As summer draws to a close and the air turns brisk, the world of reality TV is heating up once again. The Love Island franchise, a perennial favorite for fans of romance, drama, and sun-soaked escapism, is making headlines with a flurry of comebacks, controversies, and new beginnings. With Love Island Games Season 2 set to premiere on September 16, 2025, and the winter edition of Love Island: All Stars already stirring up speculation, this autumn promises to be a whirlwind for both returning contestants and eager viewers.
One of the most talked-about returns is that of Mert Okatan, the Dutch footballer whose competitive streak and gym-honed physique made him a standout on previous seasons. According to the official Love Island USA account, Mert isn’t shy about his ambitions: “I am now here, back to win the game again.” He describes himself as a “born winner” and is quick to point out his strengths, rating his speed at 8 out of 10 and his strength at a perfect 10. “I actually go 4 or 5 times a week to the gym. After that I eat my eggs. I never skip leg day,” he boasts in his video introduction. For Mert, the language barrier is no obstacle when it comes to romance: “If I love a girl, you don’t need language you know. Look each other in the eyes and then it just happens you know what I mean?”
Mert’s competitive edge is no idle claim. He previously won Love Island Netherlands & Belgium season 2 in 2020 with partner Joan Pronk, outlasting 29 other islanders. Though the pair split in 2021, Mert returned for season 3 and finished in third place, cementing his reputation as a formidable contestant. As Love Island Games Season 2 approaches, fans are already speculating about potential romantic pairings and rivalries. Social media is abuzz with predictions—one user quipped, “He’s going to bag Andreina. Good luck Tyrique! Y’all don’t know how vile these Dutch men are.” Another noted, “He’s giving innocence. Kaykay will not see this one now.” Clearly, expectations are sky-high.
But Mert isn’t the only familiar face set for a comeback. The upcoming Love Island: All Stars 2026, the winter version of the show, is poised to reunite some of the franchise’s most memorable personalities for another shot at love. Four contestants are tipped to return: Andrada Pop, Zachariah Noble, Emma Munro, and Millie Court.
Andrada Pop, who made waves in series 12 with her unapologetic attitude and flirtatious approach, has made it clear she’s open to a second chance. “Our verdict: Andra wasn’t one to hold back on the show, so we can expect her to stand up for herself just like she did last time,” noted The Sun. Zachariah Noble, who first entered the villa in 2023 and experienced a high-profile romance with Molly Marsh, is also rumored to return after their recent breakup. “It will have been almost a year since he and Molly split, which will hopefully have given Zachariah some time to get over the break up,” mused a commentator, hinting at unfinished business and possible new connections.
Emma Munro, another series 12 alum, has sparked rumors with a selfie alongside Zachariah, captioned “All Stars?” The chemistry between the two is already the subject of fan theories, with many hoping that their friendship will blossom into something more this time around. And then there’s Millie Court, the 2021 winner whose split from Liam Reardon has left fans speculating about her return to the villa. Her Instagram activity, filled with solo vacation snaps, has only fueled the rumors. “Millie is yet to confirm the speculation that she and Liam have parted ways. That said, she was an amazing bombshell the first time round and would make an excellent Islander second time round,” one verdict read.
Amid the excitement of new seasons and returning stars, not all Love Island alumni have found the transition from villa to real life seamless. Helena Ford, who became a household name during her 2025 stint on the ITV show, recently revealed she’s not welcome back at her former job as an air hostess. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Star at the National Television Awards at London’s O2 Arena, Helena admitted, “I don’t think they will take me back after that roast I did. Plus all the passengers will think, ‘Oh no, I’m going to get roasted now.’ Never say never but I’m not looking to go back at the moment, definitely not.”
Helena’s time in the villa was marked by fiery exchanges and a romance that fizzled out dramatically, making her one of the most talked-about contestants of the year. She paired with Harry Cooksley on the show, but after their split, Harry began dating fellow Islander Shakira Khan. The National Television Awards brought the former couple face-to-face for an awkward encounter. According to The Sun, “Harry and Helena had a short conversation with each other before the after party wrapped. It was clearly uncomfortable for them but Helena attempted to lighten the mood by sharing a joke or two.” Helena herself reflected on her experience, saying, “It’s been mad since leaving the show. I’ve had so many new opportunities and people recognise me everywhere. For me, it’s about moving forwards and seeing where this crazy journey takes me.”
Not all post-villa stories are about career pivots or awkward reunions. Some are about heartbreak and resilience. Yasmin Pettet, a finalist from the latest Love Island series, has returned to social media after rumors swirled about her split from Jamie Rhodes. The couple, who appeared together at the National Television Awards, seemed happy on the red carpet, with Yasmin telling reporters, “I mean, we get to come here, to something like this, together tonight, which is incredible. The whole band is going to be here as well. I think we’re going to have a great time.” Yet by the end of the night, Jamie reportedly told friends she had “f***ed off,” and Yasmin was seen holding hands with The Traitors star Freddie Fraser.
Sources told The Sun that Yasmin and Jamie’s relationship ended just months after they left the villa. Earlier, Yasmin had shared that the couple hadn’t been intimate outside the villa, explaining, “I’ve been going through grief and Jamie will just sit there when I cry on him. I’ve taken a lot of time to process my emotions, so Jamie and I haven’t been intimate yet. He’s so patient. He’s never rushed that, because he knows it will happen at the right time.” Her recent social media post, following a hot pilates session, made no mention of the speculation, but fans were quick to read between the lines.
As the Love Island universe expands with new spin-offs and the return of beloved contestants, the lines between fame, romance, and real life continue to blur. Whether it’s Mert Okatan’s quest for another win, Millie Court’s potential comeback, or Helena Ford’s career crossroads, one thing is certain: the drama, heartache, and hope that make Love Island a cultural phenomenon show no signs of slowing down.
For viewers and former contestants alike, the next chapter is just beginning—and if history is any guide, it will be anything but predictable.
