Love Island 2021: Start Date, Contestants, Length And Everything Else ...

With last year’s season cancelled, we’ve been left with a Love Island-shaped hole in our lives. But the good news is, the show is back, bringing the heat to our screens this summer!

Last year, fans were treated to a winter edition of the show, before the summer series was pulled due to concerns surrounding coronavirus.

With the 2021 cast for summer confirmed (and most of them in the villa already), here’s everything you need to know about the brand new series of Love Island:

When did Love Island 2021 start and how to watch in the UK

The highly anticipated new series of Love Island started on Monday June 28.

Get personalised updates on Love Island

Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.

Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.

You can tune in to watch the return of the show at 9pm on ITV2 or watch the episode live via the ITV Hub. 

All episodes will be available to watch on catch-up on the ITV Hub once they have aired on TV.

Who are the Love Island 2021 contestants?

Viewers got their first chance to meet the new cast in the opening of the show on June 28, as they coupled up for the first time.

The brand new lineup features a former pageant queen turned lawyer-in-training, a semi-professional footballer and an events host that counts royalty amongst his celebrity clientele.

Sharon Gaffka, 25

Sharon Gaffka was confirmed as the very first islander for this year’s series.

The 25-year-old islander is from Oxford and has conquered beauty pageants, worked on government policies and is now ready to find love.

She is currently paired up with Hugo Hammond.

Aaron Francis, 24

Aaron Francis hails from London and works as a luxury events host, having recently rubbed shoulders with Princess Eugenie and Beatrice.

Explaining what his type on paper is, Aaron shared: ‘I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing – from scientist to anything – you can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. I love that.’

He paired with Shannon Singh in the opening episode.

Liberty Poole, 21

Waitress and marketing student Liberty Poole is from Birmingham.

The 21-year-old is looking for a tall, confident, alpha male, but might be persuaded by a ‘nicer guy that is going to treat me right’.

She is currently paired with Jake.

Hugo Hammond, 24

PE teacher Hugo is the first contestant with a disability to appear on the ITV2 dating show, as the 24-year-old was born with clubfoot and underwent lots of operations when he was a child.

‘You can only really tell when I walk barefoot,’ Hugo said. ‘I’ve got a really short achilles heel. I walk slightly on my tip toes.’

As mentioned, Hugo paired with Sharon following everyone meeting for the first time in the villa.

Shannon Singh, 22

Shannon from Fife is looking for an ‘exciting hunk with personality’.

The 22-year-old model admits she’s a party girl, loves going out and needs to find someone she can have fun with.

Shannon is currently paired with Aaron, even though she didn’t step forward.

Jake Cornish, 24

Water Engineer Jake Cornish is 24-years-old and has ‘always gone for blondes’ but is heading to Love Island to find some ‘good fun’ after splitting with his ex in lockdown.

‘I was in a relationship for seven years and then when lockdown hit, I was single. The opportunity is there, you might as well take it by the horns and go for it,’ he says.

Jake is currently paired with Liberty, the first couple to be paired in this series.

Kaz Kamwi, 26

Kaz Kamwi is a fashion blogger from Essex who is finally ready to be in a relationship: ‘Why not be in a place where people are looking for the same things as me?’ she says.

‘I’m fun, dramatic, spontaneous. Friendly as well. Light-hearted.’

Kaz is currently paired with Toby, and they were the last couple to be paired during the opening of the show.

Brad McClelland, 26

Brad McClelland decided to take part in the new series because he wants to date IRL.

But who’s Brad’s type on paper? The labourer from Northumberland revealed that he’s got a crush on former Love Island star Zara McDermott and Megan Fox. 

Brad paired with Faye, who stepped forward for three different contestants.

Chloe Burrows, 25

Chloe Burrows is looking for a funny and caring man to sweep her off her feet.

The marketing executive from Bicester wants someone she can depend on and not ditch her.

Chloe is yet to make her arrival at the villa, which is sure to stir some early drama in the show.

Toby Aromolaran, 22

Essex lad Toby Aromolaran has never been in a relationship: ‘I thought, “If Love Island can’t find me a relationship then no one can”.’

The sportsman has played football since he was just six and is hoping his optimistic nature will help him secure a partner.

Toby is currently paired with Kaz, the final pairing of the first coupling ceremony.

Faye Winter, 26

Lettings Manager Faye Winter says she likes to bring some ‘Selling Sunset’ style glamour to her job and is looking to meet someone in the villa this summer.

‘In the last year we haven’t been able to experience anything. I’m open to anything. The opportunity came up so why wouldn’t I? I’d love to meet somebody, what better way to meet somebody than in the sun – amazing.’

Where is Love Island 2021 filmed?

Like previous seasons, the show is filmed on the island of Majorca, on a special Covid-secure set.

It is shot at a luxurious villa on the outskirts of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar.

Before shooting began, contestants were flown out and quarantined, with each contestant having their own chaperone to ensure that they were kept separate from the other islanders.

How long will Love Island be on for?

Despite the show airing a little later than expected this year, Love Island 2021 is still expected to run for the full eight week period as usual.

A source told the MailOnline: ‘Crew members are scheduled to fly out to Majorca on June 20 – with the series expected to launch a week later. The delayed launch date will not have an impact on the length of the series, with the show still running for a duration of eight weeks.’

Who hosts and narrates Love Island?

Love Island is hosted and narrated by the same dynamic duo who fronted the 2020 winter season – Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling.

Comedian Iain has been the voice of Love Island since the show re-launched in 2015, whilst Laura took over from the late Caroline Flack as the show’s on-screen host last year.

The Love Island presenting pair are also a couple in real life and have not only tied-the-knot since the last season of the show, but have also welcomed their first child together during lockdown – a baby girl.

How much do Love Island contestants get paid?

Previous reports have suggested that while the cast of the show do get paid while they’re in the villa, it’s not a huge amount.

The money that contestants get is to cover rent, bills, and other essential costs while they are on the show instead of an actual fee for appearing in the series.

According to reports previous contestants have pocketed about £250 a week for their time – a slight increase on 2018 when they were paid £200 a week.

How to vote on Love Island

You can vote for contestants during Love Island 2021 by downloading the Love Island app for iOS (iOS 9+ or later) or Android (Android 4.4.x or later) on your smartphone. 

When a new vote has been launched on the show – for example, who stays on the island and who goes in or who gets a treat – a new vote event will automatically appear in the app at the bottom of the screen, prompting you to cast a vote.

More Trending

1. 

   Maura Higgins clashes with 'insufferable' Friends star on The Traitors US

   Channel: TV TV January 14, 2026 By Milo Pope
2. Molly-Mae Hague's net worth soars to £20,000,000 after signing major Adidas deal
3. Love Island contestant arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and stalking
4. Racial bias on The Traitors needs to be addressed at the roundtable

It’s free to vote via the app. Data charges may apply, please check with your network provider for details.

Who won Love Island last year?

Last year’s summer season of Love Island was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the 2020 season of the show that did go ahead – the Love Island winter series – was won by Paige Turley and Finley Tapp.

A year and a half after being crowned winners of the first-ever winter series in South Africa, Paige and Finley are still an item and now live together in Manchester.

• 

  Claudia Winkleman's Traitors shoes are a huge 2026 trend – and here's where to shop them

• 

  Craving sun, city streets or theme parks holdays? This £99 mystery deal has it all

• 

  This easy concealer trick transformed how my makeup looks and lasts all day

• 

  Tour Emily in Paris Season 6 Rome hotspots with a getaway from just £79pp

• 

  11 of the best expert-approved running shoes to buy now

Love Island is on ITV2 and ITV Hub weekday and Sunday nights from 9pm.

Arrow MORE: Love Island 2021: Laura Whitmore wants to do ‘Caroline Flack proud’ as she shares important reminder to fans

Arrow MORE: Which Love Island couples are still together?

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

TV Newsletter

Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.

Show Expand Options ?

Select your shows for TV news tailored to you Close

Select All Select All Big Brother Big Brother Britain's Got Talent Britain's Got Talent Celebrity Big Brother Celebrity Big Brother Doctor Who Doctor Who Great British Bake Off Great British Bake Off I'm A Celeb I'm A Celeb Love Island Love Island Netflix Netflix Strictly Come Dancing Strictly Come Dancing The Apprentice The Apprentice The Traitors The Traitors Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign Up

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

HomedividerEntertainmentdividerTV Related topics

• Aaron Francis
• Brad McClelland
• Chloe Burrows
• Faye Winter
• Hugo Hammond
• Iain Stirling
• Jake Cornish
• Kaz Kamwi
• Laura Whitmore
• Liberty Poole
• Love Island
• Paige Turley
• Shannon Singh
• Sharon Gaffka
• Toby Aromolaran

Love Island contestant arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and stalking

Channel: TV TV 6 days ago By Danni Scott

Maura Higgins clashes with 'insufferable' Friends star on The Traitors US

Channel: TV TV January 14, 2026 By Milo Pope

Must Read

Rachel's fatal mistake on The Traitors could ruin the finale

Channel: TV TV 2 days ago By Rebecca Cook Play Video

Director behind Three Identical Strangers reveals next scandal she's uncovered

Channel: TV TV 3 days ago By Asyia Iftikhar

This gut-punch Traitors moment had me in tears

Channel: TV TV 2 days ago By Adam Miller Play Video

Ryan Murphy's offensive new TV show is nearly unwatchable

Channel: TV TV 2 days ago By Rebecca Cook Play Video

Doctor Who star John Barrowman criticised after sharing tearful video with dead dog

Channel: TV TV 4 days ago By Rebecca Cook

A new series of The Traitors is dropping on the BBC in a few days

Channel: TV TV 8 hours ago By Robert Oliver

Love Island contestant arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and stalking

Channel: TV TV 6 days ago By Danni Scott

Emilia Clarke 'broke a rib filming sex scenes with three men for hours'

Channel: TV TV 4 days ago By Rebecca Cook

The Masked Singer reveals Gargoyle's identity in latest bonkers elimination

Channel: TV TV 6 days ago By Emily Bashforth

Who won the previous series of The Traitors - and what did they do with the money?

Channel: TV TV 8 hours ago By Milo Pope

Trending Now

Read more storiesRead more stories

1. 

   Victoria and David Beckham reflect on ‘great memories’ with Brooklyn after his takedown

   Channel: Showbiz Showbiz 3 hours ago By Emily Bashforth
2. Who is Katie Price's new fiancé? Everything we know about Lee Andrews
3. 'We won The Traitors - but had to apologise to these three players'
4. Katie Price announces shock ninth engagement weeks after 'split from JJ Slater'
5. WWE Saturday Night's Main Event 2026 UK start time for free YouTube live stream

Metro Shorts

metro deals

more offersmore offers Bannatyne SpaSpa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco — save up to 57% off. Mystery EscapeHotel stay with return flights from as low as £92pp — save on worldwide holiday packages. Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights — save up to 58%. UK Getaway4* Radisson Blu Durham stay with breakfast, spa access & late checkout — save 60% off. Drive Supercars 3–12 lap supercar driving experiences from £16.99 — save up to 65%.