Latest news with #Islanders'
Newsweek
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
What Happened in 'Love Island USA' Last Night? Kisses and Cast Controversy
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The summer heat arrived early on Peacock's Love Island USA Season 7 premiere, which aired on Tuesday with a 40-minute delay, high-stakes drama, and an off-screen scandal that has fans calling for a contestant's removal. The reality dating show kicked off its newest season with a familiar formula—a tropical villa, 10 attractive singles, and immediate chemistry. Host Ariana Madix returned to guide the contestants through a new twist: Islanders were encouraged to "let their lips do the talking" by kissing potential partners before coupling up. Delays and a Steamy Start The cast includes Huda Mustafa, Belle-A Walker, Yulissa Escobar, Chelley Bissainthe and Olandria Carthen for the women, and Nicolas Vansteenberghe, Taylor Williams, Austin Shepard, Ace Greene and Jeremiah Brown for the men. The season kicked off with immediate intimacy, with kisses exchanged before official pairings. This summed up the vibe on the first night of the show's Fiji villa debut. "Love Island USA" Season 7 got off to a steamy start as Islanders coupled up under the Fiji sun in the first episode. "Love Island USA" Season 7 got off to a steamy start as Islanders coupled up under the Fiji sun in the first episode. Ben Symons/Peacock The show's first episode, however, did not start as planned. Peacock announced a "slight delay" via X just one minute after the scheduled 9 p.m. ET airing. Viewers waited nearly 40 minutes, fueling anticipation—and frustration. "40 minute delay is CRAZYYYY," one viewer posted, while another wrote, "I survived the great love island delay of 2025." Love Island USA stars Yulissa Escobar (L) and Ace Greene. Love Island USA stars Yulissa Escobar (L) and Ace Greene. Ben Symons/Peacock What Happened on 'Love Island USA' Episode 1? Despite the bumpy launch, the episode took bold stylistic steps, including an opening musical number and a twist on the usual format. Instead of the traditional coupling, the women kissed two men before choosing their partners, setting off a chain reaction of shifting loyalties and flaring tensions. Newcomers Charlie Georgiou and Cierra Ortega arrived later as bombshells, kissing multiple contestants in secret, further intensifying the dynamics inside the villa. 'Love Island USA' promises unpredictability, with bold twists and high-stakes drama unfolding from day 1. 'Love Island USA' promises unpredictability, with bold twists and high-stakes drama unfolding from day 1. Ben Symons/Peacock Couples quickly formed, including Chelley and Austin, Huda and Jeremiah, and Belle-A with Nic. Early conversations revealed layers of the Islanders' lives, including Huda sharing that she has a young daughter—a moment that brought depth to her connection with Jeremiah and introduced more real-world context into their budding relationship. Meanwhile, Yulissa paired with Ace. The show's evolving format, emotional volatility and sharp production choices suggest a strong season ahead. "Love Island USA is so back," Screen Rant's Cher Thompson wrote. "With interesting matches, intense emotions, and inventive twists... it feels like things can only go up from here." Racial Slur Yulissa Escobar, a contestant who revealed she had just exited a nine-year relationship, became the target of backlash after past podcast clips surfaced where she used a racial slur. In the clips, which Newsweek has not independently verified, she was heard using the N-word while discussing past relationships. Fan outrage erupted online, TMZ reported, with many vowing to vote her off the moment it becomes possible. The uproar also spurred activity on Escobar's social media accounts, with comments being limited and a friend jumping into the fray to defend her, commenting: "lol... y'all act like you never said the N word before, stop being so f****** sensitive." While Escobar has yet to respond to the backlash publicly, the moment cast a shadow over what otherwise began as a flirtatious and energetic season premiere. What Happens Next? In the teaser for Episode 2, Ariana Madix hints at further shakeups, encouraging Islanders to explore connections with contestants they haven't kissed yet. As the game intensifies, viewers are bracing for shifting alliances and inevitable confrontations. "I am not trying to be delusional," contestant Olandria Carthen said in the first episode, "but I am liking what I'm seeing so far."
Indian Express
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Love Island USA Season 7 cast Instagram handles: Meet the new singles, where and when to watch
The Love Island Season 7 cast has officially landed in Fiji, ready to chase summer flings and maybe even fall in love. Peacock's popular dating show, already a global obsession, dropped the cast list on May 29, just days ahead of its June 3 premiere (which got pushed back slightly because of a last-minute tech glitch). The season kicked off with Bravo star Ariana Madix making a show-stopping entrance into the villa. This year, the Islanders aren't just the usual crop of Insta influencers; they range from a cowboy and a barista to entrepreneurs and professional models. While this is just the initial lineup, wild card entrants will be dropping all season long, so if you're the type who likes to be one step ahead, keep your eyes peeled. Since phones are off-limits during filming, all the Islanders' socials are being run by friends and family in the meantime. Here's where you can find them. Also read: Netflix Tudum: Catch the first look of Happy Gilmore 2, Frankenstein, Wake Up Dead Man and more Instagram: @findjeremiah Profession- Los Angeles-based model As a model by profession, he has worked with brands like worked with Adidas and True Religion. Brown's Instagram handle is being managed by his sister while he's away looking for love. Instagram: @yulissaaescobar Profession: Miami-based real estate agent Yulissa works in real estate and hospitality and is looking for love after ending her 9-year relationship. 'I'm glad he broke my heart, because look at me here,' she said. Her best friend is running her social media handles. A post shared by Love Island USA (@loveislandusa) Instagram: @austin_shepard3 Profession: Michigan-based pool boy Shepard, with his sharp jawline and blonde hair, says he 'looks damn good while cleaning a pool.' He's got a social media coordinator running his page during the show. Instagram: @twill.3 Profession: Cowboy from Oklahoma Williams is a cowboy and a model who has worked with big brands like Levi's, Timberland and even the French luxury Louis Vuitton. One can find him on the cover page of Wonderland Magazine in Fall 2024. Instagram: @realacegreene Profession: LA-based DJ, Comedian Greene is a popular social media content creator, a comedian and a DJ by profession. You might've seen him on The Jennifer Hudson Show. His family is handling his social media for now. Instagram: @perksofisabelle Profession: Barista from Honolulu Walker works at a coffee shop run by her family and loves serving good vibes through caffeine. 'You make everybody's day better by handing them coffee all day.' A post shared by Love Island USA (@loveislandusa) Instagram: @x__0lan Profession: A fresh graduate from Houston Olandria just graduated from Tuskegee University in 2022 and has a degree in supply chain management. In her intro, she said, she is the first from her family to go to college. She believes, 'Chivalry is a lost art,' and that's why she's looking for a man who knows how to 'court a lady.' Instagram: @nicolasvans Profession: Florida-based nurse Niolas works as a nurse and a model. He has worked with brands like for brands like Guess. He recently graduated from Florida Atlantic University. Instagram: @hudabubbaaa Profession: Fitness coach from Carolina Mustafa is a single mom who works as a fitness coach. On Love Island, she's looking for someone serious: 'I'm tired of going on stupid dates. Love Island, find me a man!' Instagram: @_slimthin Profession: Astrologer from Orlando, Chelley is a model who is also into astrology. She said in her intro that zodiac signs matter to her when it comes to dating. Love Island Season 7 premiered on Peacock Tuesday night and is airing every night throughout premiere week. After that, episodes will drop Tuesdays through Tuesdays at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET. Missed episodes can be streamed on Hulu on a slightly delayed schedule. Ariana Madix is back, this time not just dropping in. After showing up as a guest last season, the Vanderpump Rules star is now running the show full-time. This season, the villa's set in the dreamy tropics of Fiji, where the Islanders will hustle to stay coupled up and chase that $100,000 prize. Season 6 was a breakout hit, massive numbers, even with the show locked into a U.S.-only platform. At its peak in July, it was the most-watched original streaming series in the U.S., pulling in a jaw-dropping 919 million minutes.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ariana Madix Lets the 'Love Island USA' Cast's 'Lips Do the Talking' in Steamy First Look at Season 7 (Exclusive)
PEOPLE can exclusively premiere the first look at Love Island USA season 7, which sees host Ariana Madix return to the Fiji villa along with 10 brand-new singles Huda Mustafa, Olandria Carthen, Belle-A Walker, Yulissa Escobar, Chelley Bissainthe, Nicolas Vansteenberghe, Taylor Williams, Austin Shepard, Ace Green and Jeremiah Brown will kick off the new season of the hit Peacock dating show In the first look at the premiere episode, which airs June 3 at 9 p.m. ET, things get juicy between the islanders right off the batThe wait is finally over: Love Island USA is back! Season 7 of the hit Peacock series premieres tonight, June 3, and PEOPLE can exclusively reveal the first look at the Islanders' dramatic first night in the villa. The season will kick off with 10 total Islanders, five guys and five girls. Peacock announced the cast on May 29: Huda Mustafa, Olandria Carthen, Belle-A Walker, Yulissa Escobar and Chelley Bissainthe will be the first five girls in the Fiji villa, and are joined by Nicolas Vansteenberghe, Taylor Williams, Austin Shepard, Ace Green and Jeremiah Brown. In the first look teaser, the ladies are the first to arrive at the villa, and they pop a bottle of bubbly right away to get the good vibes going. Host Ariana Madix is next to arrive, and she asks if the girls are "ready to find your man," but Belle-A makes it clear she wants to "have a little fun too." Nicolas and Ace are the first boys to arrive, followed by cowboy Taylor, and then pool boy Austin and Jeremiah. "This can't be real life," Chelley says as the girls' excitement kicks in. Of course, there's a twist right off the bat. "This year, things are going to be a little bit different," Ariana teases. "Time to let your lips do the talking." Before coupling up, the Islanders get the chance to lock lips with any of the boys they've got their eye on, and some feelings are starting to form already. "I am not trying to be delusional," Olandria says. "But I am liking what I'm seeing so far." The kissing doesn't stop with night one, though. The following day, after five initial couples have been formed, Ariana returns to give the group a "chance to make a play for the person you maybe have a thing for, but haven't kissed yet." As one islander puts it, there's some "freak ass s--- going on" already in the Fiji villa. In the cast announcement released last week, all 10 Islanders shared more about themselves. Jeremiah described himself as an "emotional type of guy," as he admitted, "I really don't care if I cry in front of you." Ace called himself a "short king" who has "no problem talking to taller ladies," but will draw the line at being "little spoon." Pool boy Austin touted how "damn good" he looks "while cleaning a pool," and then came cowboy Taylor, who said he's looking for a "city girl" with a "big booty." Finally, daredevil Nicolas said he's "I'm down for anything" and "huge into extreme sports." As for the girls, Chelley admitted that she is going to judge her fellow Islanders based on their Zodiac signs, and Olandria said that "college football" is her "life." Belle-A was excited to share that she loves working in her family's coffee shop, and Huda declared herself ready to find her "lifelong partner." The final girl, Yulissa, revealed that she just got out of a "nine-year relationship," but she was "glad he broke my heart, because look at me here." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Love Island USA season 7 premieres Tuesday, June 3 at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock. Read the original article on People
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
From ‘normalising' surgery & sex talk to catchphrases & big money deals, how 10 years of Love Island has shaped the UK
IN 2015, 12 twentysomething singles walked into a Majorcan villa for the very first time – and viewers fell head over heels for Love Island. The premise was simple: couple up and don't get dumped, to win £50,000. Advertisement Ten years on, psychologist Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley says: 'Love Island rewired the way we think about love, attraction and even language. It normalised enhanced beauty.' With the 12th series kicking off next Monday, here we look at how the show shaped the nation. SKIMPIER SWIMWEAR 10 Antigoni Buxton wears a bikini top upside down Credit: Instagram THE Islanders' clothes — or lack of — made us reassess our own poolside wardrobes. Thongs stole the show in 2018, with contestants including Advertisement READ MORE ON LOVE ISLAND Sales of thong bikinis subsequently soared as the nation got on board. But a family-friendly pool in Lincolnshire banned customers from wearing 'thongs or see-through' garments, dubbing it the 'Love Island effect'. In 2019, Molly-Mae Hague and Sun Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend says: 'At the start of each series I'm hit with a barrage of emails from retailers reading, 'Get the Love Island look' as they all quickly roll out the on-trend swimwear for that year.' Advertisement Most read in News TV MAKE-UP RITUALS 10 Dani Dyer uses a hairdryer to dry her false lashes in 2018 Credit: ITV AS well as putting their love lives under the spotlight, the Islanders revealed their beauty hacks. In 2018, The following summer, Molly-Mae sparked the top-knot trend after she gave a tutorial on how to achieve her trademark hairdo, while in the show's Beach Hut. Advertisement And last year, A TikTok video on the tip has 13.8million views. THE LOVE ISLE LOOK 10 Series two's Malin Andersson has given up Botox Credit: Rex Features BOOB jobs, fillers, Botox — you name it, a Love Island contestant has had it. Advertisement Every summer, fans take to Google to see what islanders looked like before their tweakments, with bombshell Megan Barton-Hanson's transformation one of the most talked about. The 'Love Island Effect' has been blamed for a boom in the number of women — many of them young or even teenagers — seeking cosmetic procedures. One plastic surgeon said that requests for dermal fillers increased twelve-fold after last year's series. Demand for other tweakments at High Street salons is up 31 per cent in five years. However, many former contestants such as Molly-Mae and Advertisement And series two's Malin Andersson, has given up Botox. TOXIC ISLANDERS 10 Adam Collard was accused of 'gaslighting' Rosie Williams Credit: Rex Features THE show has made headlines over the years for demonstrating the problematic and toxic behaviour of both men and women. In 2019, domestic abuse charity Women's Aid accused Adam Collard of 'gaslighting' Advertisement Similarly, in 2022 the charity was 'forced' to speak to ITV after being tagged by viewers in social media posts criticising Contestants have also faced bullying claims. Earlier this year, media watchdog Ofcom received thousands of complaints about All Stars contestant Elma Pazar's 'alleged bullying' of co-star Ekin-Su Culculoglu during an argument. However, the pair were soon shown working through their fall-out before making up. Advertisement THE LINGO 10 'The ick' was made popular by Olivia Attwood Credit: Getty REMEMBER the time when 'muggy' referred to the weather and 'my type on paper' was just a font? The show's catchphrases have left a lasting impression on the English language. 'The ick', made popular by Advertisement Linguist and interpreter Ana Clarke says the show's own lingo has even helped British men drop the stiff upper lip and better express emotions. She said: 'Now we see younger males talking about their feelings. They talk about 'my type on paper', 'being mugged off', 'keeping their options open'. 'They often talk about relationships and use the word 'journey'.' Other terms popularised by the show include 'pied' (to be dumped); 'it is what it is' (that's the situation); 'putting all my eggs in their basket' (focusing on one person); and 'melt' (liking someone so much that you don't mind embarrassing yourself to prove it). Advertisement MENTAL HEALTH 10 Former presenter Caroline Flack's suicide threw ITV into turmoil Credit: Rex SADLY, Love Island has been hit by a number of tragedies, which highlighted how reality TV shows that thrive on conflict and emotions can harm the mental health of contestants. After the suicides of former Islanders Bosses introduced new duty-of-care protocols including pre-show psych-ological and medical assessments, training on social media impacts and ongoing support both during and after the programme aired. Advertisement Following Caroline's shock death early 2020, Love Island and its sponsor JustEat replaced advertising with messages from charity Samaritans. PR expert Nick Ede said: 'ITV understood that they do have a duty of care. They put in place stringent guidelines to really support each of the contestants. 'After Caroline, it was important for them to support their viewers as well.' A STAR IS BORN 10 Ovie Soko poses for Asos after signing a brand deal Advertisement A BEVVY of beauties have found fame on the show — becoming some of the our most talked about and successful celebs. Even the losers have walked away winners thanks to lucrative brand deals or showbiz gigs. Nick Ede says: 'They are kind of relatable. Millions feel they could be with them or be on Love Island.' Season five runner-up Molly-Mae has been the most successful influencer. She has made an estimated £6million from deals with Pretty Little Thing, L'Oreal and Beauty Works. Advertisement She now has a daughter with her Love Island boyfriend boxer Alex and Olivia Bowen have a son and are worth almost £10million, mainly due to sponsored Instagram deals. Maura Higgins has fashion and beauty deals and hosts a US Love Island spin-off. Olivia Attwood makes document-aries and a podcast. Advertisement FASHION FOOTPRINT 10 Dami Hope was in 2022's season eight Credit: ITV CUT-OUT dresses and co-ords and, for men, spray-on jeans were all popularised on the show. The early seasons' contestants were dressed by sponsors including fast-fashion retailers I Saw It First and Missguided, but it soon sparked a backlash. Advertisement In 2022, the show made headlines by announcing it would now dress the Islanders in pre-owned outfits from eBay, to promote more sustainable shopping habits. PR expert Nick Ede said it was a savvy move by ITV to appeal to eco-conscious Gen Z. 'It opened them up to a whole new generation,' says Nick. 'We know younger audiences are more conscious when it comes to clothing.' ONE SIZE FITS ALL 10 Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan became the first black couple to be crowned winners Credit: Rex Advertisement YOU can't deny there is a stereotypical Love Island look. While the show has included contestants such as Tasha Ghouri, who is deaf and wears a cochlear implant, raising awareness around her disability, it has been criticised for failing to include any plus-size contestants. Dating coach Eimear Draper says: 'TV shows such as Love Island are putting a huge amount of pressure on beauty standards. For those who already struggle with self- esteem, this is concerning.' Eimear, founder of Kindling Dating, adds: 'All the women look the same with their bikinis, tanned skin and long, flowing hair. Advertisement 'The Love Island guys likeChris Hughes are all hunks. They are buff. They, too, are tanned and tattooed.' Young blokes have been warned by the group UK Anti-Doping not to resort to performance-enhancing drugs to achieve 'ripped' physiques, Periodically, Love Island has also been accused of tokenism, with often only one or two black contestants each series. Last year, Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan became the first black couple to be crowned winners. LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX 10 Alex Bowen and Zara Holland have sex on TV in series 2 Advertisement IN the early days, the show was a bit of a bonkfest. Ofcom received complaints about one couple getting busy in front of their rival housemates in series two. And Miss Great Britain Zara Holland was stripped of her pageant title after getting it on with Alex Bowen. Series three winners Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies were also at it like rabbits. Advertisement In 2018, producers decided to stop showing sex scenes. Nowadays, you might just get a glimpse of a headboard banging or happy feet under the sheets. But experts reckon the show has, in some ways, sexually empowered women. Therapist Sergio Rebelo says: 'Many women on the show are unafraid to talk about their bodies and sexuality. This can encourage others to discuss their own sexuality.' Case in point: Maura Higgins talking about which of the men gave her 'fanny flutters'. Advertisement Then there's ex-stripper Megan Barton-Hanson, who was on Love Island in 2018 and later paired up with Ann Summers to launch her own range of sex toys.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Footballer known as ‘The Surrey Zidane' set to score on Love Island as race for the villa hots up
The 30-year-old ace will be hoping to score in Majorca as part of Maya Jama's squad own goal Footballer known as 'The Surrey Zidane' set to score on Love Island as race for the villa hots up FOOTBALLER Harry Cooksley is set to bring his fancy footwork to the Love Island villa. The midfielder, 30, is said to be known as The Surrey Zidane by fans of his side, Farnham Town. 3 Harry Cooksley is headed for the Love Island villa Credit: Instagram 3 The 30-year-old footie player is looking for love Credit: Instagram 3 He's got the 'full package' Credit: Instagram The league team, in the South Central Division, welcomed him in summer 2023 after he'd spent time with AFC Wimbledon and Farnborough and he's also known for his goal celebrations. Now the lad will be hoping to score in Majorca as part of Maya Jama's squad. A source said: 'Harry's got the full package - a great, athletic bod and great chat. 'Love Island's ladies love a footballer and The Surrey Zidane will be sure to impress as he plays away. 'Execs are finalising who will be in the OG line-up and who will be a bombshell.' Love Island and ITV has yet to announce any of the cast, but decisions will be made soon about which guys and girls make the opening line-up with the series just days from launch. Harry will be able to enjoy garden workouts with hunky 6'5' Aaron Buckett, who was the first name linked to this series but is likely to join as a bombshell. Stunning Shakira Khan and Sophie Lee, both revealed by The Sun, are in the mix for opening up the show. And earlier today we added gym hunk Tommy Bradley to the pack. They'll be joining Love Island at a great time as the show's 12 series have now been streamed 2 BILLION times on ITVX. Tune in to Decade of Love on ITV2 to catch all your favourite former Islanders' stories over the last 10 years.
