Love Island Australia has revealed its glamorous 2026 cast, with the announcement arriving as the reality dating series faces criticism over its use of artificial intelligence.
The 14 hopefuls include professional athletes, Instagram influencers, entrepreneurs and outspoken personalities, all entering the villa in search of romance.
Among the headline names are a former NRL player, an international footballer who moved into modelling, a beauty queen linked to All Blacks stars and the son of a former prime minister.
The line-up also features an Adelaide blonde who reportedly burned through $70,000 of her inheritance in six months, a Sydney chiropractor known for his eye-catching social media posts and a Gold Coast fitness coach who once dated a Love Island contestant.
In a significant change for the Channel Nine dating show, filming will move to Fiji, with the cast taking over the villa previously used by the US version of Love Island.
Given the contestants’ colourful romantic pasts and willingness to speak their minds, the new season appears primed for plenty of drama, tension and confrontation.
Love Island Australia has introduced a fresh group of singles ready to pursue romance in the villa
The cast reveal follows controversy surrounding Love Island Australia’s use of artificial intelligence in a promotional video
Adelaide socialite Phoebe (pictured) is set to bring a taste of high-end living to the villa after being raised in luxury
PHOEBE, 23 – ADELAIDE/LONDON
Occupation: Currently unemployed
Adelaide socialite Phoebe is expected to add a luxurious edge to the villa after growing up surrounded by an indulgent lifestyle.
The 23-year-old blonde was educated at prestigious private schools before earning a commerce degree.
She has also gained a reputation for enjoying an extravagant spending habit.
Phoebe reportedly spent $70,000 from an inheritance left by her grandmother within just six months.
Now dividing her time between Adelaide and London, Phoebe is unemployed and hoping the hit dating show will lead her to love.
The upbeat blonde calls herself a hopeless romantic and says she often develops intense feelings for men at remarkable speed.
Former Miss New Zealand Sammi (pictured) is searching for love after making her mark on the international pageant circuit
Raised in South Africa before moving to New Zealand, the 23-year-old has spent the past year travelling internationally after winning her pageant title
SAMMI, 23 – WHANGĀREI, NEW ZEALAND
Occupation: Model and content creator
Former Miss New Zealand Sammi is hoping to find love after enjoying success on the international beauty pageant circuit.
The 23-year-old, who was raised in South Africa before relocating to New Zealand, has spent the past year travelling the world following her pageant victory.
The model reportedly beat 170 other contestants to claim the crown.
But Sammi admits her romantic life has been surprisingly quiet.
She has previously enjoyed flings with several All Blacks rugby players but claims she hasn’t kissed anyone in almost two years.
Her previous serious relationship lasted three years, and she is now hoping to find a man who is ready for a meaningful commitment.
Gold Coast fitness coach Shawnee (pictured) is hoping to move on from a previous relationship with a former Love Island contestant
SHAWNEE, 27 – GOLD COAST, QLD
Occupation: Online fitness coach
Gold Coast fitness coach Shawnee is hoping to move on from her turbulent romantic past after a failed relationship with a former Love Island contestant.
The 27-year-old personal trainer runs a thriving online coaching business and is no stranger to attracting attention on social media.
However, her love life has been far less successful.
Shawnee recently emerged from an on-again, off-again relationship and is now hoping to find a more stable connection in the villa.
The outspoken brunette admits she has a tendency to overshare and struggles to conceal her emotions, particularly when something has upset her.
Her fiery personality and willingness to speak her mind could make her one of the season’s most entertaining contestants.
Sydney model and jeweller Amanda (pictured) is hoping to find a man who can match her ambition and confidence
AMANDA, 26 – SYDNEY, NSW
Occupation: Jeweller and model
Sydney model and jeweller Amanda is hoping to find a man who can match her ambition and confidence.
The 26-year-old has an academic background and describes herself as intelligent, persuasive and emotionally aware.
Following the breakdown of her previous relationship, Amanda has undergone a personal transformation and is entering the villa feeling more confident than ever.
However, she has made it clear she won’t be settling for just anyone.
Amanda is attracted to tall, tattooed men with dark features who are emotionally mature and aren’t afraid to show affection.
She also expects her partner to make his romantic intentions clear and has little patience for men who appear uninterested or emotionally unavailable.
Canberra Pilates instructor Layla (pictured) is hoping to put a breakup behind her when she enters the villa
LAYLA, 22 – CANBERRA, ACT
Occupation: Pilates instructor
Canberra Pilates instructor Layla is hoping to put a devastating breakup behind her when she enters the villa.
The 22-year-old certainly isn’t lacking in self-confidence and has described herself as one of the capital’s most attractive women.
However, her romantic history has been far from smooth sailing.
Layla has previously enjoyed two serious relationships and several complicated romantic entanglements.
Her most recent relationship ended in particularly brutal circumstances when her boyfriend reportedly dumped her just one week before they were due to travel to Europe together.
Adding insult to injury, he went ahead with the holiday without her.
Gold Coast resident Natalie (pictured) is hoping to find lasting love after becoming disillusioned with the local dating scene
The 23-year-old works as airline ground crew, where dealing with frustrated passengers and travel disruptions has helped her develop a thick skin
NATALIE, 23 – GOLD COAST, QLD
Occupation: Airline ground crew
Gold Coast beauty Natalie is hoping to find lasting love after becoming disillusioned with the local dating scene.
The 23-year-old works as airline ground crew, where dealing with frustrated passengers and travel disruptions has helped her develop a thick skin.
Natalie admits she has grown tired of dating men who are more interested in their social media profiles than pursuing meaningful relationships.
Despite her fiery personality, the brunette describes herself as a hopeless romantic who falls in love quickly.
She has previously enjoyed two serious relationships, both lasting three years, and is now hoping her next romance will be her last.
However, her tendency to wear her heart on her sleeve could make navigating the villa’s inevitable romantic dramas particularly challenging.
British-born beauty Ava (pictured) is bringing her Geordie charm to the Australian villa. She originally hails from Newcastle in England but relocated to Perth in search of a sunnier lifestyle
AVA, 24 – PERTH, WA
Occupation: Traffic controller
British-born beauty Ava is bringing her Geordie charm to the Australian villa.
The 24-year-old originally hails from Newcastle in England but relocated to Perth in search of a sunnier lifestyle.
Now working as a traffic controller, Ava is hoping to find a man who shares her sense of humour and can match her outgoing personality.
However, the brunette has made it clear she won’t tolerate a boyfriend who constantly checks out other women.
Her preference for loyalty could prove challenging in a villa where contestants are encouraged to explore romantic connections with multiple people.
Canberra entrepreneur Jordan (pictured) is bringing an impressive family background and property portfolio to the villa
JORDAN, 24 – CANBERRA, ACT
Occupation: Property investor and Airbnb owner
Canberra entrepreneur Jordan is bringing an impressive family background and property portfolio to the villa.
FIND OUT MORE: Thousands Take to Brussels Streets in Anti-Austerity Protest as Clashes Erupt With Police
The 24-year-old is the son of a former Prime Minister of Tonga and has already established himself as a property investor.
He owns a portfolio of premium apartments in Tonga, which he rents to diplomats and other wealthy visitors.
The well-travelled businessman describes himself as an international landlord and enjoys spending time overseas.
However, his dating history suggests he has also made the most of his international lifestyle.
Jordan has joked about having romantic interests in multiple destinations around the world.
Former rugby league player Keanu (pictured) is swapping the football field for the Love Island villa after pursuing a career in the NRL
KEANU, 25 – SYDNEY, NSW
Occupation: Tradie and former NRL player
Former rugby league player Keanu is swapping the football field for the Love Island villa after pursuing a career in the NRL.
The New Zealand-born 25-year-old previously spent time with the North Queensland Cowboys and Newcastle Knights before turning his attention to working as a tradie.
Now based in Sydney, Keanu is hoping his athletic physique and cheeky personality will impress the female contestants.
The former footballer is known for his infectious laugh, charming dimples and mischievous sense of humour.
Despite his impressive sporting background, Keanu insists he doesn’t take himself too seriously and enjoys making people laugh.
His carefree attitude and willingness to embrace new experiences could make him a popular figure among the Islanders.
Former professional footballer Merizel (pictured), known as Zel, is hoping to find love after moving into modelling
ZEL, 28 – GOLD COAST, QLD
Occupation: Model and former professional footballer
Former professional footballer Merizel, known as Zel, is hoping to score a romantic victory after moving into modelling.
The 28-year-old previously spent time in the development squad at English football club West Ham before continuing his career in Australia.
However, injuries eventually brought his professional sporting ambitions to an end.
His good looks soon caught the attention of modelling agencies, allowing him to establish a new career in front of the camera.
The Gold Coast bachelor also boasts an impressive talent for languages and can speak English, Portuguese, Spanish and French.
Interestingly, Zel was originally expected to appear on the British version of Love Island before those plans fell through.
He is now hoping the Australian series will introduce him to a woman who can match his personality and provide a balance of excitement and stability.
Wollongong tradie Jarrar (pictured) is already turning heads thanks to his striking resemblance to Brisbane Broncos superstar Reece Walsh
The 22-year-old FIFO diesel fitter has become so accustomed to being compared to the rugby league heartthrob that his workmates have affectionately nicknamed him ‘Walshy from Wish’
JARRAR, 22 – WOLLONGONG, NSW
Occupation: Diesel fitter
Wollongong tradie Jarrar is already turning heads thanks to his striking resemblance to Brisbane Broncos superstar Reece Walsh.
The 22-year-old FIFO diesel fitter has become so accustomed to being compared to the rugby league heartthrob that his workmates have affectionately nicknamed him ‘Walshy from Wish’.
With his muscular physique, chiselled features and cheeky personality, Jarrar is expected to attract plenty of attention from the female contestants.
The confident bachelor spends his spare time working out, riding dirt bikes and socialising with his mates.
He also admits he enjoys being the centre of attention and has a reputation for being one of the loudest personalities in any room.
Despite his playful nature, Jarrar has already enjoyed three long-term relationships and insists he knows exactly what he wants in a partner.
Sydney chiropractor Lachie (pictured) is expected to attract attention for his outspoken personality
LACHIE, 26 – SYDNEY, NSW
Occupation: Chiropractor
Sydney chiropractor Lachie is set to make an impression with his muscular physique, designer wardrobe and outspoken personality.
The 26-year-old, who hails from the city’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, has been single for three years and is hoping to find a genuine connection.
However, his appearance isn’t the only thing likely to attract attention.
Lachie has previously sparked controversy on social media after sharing outspoken opinions in TikTok videos that attracted widespread attention.
The chiropractor has stood by his views despite criticism and admits he isn’t afraid to upset people.
When it comes to dating, Lachie has a particular preference for slim, athletic women who take pride in their appearance and fitness.
Perth personal trainer Oli (pictured) is unlikely to struggle with confidence when he enters the villa
The muscular 26-year-old has jokingly blamed his dating difficulties on being excessively tall and handsome
OLI, 26 – PERTH, WA
Occupation: Personal trainer
Perth personal trainer Oli is unlikely to struggle with confidence when he enters the villa.
The muscular 26-year-old has jokingly blamed his dating difficulties on being excessively tall and handsome.
And his romantic history suggests he has had no shortage of admirers, having previously dated international models and high-profile influencers.
Oli has also enjoyed a taste of viral fame after a revealing photograph taken by his grandmother attracted widespread attention online.
Despite his playboy appearance, the fitness enthusiast insists he is looking for something more meaningful than a casual fling.
He describes himself as emotionally available and hopes to find a woman who can offer a genuine connection.
Gold Coast bachelor Jack (pictured) is hoping his rugged good looks and adventurous lifestyle will help him find a girlfriend
While Jack insists he is ready to settle down, his dating history suggests he has enjoyed his fair share of romantic attention
JACK, 24 – GOLD COAST, QLD
Occupation: Tradie trainer
Gold Coast bachelor Jack is hoping his rugged good looks and adventurous lifestyle will help him find a girlfriend.
The 24-year-old works as a trainer for tradesmen, using his background in business and sales to help workers improve their professional image and profitability.
Outside of work, the outdoors enthusiast enjoys surfing, boating, camping and four-wheel driving.
While Jack’s dating history suggests he has enjoyed his fair share of romantic attention, he insists he is ready to settle down.
He says he is now hoping to find a long-term partner who shares his adventurous lifestyle.
The cast announcement comes just days after Love Island found itself embroiled in controversy over its use of artificial intelligence in a promotional video
The backlash erupted after Nine released a teaser featuring Love Island USA host Ariana Madix (pictured)
The cast announcement comes just days after Love Island found itself embroiled in controversy over its use of artificial intelligence in a promotional video.
The backlash erupted after Channel Nine released a teaser featuring Love Island USA host Ariana Madix handing over the keys to the Fiji villa to Australian host Sophie Monk.
While both presenters filmed their appearances, the advertisement incorporated AI-generated visuals, including shirtless men carrying a barbecue and esky, a Vegemite portrait and models wearing swimwear labelled ‘Tim’ and ‘Tam’.
The video, which was labelled as AI content on Instagram, quickly attracted criticism from viewers who accused the network of cutting corners.
However, the controversy escalated when Madix, 41, publicly criticised the Australian production, claiming she had not been informed that her footage would appear alongside AI-generated material.
‘They didn’t tell me AT ALL that the clip I shot would be used with AI. Something I am firmly against,’ she wrote on Instagram.
‘Wtf guys @loveislandau?’
The Vanderpump Rules star later clarified she had filmed her appearance for the advertisement but had no knowledge of how artificial intelligence would be incorporated into the finished product.
Fans were equally unimpressed, with many taking to social media to question why the network had relied on the technology to promote one of its biggest reality television franchises.
‘The fact they used AI is just straight up embarrassing,’ one viewer said.
A second added: ‘NOOOO, first The Block with AI now Love Island we can’t escape.’
The criticism follows similar backlash surrounding Nine’s renovation series The Block, which has divided viewers with its use of AI-generated music and visual effects.