Best. Bianca’s father is Paul Gascoigne (also known as Gazza), a Geordie former footballer.