Love Island: All-Stars is back, and its 2025 cast is raising eyebrows and anticipation, especially with the much-publicized return of exes Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville. Just under eight years after they made headlines during their tumultuous relationship on the popular reality show, the duo is set to reunite under the sunny skies of South Africa, possibly reigniting old flames and perhaps unresolved tension. The show is set to premiere on January 13, 2025.
Gabby and Marcel, who met during the third season of Love Island in 2017, initially captured viewers’ hearts but faced heartbreak when Marcel confessed to cheating on Gabby during a romantic trip to Mexico shortly after their departure from the villa. The couple split less than one year later, and both have since faced their own challenges and heartbreaks outside of their initial Love Island fame.
At the time, Gabby expressed her feelings via social media, saying, “Thank you to everyone for your kind messages, love, and support. It’s been tough... I think I might still be in shock. But I’m sure, in time, I’ll be okay.” Marcel, reflecting on his mistake, admitted, “I’m upset. I’m sad... I do love her and I do miss her, but there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Fast forward to 2025, and both contestants look hopeful about their second chance at love, or at least the opportunity to revisit what was left unresolved. Gabby noted her motivation for returning, explaining, “Because it’s the trenches out there! I feel like I have all my ducks in a row... but I just haven’t found ‘the one’ yet.”
Marcel, now 39 years old, echoed sentiments of reflection and opportunity. “I thought I’d completed love and found my happily ever after—but the universe had a different plan,” he quipped. He’s entering the villa again, saying, “Somehow every time my life’s at a crossroads, I’ve got the opportunity to do Love Island. So I thought, why not?”
But Gabby and Marcel aren’t alone. The show has gathered some of the most memorable contestants from previous seasons to bring fresh dynamics to the villa. Curtis Pritchard from season five, Kaz Crossley from season four, Scott Thomas from season two, and many more aim to relive their reality TV dreams and perhaps find lasting love.
Curtis reflects on the transformations he’s undergone since his initial experience, stating, “I feel like I’m now, who I thought I was then. I’m confident in who I am as a person... So, I thought let’s give it another go.”
Meanwhile, Kaz Crossley voiced her excitement about mingling with faces from previous years. “I’m really excited... It’ll be nice to mingle with people from different series,” she said. These sentiments resonate across the cast, each participant expressing their hopes for finding love under the unique circumstances the Love Island format provides.
On the other hand, Scott Thomas is ready to tackle new challenges head-on, acknowledging how much he’s grown since the show five years ago. “It might sound cheesy, but I’m ready to settle down... Where else would be more perfect than Love Island?” he explained, drawing from personal experiences and his family’s influences to guide his expectations.
Returning Islanders, like Nas Majeed from season six, share similar aspirations, as he reminisces about his time on the show. “It feels like a full circle moment. I’m hoping Love Island can come through again and make it everlasting,” Nas stated, hoping for new beginnings.
Another familiar face, India Reynolds, who hasn’t found success outside of the villa for over two years, emphasized her readiness for lasting love. “I don’t put any effort to dating and I don’t really like meeting people from apps... so I’m looking forward to getting to know people in the Villa,” she remarked, stressing her desire to take this serious social experiment seriously this time around.
The anxieties and aspirations aren’t unique to any one contestant. Marcel’s previous marriage with Rebecca Vieira ended amid accusations of infidelity, adding layers of complexity as he reenters the villa. Despite past tumult, Marcel shows optimism, thinking aloud about the possibilities of re-discovering love. “I feel like maybe I need to take some advice when itcomes to love this time round as well,” he shared, tapping back to his former role as ‘Dr. Marcel’ during his season.
For viewers familiar with the show, the anticipation grows as Love Island: All-Stars 2025 promises both nostalgic moments and unpredictable twists, reigniting the love stories and public memories of past contestants. With the combination of cherished figures from various series, each participant bears their own hope for rekindled romance, interspersed with the familiar reality TV drama fans have come to expect.
For now, all eyes will be on the villa come January 13, as the reunited cast embarks on this new chapter. Will Gabby and Marcel find closure or spark new flames? Only time will tell. The excitement surrounding Love Island’s unique format continues, with captivating personalities ready to embrace whatever the challenge may bring.