Love Island contestants 2022 captured the attention of millions of viewers across the UK and beyond, turning ordinary young singles into household names almost overnight. The 2022 season, officially Love Island UK Season 8, brought with it romance, heartbreak, drama, and a collection of personalities that became instantly iconic in the show’s long-running history. Premiering on ITV2 in June 2022, this season marked a return to form for the series — fresh faces, unexpected couplings, and record-breaking social media engagement.
What Was Love Island 2022 About?
The 2022 season of Love Island UK aired from June 6 to August 1, 2022, filmed at a brand-new villa in Mallorca, Spain. Presented by Laura Whitmore, the series followed the same beloved format: singles (called Islanders) lived together in isolation while coupling up in hopes of finding love — and winning a £50,000 cash prize.
What made the 2022 series unique was its dynamic cast mix — including fiery personalities like Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, chill charmers like Davide Sanclimenti, and young hopefuls like Gemma Owen, the daughter of football legend Michael Owen. The chemistry, arguments, and unforgettable one-liners (“You’re a liar, actress!”) became viral sensations.
Love Island 2022 Format: How the Show Works
For anyone new to the franchise, here’s a quick step-by-step guide to how Love Island operates:
Initial Coupling: Islanders are paired up based on first impressions.
New Bombshells: Throughout the season, new contestants enter (called bombshells) to shake things up.
Challenges: Couples participate in games and activities testing their compatibility and loyalty.
Recouplings: Contestants can switch partners, leading to tension, heartbreak, or new romances.
Casa Amor: The ultimate loyalty test — half the Islanders move to a new villa with new singles.
Public Voting: Viewers vote for their favorite couples to stay, and the least popular are dumped.
Final: The remaining couples compete for the title of Love Island winners and the £50,000 prize.
This formula made Love Island 2022 one of the most engaging seasons ever — particularly due to its unpredictable twists and the strong personalities that defined it.
Love Island Contestants 2022: Complete List and Profiles
Let’s take a detailed look at every major contestant from Love Island UK 2022, their journey in the villa, and what they’ve been up to as of 2025.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Background:
Ekin-Su, a 27-year-old actress from Essex with Turkish roots, was already known for her appearances in Turkish TV dramas before entering the villa.
In the Villa:
She entered as a bombshell early in the season and instantly shook things up with her fiery attitude and bold romantic moves. Her connection with Davide Sanclimenti became one of the most iconic Love Island relationships ever — full of passion, jealousy, and redemption.
Highlights:
Famous quote: “You’re a liar, actress!”
Won the season alongside Davide.
Known for her glamorous, dramatic persona.
Post-Show Life (2023–2025):
After winning, Ekin-Su signed major brand deals with Oh Polly and BPerfect Cosmetics. She appeared on Dancing on Ice (2023) and launched her own makeup line in 2024. By 2025, she remains one of the most-followed Love Island alumni, though her relationship with Davide ended in 2023.
Davide Sanclimenti
Background:
An Italian businessman from Manchester, Davide was dubbed “the Italian Stallion” by fans.
In the Villa:
He was part of the original lineup and initially coupled with Gemma Owen before settling with Ekin-Su. Their ups and downs defined the season, and their chemistry won over viewers.
Post-Show Life (2023–2025):
Davide launched his own fitness and nutrition brand in 2023 and collaborated with fashion labels. Though he split from Ekin-Su in 2023, he continues to thrive as an influencer and entrepreneur in 2025.
Gemma Owen
Background:
19-year-old Gemma was one of the youngest contestants ever and immediately gained attention as the daughter of football legend Michael Owen.
In the Villa:
She was initially paired with Liam Llewellyn but later found connection with Luca Bish. Calm, mature, and focused, Gemma managed to stay out of most of the drama while remaining a fan favorite.
Post-Show Life (2023–2025):
After finishing as runner-up, Gemma returned to her dressage career and expanded her OG Beachwear brand. By 2025, she’s focusing on business ventures and fashion collaborations. Her relationship with Luca ended in late 2022.
Luca Bish
Background:
A fishmonger from Brighton, Luca’s humor and confidence made him stand out immediately.
In the Villa:
He was loyal to Gemma throughout, though their relationship drew scrutiny for Luca’s possessiveness in later episodes.
Post-Show Life (2023–2025):
After leaving the villa, Luca appeared on talk shows, built a strong social media following, and pursued TV opportunities. In 2025, he remains single and works in influencer marketing.
Indiyah Polack
Background:
Indiyah was a hotel waitress and model from London.
In the Villa:
She began coupled with Ikenna but later paired with Dami Hope — and their relationship blossomed beautifully. The duo’s genuine chemistry made them fan favorites.
Post-Show Life (2023–2025):
Indiyah became a major fashion influencer, securing deals with PrettyLittleThing and Boots UK. She also co-hosted the Love Island: The Morning After podcast. As of 2025, she and Dami are still together, one of the rare Love Island couples that lasted.
Dami Hope
Background:
Dami, a microbiologist from Dublin, was known for his humor and warmth.
In the Villa:
He had a rollercoaster journey, especially during Casa Amor, but ultimately won viewers over by committing to Indiyah.
Post-Show Life (2023–2025):
Now a content creator and podcast personality, Dami works alongside Indiyah on several brand projects. Their relationship remains a symbol of Love Island’s occasional success at creating real love stories.
Tasha Ghouri
Background:
A dancer and model from Thirsk, Tasha made Love Island history as the show’s first deaf contestant, wearing a cochlear implant.
In the Villa:
Tasha’s relationship with Andrew Le Page evolved steadily, overcoming public scrutiny and villa drama to reach the final.
Post-Show Life (2023–2025):
She became an ambassador for Cochlear UK, modeled for L’Oréal and eBay, and advocated for hearing-impaired representation. As of 2025, she’s still with Andrew — making them one of the strongest Love Island couples to date.
Andrew Le Page
Background:
A real estate agent from Guernsey, Andrew’s calm personality balanced the chaos of the villa.
In the Villa:
His relationship with Tasha was initially rocky (remember the “licked her tit or whatever” drama), but they grew stronger over time.
Post-Show Life (2023–2025):
Andrew now works as a property consultant and influencer, often appearing in joint content with Tasha. They live together in London as of 2025.
Paige Thorne
Background:
A Welsh paramedic who became known for her authenticity and kindness.
In the Villa:
She formed an early connection with Jacques O’Neill before he left the villa, then coupled with Adam Collard.
Post-Show Life (2023–2025):
Paige returned to paramedic work part-time while building her fitness and wellness brand. She’s also an advocate for mental health awareness.
Jacques O’Neill
Background:
A rugby player and ex-boyfriend of Gemma Owen, Jacques entered the villa as a bombshell.
In the Villa:
His emotional struggles and departure mid-season left fans sympathizing with him.
Post-Show Life (2023–2025):
Jacques opened up about mental health after leaving the show and became an ambassador for several charities. As of 2025, he’s still involved in sports media and fitness training.
Adam Collard
Background:
Adam was a returning contestant from Love Island 2018 — the first to ever return to the villa.
In the Villa:
His unexpected comeback caused waves. He coupled up with Paige Thorne before leaving together.
Post-Show Life (2023–2025):
Adam returned to personal training and online coaching. He remains a polarizing but popular figure on social media.
Life After Love Island: How the 2022 Cast Changed Reality TV
The 2022 cast reshaped the Love Island brand. Their diversity, authenticity, and entrepreneurial spirit made them role models for a new kind of fame — one based on influence rather than fleeting TV moments. By 2025, several contestants transitioned into long-term success stories across fashion, fitness, podcasting, and mental health advocacy.
Lessons and Practical Tips for Aspiring Reality TV Contestants
Build your personal brand early. The 2022 contestants who succeeded treated Love Island as a launchpad, not an endpoint.
Authenticity wins. Audiences connected most with genuine, imperfect contestants.
Plan post-show projects. Partnerships, businesses, and charities kept the 2022 Islanders relevant.
Protect your mental health. Fame is intense — many contestants now advocate for therapy and support.
Leverage social media wisely. The 2022 season showed that quality content sustains longevity.
Recent Trends in Love Island Culture (2023–2025)
Increased Diversity: The 2022 lineup set a standard for inclusive casting.
Mental Health Focus: Contestants now receive stronger post-show care.
Longer-term Brand Collaborations: Influencers like Indiyah and Tasha turned Love Island fame into sustainable careers.
Podcast and TikTok Fame: 2022 alumni dominate short-form content trends.
Fans Seeking Authenticity: 2025 audiences prefer grounded, relatable contestants over “influencer types.
FAQs
Who won Love Island 2022?
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti won Season 8, capturing the hearts of fans with their fiery chemistry.
Are Ekin-Su and Davide still together in 2025?
No, they split in 2023, but both continue to have successful individual careers.
Which Love Island 2022 couples are still together?
As of 2025, Indiyah Polack & Dami Hope and Tasha Ghouri & Andrew Le Page remain together.
Who is the most successful 2022 contestant now?
Ekin-Su remains the most commercially successful, followed by Gemma Owen and Indiyah Polack.
Where can you watch Love Island 2022 now?
The full season is available on streaming platforms like ITVX and Hulu (depending on region).
Final Thoughts
The Love Island contestants 2022 season redefined reality TV fame. What began as a summer of sun and romance turned into a cultural moment — birthing influencers, business owners, and advocates who continue to shape pop culture in 2025. The mix of authenticity, emotional vulnerability, and strategic branding made this cast truly unforgettable.
From Ekin-Su’s dramatic flair to Indiyah and Dami’s enduring love, the 2022 season proved that Love Island can be more than fleeting entertainment — it’s a reflection of modern relationships, ambition, and the power of connection.
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