Love Island 2023: Everything you need to know from the first episode of the new series

The new series of Love Island kicked off in dramatic fashion as ten new Islanders entered the Mallorcan villa in the hope of enjoying a summer of love.

Returning just a few months after the end of the winter series, producers threw in some new twists and turns to keep the attention of viewers.

The first plot twist came just minutes into the show, as for the first time ever boys and girls entered the villa at the same time.

Five Islanders, Ella Thomas, Ruchee Gurung, Andre Furtado, Mitchel Taylor and Jess Harding arrived on the show, shortly to be joined by five more contestants who they would be coupling up with.

Those contestants were Tyrqiue Hyde, Medhi Edno, Catherine Agbaje, Molly Marsh and George Fensom.

As usual, fans reeled off a running commentary online, offering their thoughts and insights into the episode as another season began.

Some viewers drew similarities between Mitchel and last year’s contestant Luca Bish, while others reacted to Ella and Tyrique already knowing each other.

Arguably the most shocking moment of the episode occured in the final moments of the show, when host Maya Jama returned to the villa.

Maya gave them the option of ‘stick or twist’ in their current couples asking them whether they were happy or if they’d prefer to be single.

Throughout the show, Maya wowed in a total of four stunning looks as she welcomed the cast to another sun-soaked season. 

Following the end of the first episode, here’s everything you need to know:

Ruchee hasn’t been single for long!

Moments into the show, fans were quick to mock newbie Ruchee after she revealed she had only been single for four months.

During her intro video the 24-year-old beautician made the revelation leaving many questioning when she found the time to sign up for the ITV2 reality show.

Racing to Twitter one cheekily asked: ‘Did she dump him before or after her application?’.

Another wrote: ‘Single 4 months means you wrote your love island application in the relationship’.

And a third said: ‘Ruchee being single for 4 months is killing me. She didn’t even give it time’. 

Someone else wrote: ‘Single for 4 months is actually too funny loooool’.

And a fifth said: ”I’ve been single for 4 months’. Applications take ten months’. 

While sixth commented: ‘Single 4 months, when did applications open?’. 

Other viewers seemed concerned asking:  ‘Single for 4 months? Is she even healed?’.

And another added: ‘I love how the girl has been single for 4 months, she knows what she wants’. 

New twist sees the boys and girls enter at the same time

Viewers admitted they were loving the new twist as for the first time ever, boys and girls entered the Mallorcan villa at the same time, and viewers revealed that they were impressed with the switch up.

The Islanders were notably confused by the change in format, as they expressed their bewilderment to each other during the opening minutes of the show.

Keen to clear things up, Maya soon arrived to let the new cast know what was going to happen.

Maya told them: ‘We’ve switched it up by letting you meet now. Anyone been flirting already? You been having a flirt? With who?’

Ella revealed that her type was ‘tall with nice teeth’, while Ruchee admitted she was looking out for ‘height, fashion sense and someone that I can bring to my family.’

Mitchell confessed he was looking for the real deal and has plans to ‘settle down, find wifey, kids and dogs etc.’

Jess controversially revealed: ‘My type is pretty boys with Turkey teeth.’ Maya admitted: ‘I’ve never heard someone say they want Turkey teeth.’

Sharing the news that they would be soon meeting their couples, Maya said: ‘I’ve got some news, none of you guys will be coupling up with each other. That decision has already been made by the public.

‘Are you ready to find out who the public have coupled you up with? Let’s go!’

Viewers rejoiced at the the change in format, admitting they hoped that producers continue to switch it up throughout the series. 

One person said: ‘Okay Love Island with the switch up.’

Perplexed viewers had no clue they could vote for new couples 

However some viewers admitted to being very confused during the first episode as they had no idea they could vote.

Fans caused a storm on social media as they complained the public was not informed to vote on the ITV2’s show.

People took to Twitter reacting – as they claimed they had no actual opportunity to vote for the pairs.

One user said: ‘Who’s this public and when did we vote? #LoveIsland.’

Another one commented: ‘Were the public even aware they had the vote?? #LoveIsland.’

‘Am I the only one who wasn’t aware of the public vote? #LoveIsland,’ another user agreed.

Another viewer complained: ‘They’ve pulled this public vote shit again…pls WHICH PUBLIC DECIDED??? #loveisland.’

‘WHEN DID THIS PUBLIC VOTE HAPPEN #LoveIsland,’ wrote another one.

Ella admits she already knows one of the boys

Ella shocked fans as she admitted she already knew one of the boys in the villa.

Ella, 23, was coupled up with Tyrique, 24, who she said she had already met – but in an awkward twist he didn’t recognise her.

Viewers insisted that it was a good sign that an action-packed season lay ahead, as producers were already providing dramatic scenes in the first episode.

Taking to Twitter to share their excitement after the exchange, one viewer wrote: ‘We’ve met before’ yess drama alreadt lets goo.’

A second person commented: ‘Matching tattoos and two have already met?? Love Island have done their research this year.’

Another quizzed the possible motive behind it, and said: ‘Sorry watching Love Island and not poeple on here saying they’ve already met!?

‘Sorry what is ITV’s strategy on this??’

One other said: ‘Do you remember we met before’ drama before the second ad break already #LoveIsland.’ 

Hunky Mitchel Taylor is ‘the twin’ of a former Islander 

Love Island viewers were left with a sense of déjà vu as the show returned for a brand new series on Monday.

Fans branded newbie Mitchel the ‘spitting image’ of former star Luca Bish, who appeared in last year’s show, as the hunky pair struck a remarkable resemblance. 

Both men sported ripped muscles and short dark hairstyles with fans convinced the duo may in fact be related.

Taking to Twitter one said:  ‘Sorry but Mitchel is Luca 2.0’.

While another agreed stating: ‘Mitchel is Luca 2.0, they are actually twins!’.

Viewers admit they are ALREADY annoyed with a certain phrase

The first episode of the new series of Love Island aired on Monday night and there is already something getting on viewers’ nerves.

As fans watched the new arrivals enter the villa and couple up, there was something in particular that was grating on them.

The Islanders quizzed each other on their ‘type’, as boys and girls entered the villa at the same time for the first time ever.

But as they got into the swing of conversation, viewers at home were begging them to stop using a certain phrase.

Fans confessed they couldn’t stand the phrase ‘tall, dark and handsome’, which was being batted around during the first episode of the show.

One person said: ‘Let’s officially retired ‘tall dark handsome’ as the type.’

A second person waded in, and said: ‘Every contestant when asked their type ‘tall, dark and hansome.’

A third said: ‘Praying no one says they’re into guys who are… ‘tall… dark and handsome…’

Another said: ‘Tall. Dark. Handsome’ It’s enough.’

One other shared a meme which said ‘shut it down’, alongside the phrase. 

The phrase is commonly used the show, as contests use it as a go-to to describe their ideal type of partner.

It famously came up during the first winter series of the show, when Paige Turley admitted that she also likes a tall, dark and handsome man.

However she was mocked by viewers, who were aware that her ex-boyfriend was Lewis Capaldi, who is not particularly known for his ‘tall, dark, handsomeness’.

Tropical birds have been axed for new series 

Love Island fans were spitting feathers on Monday evening after discovering one of their favourite opening features has flown the nest, at least for the returning show’s opening episode. 

The chatty pair of JustEat parrots from last year appeared to not be on the show anymore – as the delivery sponsor has now been replaced by online auction site Ebay.

But fans expressed their sadness as the cheeky duo won’t be featured on the ITV2’s show anymore – which cheered them up with their quips and singing. 

Viewers quickly took to Twitter as they reacted to the news – unanimously agreeing they will miss the singing parrots.

One user commented: ‘The thing that’s disappointed me most about #LoveIsland so far is that the parrots aren’t back for the #JustEat ads.’

‘Petition to bring back the dancing parrots on love island adverts #LoveIsland,’ said another one.

‘Miss the parrots singing ‘can I pull you for a chat that’s where my head is at’ #Loveisland,’ a third commented.

‘JUSTICE FOR THE JUST EAT ANIMALS BRING ME BACK MY PARROTS #LoveIsland,’ another user agreed.

Another one wrote: ‘Noooo.. where are the #LoveIsland parrots?!! They made the countless ad breaks more bearable.. I liked singing along with the pair of them.’

Another one wondered the same: ‘errrrrrmmmmm where are the parrots????? where’s my bestie lloyd? what did you guys do?  #LoveIsland’

‘Ermmm.. WHERE is the just eat parrots – DID SOMEBODY SAY JUST EAT?!?! #LoveIsland,’ another user joined the conversation.

‘Missing the Parrots and the turtles that’s where I’m at so far #loveisland,’ penned another person.

Fans shocked by brutal twist minutes before the end 

Love Island viewers were left reeling as producers delivered a brutal twist moments before the end of the first episode of the tenth series of the reality show.

The first twist of the programme saw the boys and girls entering at the same time for the first time ever and then being coupled up by the voting public.

However shortly after getting settled in their pairs, the Islanders were in for another shock as they were given the option to ditch their new couple.

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Host Maya Jama entered the villa and allowed the girls not entirely happy with their partners to nominate themselves as single.

Maya said: ‘Now, I know you didn’t choose your partners because the public did that for you. Sometimes you have to follow your heart which means you have to take a risk. Ask yourself this – are you happy or could you be happier? 

‘I have the ultimate dare for you! Girls, if you’re not sure you’re with the right person, I dare you to step forward now!’ 

Fans went wild for the shocking turn of events and took to Twitter to share their delight at the new addition to the show.

Viewers were all saying the same thing online, as they praised the first episode for its series of twists and turns.

One person said: ‘OMG!!! I am looooovinggg! Love Island tonight. Love love love. The twist and turns.’

A second said: ‘Okay the first episode was good, the first twist was twisting.’

Another person wrote: ‘That was a good episode and that twist.’

One other said: ‘Get grating boys! Liked the first episode and that twist.’

A different person penned: Decent first episode, love the cast, change ups and twists.’

Viewers react to the new contestants

The first episode of the new series of Love Island aired on Monday night and one of the contestants has already struck a nerve with fans from the show.

As fans watched the new arrivals enter the villa and couple up, there was someone in particular that was grating at them.

At the beginning of the show, the Islanders quizzed each other on their ‘type’, as boys and girls entered the villa at the same time for the first time ever.

However, viewers at home were quick to take to Twitter to share their feelings about contestant George Fensom, 24, from Bedford.

Viewers from the show even joked about George’s luck when it come to female contestants disliking him in the villa.

One viewer tweeted ‘Jess hates George and she hasn’t even seen his tweets’.

While another quipped ‘George has been on my screen for less than 2 minutes and I already can’t stand him’.

Other viewers claimed that George is already ‘cancelled’ and said that him getting played ‘Serves him right’.

Another viewer also joked about how she would love Maya to do a shock-dumping twist on George during the first episode.

She tweeted ‘I’d love Maya to be like “Okay Medhi and George, you’re now single and you’re dumped from the island.’

Meanwhile, elsewhere on Twitter, viewers admitted their love for contestant Catherine Agbaje already and claimed they can’t wait to see more of her on the show.

One fan wrote ‘I need Catherine on my screen 24/7’.

While other viewers were quick to comment on how gorgeous the new contestant is.

Another viewer added ‘Catherine’s face card is INSANE, likeeee???????’.

The angry tweets from viewers come after Women’s Aid recently called upon the producers of Love Island to investigate the allegations of ‘abusive’ behaviour by contestant George.

After George, who is one of ten new islanders taking part in the new series of the show, has had two of his ex-girlfriends accuse him of controlling and abusive behaviour.

The women’s organisation took to Twitter on Monday to share an article about George’s former partner Ebony Keeley saying she was left feeling suicidal after their relationship.

Alongside it, they wrote: ‘We hope the producers will be taking allegations of controlling behaviour seriously, and look into them as part of their due diligence before the #LoveIsland series begins.’

It comes after George’s ex Katie Hewitt, who dated the soon-to-be reality star for 18 months after first meeting in 2017, claimed the relationship left her with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.