Love Island Australia Reveals 2026 Cast: Former NRL Player, Beauty Queen and Ex-Prime Minister’s Son Join Line-Up Amid AI Controversy

Love Island Australia has revealed its 2026 contestants, introducing a cast of athletes, models, entrepreneurs and outspoken singles as the reality dating series faces criticism over its use of artificial intelligence in a promotional campaign.

The new season features 14 contestants hoping to find romance, with a former NRL player, an ex-professional footballer, a former Miss New Zealand and the son of a former Prime Minister of Tonga among those preparing to enter the villa.

The line-up also includes an Adelaide socialite reportedly known for spending $70,000 of her inheritance in just six months, a Sydney chiropractor whose TikTok videos have attracted controversy, and a Gold Coast fitness coach with a past relationship involving a former Love Island contestant.

In a significant change for the Channel Nine production, the Islanders will head to Fiji, staying in the villa previously used for the American version of the franchise.

With contestants bringing contrasting personalities, complicated relationship histories and high expectations for their future partners, the new season promises plenty of potential for romantic twists and disagreements.

However, the cast announcement arrives at a difficult moment for the show, following a backlash over Nine’s decision to incorporate AI-generated imagery into a promotional video featuring Love Island USA host Ariana Madix and Australian presenter Sophie Monk.

Meet the Love Island Australia 2026 contestants

Phoebe, 23 | Adelaide and London

Occupation: Currently unemployed

Adelaide socialite Phoebe is entering the villa after growing up accustomed to an affluent lifestyle. The 23-year-old attended prestigious private schools before completing a commerce degree.

She has reportedly developed a reputation as a big spender, allegedly using $70,000 from an inheritance left by her grandmother over a six-month period.

Phoebe currently divides her time between Adelaide and London and is hoping the reality dating show will help her find a lasting connection.

Despite her glamorous background, she describes herself as a hopeless romantic. She also acknowledges that she tends to develop strong feelings for men quickly, a habit that could make the villa’s unpredictable dating environment particularly challenging.

Sammi, 23 | Whangārei, New Zealand

Occupation: Model and content creator

Former Miss New Zealand Sammi arrives with an international pageant background and hopes of finding the right partner.

Raised in South Africa before moving to New Zealand, the 23-year-old has spent the past year travelling around the world following her pageant success. She reportedly defeated 170 other contestants to win the title.

Despite her achievements and previous romantic encounters with several All Blacks rugby players, Sammi says her love life has been relatively quiet.

She claims she has not kissed anyone in almost two years, while her last serious relationship lasted three years.

Now ready to find love again, the model is looking for someone who wants a meaningful relationship rather than a short-lived romance.

Shawnee, 27 | Gold Coast, Queensland

Occupation: Online fitness coach

Gold Coast fitness coach Shawnee is hoping to leave a turbulent chapter of her romantic life behind when she enters the villa.

The 27-year-old personal trainer operates a successful online coaching business and is familiar with the attention that comes with maintaining a social media presence. Her own relationships, however, have proved more complicated.

She has recently emerged from an on-again, off-again relationship with a former Love Island contestant and is now looking for something more stable.

Shawnee describes herself as outspoken and admits she can reveal too much about her personal life. She also finds it difficult to hide her emotions when something upsets her.

Her direct approach and willingness to confront uncomfortable situations could make her a memorable presence in the villa.

Amanda, 26 | Sydney, New South Wales

Occupation: Jeweller and model

Sydney-based Amanda is looking for a partner who can keep pace with her ambition, confidence and expectations.

The 26-year-old has an academic background and considers herself intelligent, persuasive and emotionally aware. Following the end of her previous relationship, she has undergone a personal transformation and says she is entering the villa with renewed confidence.

Amanda is clear about the qualities she wants in a man. She is attracted to tall, dark-featured men with tattoos, particularly those who are emotionally mature and comfortable expressing affection.

She also expects a potential partner to communicate his intentions clearly. Men who appear uninterested or emotionally unavailable are unlikely to hold her attention for long.

For Amanda, attraction matters, but so does finding someone prepared to make a genuine commitment.

Layla, 22 | Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Occupation: Pilates instructor

Canberra Pilates instructor Layla is hoping that her time on Love Island Australia will help her move beyond a painful breakup.

The confident 22-year-old has described herself as one of the most attractive women in Canberra. However, her romantic history has included its share of disappointment, with two serious relationships and several complicated romantic entanglements behind her.

Her most recent breakup was particularly difficult. According to reports, her boyfriend ended their relationship just one week before the pair were due to travel to Europe together.

He then went ahead with the trip without her.

Layla is now looking for a fresh start and an opportunity to meet someone who can offer a more dependable relationship.

Natalie, 23 | Gold Coast, Queensland

Occupation: Airline ground crew

Natalie is hoping to find lasting love after becoming frustrated with the dating scene on the Gold Coast.

The 23-year-old works in airline ground crew, a role that involves dealing with frustrated passengers and travel disruptions. The experience has helped her develop a thick skin, although she admits that navigating her own romantic life can be more complicated.

Natalie says she has grown tired of men who seem more concerned with their social media profiles than with building meaningful relationships.

Despite her fiery personality, she describes herself as a hopeless romantic who falls in love quickly.

She has previously had two serious relationships, each lasting three years, and now hopes her next romance will be her last.

Her tendency to wear her heart on her sleeve could leave her particularly exposed when the villa’s romantic complications begin to unfold.

Ava, 24 | Perth, Western Australia

Occupation: Traffic controller

British-born Ava is bringing her Geordie personality to the Australian series after relocating from Newcastle, England, to Perth in search of a sunnier lifestyle.

The 24-year-old now works as a traffic controller and hopes to meet a man who shares her humour and can keep up with her outgoing nature.

While she is looking for someone who makes her laugh, Ava has also made her expectations around loyalty clear.

She says she would not tolerate a boyfriend who continually checks out other women, a boundary that could be tested in a villa where contestants are encouraged to explore different romantic connections before deciding who they want to be with.

Jordan, 24 | Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Occupation: Property investor and Airbnb owner

Jordan is bringing an international background and an established property portfolio to the villa.

The 24-year-old entrepreneur is the son of a former Prime Minister of Tonga and has built a business around premium apartments in the country. His properties are rented to diplomats and other wealthy visitors.

He describes himself as an international landlord and enjoys spending time overseas, reflecting a lifestyle that has taken him beyond Canberra.

His international experiences have extended to his dating life, too. Jordan has joked about having romantic interests in multiple destinations around the world.

Now, the property investor will have the chance to see whether his confident approach to relationships translates into success inside the Love Island villa.

Keanu, 25 | Sydney, New South Wales

Occupation: Tradie and former NRL player

Former rugby league player Keanu is exchanging the football field for the search for romance.

Born in New Zealand, the 25-year-old previously spent time with the North Queensland Cowboys and Newcastle Knights before moving into the trades.

Now based in Sydney, he hopes his athletic build and playful personality will help him stand out among the male contestants.

Keanu is known for his infectious laugh, prominent dimples and mischievous sense of humour. Despite his sporting background, he says he does not take himself too seriously and enjoys making people laugh.

His relaxed attitude and willingness to try new experiences could help him build connections with the other Islanders as he looks for a romantic match.

Zel, 28 | Gold Coast, Queensland

Occupation: Model and former professional footballer

Merizel, better known as Zel, is hoping to find love after injuries brought his professional football ambitions to an end and led him towards modelling.

The 28-year-old previously spent time in the development squad at English club West Ham before continuing his football career in Australia. However, injuries eventually forced him to reconsider his sporting future.

His appearance subsequently attracted the attention of modelling agencies, giving him a new career in front of the camera.

Zel also has a talent for languages and speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish and French.

He was originally expected to appear on the British version of Love Island, but those plans fell through. He will now get his opportunity on the Australian series.

The Gold Coast bachelor hopes to meet a woman who matches his personality while bringing a balance of excitement and stability to a relationship.

Jarrar, 22 | Wollongong, New South Wales

Occupation: Diesel fitter

Wollongong diesel fitter Jarrar is already attracting attention for his resemblance to Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh.

The 22-year-old works as a fly-in, fly-out diesel fitter and says the comparisons have become so common that his workmates have nicknamed him ‘Walshy from Wish’.

With his muscular build, chiselled features and cheeky personality, Jarrar could attract plenty of interest from the female contestants.

Outside work, he enjoys spending time at the gym, riding dirt bikes and socialising with friends. He also admits that he likes being the centre of attention and is often one of the loudest people in a room.

Beneath his playful exterior, Jarrar has already experienced three long-term relationships. He insists he knows what he wants from a partner and is ready to see whether he can find it in the villa.

Lachie, 26 | Sydney, New South Wales

Occupation: Chiropractor

Sydney chiropractor Lachie is expected to make an impression with his muscular physique, designer wardrobe and outspoken views.

Originally from the city’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, the 26-year-old has been single for three years and says he is ready to find a genuine connection.

His social media presence, however, has already attracted attention. Lachie has sparked controversy through TikTok videos in which he shares opinions that have drawn widespread reactions.

Despite criticism, he has stood by his views and acknowledges that he is not afraid of upsetting people.

When it comes to romance, Lachie has a clear physical preference. He is attracted to slim, athletic women who take pride in their appearance and fitness.

Whether his forthright personality helps him find a compatible partner or creates friction among the Islanders remains to be seen.

Oli, 26 | Perth, Western Australia

Occupation: Personal trainer

Perth personal trainer Oli is entering the villa with plenty of confidence.

The muscular 26-year-old has jokingly attributed his dating difficulties to being too tall and too handsome. His romantic history includes relationships with international models and high-profile influencers, suggesting that he has already attracted considerable attention.

Oli has also experienced a moment of viral fame after a revealing photograph taken by his grandmother circulated widely online.

Despite his playboy image, the fitness enthusiast says he wants more than a casual fling. He describes himself as emotionally available and hopes to find a woman with whom he can develop a genuine connection.

His challenge will be turning that desire for something meaningful into a lasting relationship.

Jack, 24 | Gold Coast, Queensland

Occupation: Tradie trainer

Jack hopes his rugged looks and love of the outdoors will help him find a girlfriend during his time on the show.

The 24-year-old works as a trainer for tradesmen, drawing on his background in business and sales to help workers improve their professional image and profitability.

Away from work, he enjoys surfing, boating, camping and four-wheel driving.

His dating history suggests he has received plenty of romantic attention, but Jack insists he is ready to settle down rather than continue pursuing casual relationships.

He is now looking for a long-term partner who shares his adventurous outlook and enjoys the outdoor lifestyle that plays such a large part in his life.