Em Miguel Leigh and Mercedes Knox won Love Island Australia 2024, by a viewer vote but fans found out they split shortly after the finale was filmed. Now that the Islanders know how much Australia was rooting for them, would they be open to rekindling their relationship?
During an exclusive interview with Chattr, Em explained in detail why her relationship with Mercedes broke down and revealed whether she’d be willing to get back together with him.
Em and Mercedes coming back from Hotel Amor. Image: Nine.
Why did Love Island’s Mercedes and Em break up?
Em told Chattr that she and Mercedes had next to no time together after the finale, and her doubts started to creep in once they were apart.
“I think [the Love Island] experience is so wild, and you don’t have any perspective at all. You’re so close to everything. I will say when I was in that experience, I thought I’d met my person,” she explained.
“After I got home, I regained a perspective that you’re just not allowed in the villa because of the environment.
“There were a couple of things that I was flagging in [the Love Island] environment with Mercedes—definitely one being the way he spoke to me when we had our first argument.”
Em said that the time apart made her reevaluate her relationship with Mercedes.
“We wrapped the finale at 1am and then made it to the hotel at 2:30am. Then, my flight out was 3:30am the next day, so we had 25 hours in total together [outside of the villa].
Em and Mercedes in the Love Island Australia villa. Image: Nine.
“And, we had publicity to do the next day, social media, chat to a psychologist, so there was really no time to spend together outside of the experience before I was back on a plane, and then all of a sudden back in Sydney, it was so disorienting.
“My travel home was about 35 hours. I just thought about [the relationship] on the way home and realized that I didn’t actually trust this person.”
Em confirmed that the whole villa knew that Mercedes had been on FBoy IslandUS twice, but she didn’t consider that a red flag until after she’d left Spain.
“I was really grappling with, ‘Is he genuine? Was he just trying to make it to the end? He’s done it two times before.'” she explained.
Em told 9Now that she and Mercedes decided to take a break after the show because of the distance and never ended up getting back together.
Mercedes on FBoy Island US. Image: HBO.
Would Em consider getting back together with Mercedes?
“Honestly, one instance happened outside of the villa very fast that crossed my boundaries and that definitely added to me not wanting to continue things further pretty quickly after being back home,” Em explained.
“There were massive boundaries crossed, so no, I would not be comfortable rekindling things.”
On the plus side, a single Em means we could see her on the next season of Love Island All Stars.
Author John Marsden has died at age 74, and Lincoln Lewis, who starred in the writer’s Tomorrow Series movie adaptation, has paid tribute to the Australian icon.
John’s death was confirmed by The Candlebark and Alice Miller Schools, which he founded, on Wednesday, December 19.
“John Marsden transformed countless young lives through both his writing and his groundbreaking approach to education,” the school said in a statement.
“As one of Australia’s most beloved and successful authors, he sold more than 5 million books and was translated into 15 languages.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to John, saying his work would “live long in the national memory”.
“Vivid, funny, quintessentially Australian, he wrote with a real love for our land and a true sense of our people’s character,” he added.
“His was a great Australian voice that spoke to all ages, here and around the world.”
John wrote Tomorrow, When the War Began in 1993, the first book of the Tomorrow series. It went on to spawn seven books, and then he wrote a follow-up trilogy, The Ellie Chronicles.
Throughout his career as a writer, John published more than 40 books.
Tomorrow, When the War Began cast. Image: YouTube.
Lincoln Lewis reacts to John Marsden’s death
Lincoln, who played Kevin Holmes in the Tomorrow, When the War Began movie, took to Instagram to pay his respects to the Australian author.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of legendary Australian author John Marsden – writer of the Tomorrow When The War Began book series,” the actor began.
“I remember John came for a set visit while we were filming in Fox Studios towards the end of production. Very few times in my life have I been as star struck as when I shook his hand. Lost count how many times I told him that his books were the only thing I willingly read in high school,” Lincoln added.
“He was so polite, so graceful and just genuinely happy to be there. Seeing his eyes and smile beaming after watching our scenes being filmed – getting to see his books brought to life is something I’ll never forget, both as an actor & a fan of the books.”
He initially coupled up with Sophie Mills but quickly found his way to Em Miguel Leigh. They made their relationship official but have since split up.
Let’s take a closer look at Mercedes’ story.
What do we know about Bombshell Mercedes Knox?
Mercedes Knox, the new Bombshell on Love Island Australia 2024. Image: Nine
Mercedes is a 28-year-old model from Dallas, Texas, with a reputation for being particularly charming with the ladies.
In a video with Love Island Australia producers, he shared that “the thing girls like about me most is my charisma. I’m smooth, and any girl would melt when I talk to her.”
Where have you seen Love Island’s Mercedes before?
For some, Mercedes may already be a familiar face in the reality TV world. He appeared on Season 2 of FBOY Island USA and won alongside his former girlfriend, Louise Barnard, splitting a $100,000 prize.
Mercedes later returned to FBOY Island USA for Season 3, where he reached the top again, this time splitting his $100,000 prize money with model Hali Okeowo. Seemingly, that relationship didn’t last either, because Mercedes is back on reality TV screens — this time on Love Island Australia.
What did Mercedes go onto Love Island Australia looking for?
In an interview with producers, Mercedes said that he was looking he could “bring home to mama.”
He explained that he was “done with the bad girls” and was searching for something real. However, he said that if the girl he was interested in is already in a couple, he’d “act like she’s not in a couple. Everybody is single to me.”
“The other guys in the Villa are definitely going to be intimidated by me, I’m going to come in there and show the girls what they’re missing,” he added.
Mercedes with girlfriend Em Miguel Leigh. Image: Nine.
Where to find Mercedes on social media
If you’d like to give Mercedes a follow on socials, you can find him on Instagram: @mercedesknoxx and on TikTok: @knoxmercedes.
There’s quite literally a Reddit thread dedicated to “what is it about Mercedes,” discussing his charm and his appeal on FBOY Island. So, we can’t help but believe him when he says he’s the “worst nightmare” (and perhaps a dream come true) for the other contestants in the Love Island Australia villa.
Guess we’ll have to wait and see whether Mercedes can win his third reality TV show.
Speculation has been running wild ever since Mia Hewitt, daughter of Aussie power couple Lleyton and Bec Hewitt, was spotted on the set of Home and Away earlier in December.
Photos of Mia first surfaced on Monday, 16 December, showing her holding a Bunnings umbrella and standing alongside actress Jessica Redmayne, who plays Harper Matheson.
It raised the question of whether the 19-year-old is following in her famous mum’s footsteps. Bec, of course, starred in the iconic, long-running Aussie soap from 1998 to 2005 as the beloved Hayley Smith Lawson.
Is Mia really stepping into the spotlight? Or does she have her own plans?
We’ve got the latest scoop!
What is Mia Hewitt’s role on Home and Away?
You might be a little surprised to learn that Mia isn’t on set to act. But she’s still very much a part of the Home and Away family. The talented teen has actually been working behind the scenes for some time.
Channel 7 confirmed the news exclusively to Chattr.
“She is not cast, she is part of the crew, working as a casual wardrobe assistant, and has been part of the Home and Away family for the past year and a half,” a Channel 7 spokesperson said.
As Yahoo Lifestyle reported, Mia’s earned some fan love behind the camera, with sources revealing she’s “well-liked” by both the cast and crew.
The publication noted Mia was spotted on the Home and Away set working alongside the production crew, and helping out in various jobs including holding up an umbrella for a cast member.
Outside of Home and Away, what else has Mia been up to?
When Mia’s not rolling up her sleeves for Home and Away, she’s busy pursuing her own passion for music.
The couple is still going strong and shares three kids: Mia, Cruz, 15, and Ava, 13.
Talent runs in the Hewitt household
Mia isn’t the only Hewitt making a splash lately. Cruz, Lleyton and Bec’s 15-year-old son, is carving his own path by following in his dad’s legendary footsteps on the tennis court.
We all know Married at First Sight (MAFS) can be the launchpad for social media stardom, but how much money do contestants have to fork out during the experiment, and what are they actually paid for their time on one of Australia’s most-watched reality TV shows?
From pay cheques to clothing allowances, we’ve done the digging and here’s the scoop on what it really costs to find your one true love on TV.
Former MAFS participants Ivan Sarakula and Janelle Han. Image: Instagram
Do the couples on MAFS get money?
Yes, but it’s not exactly life-changing money.
Women’s Day and the Daily Telegraph have previously reported that contestants get paid around $1,175 per week.
“Nothing could prepare me for what I had signed up for, and while you do get sucked in by the glitz and glamour, the remuneration is appalling,” they said.
“You get $150 a day plus a $128 food allowance for the week. All up, you get $1,178. The way we are paid as ‘contributors’ and not as a proper job is how they can pay you so little.”
The same participant said that the cast is expected to work seven days a week, but because they are contributors, they don’t receive overtime pay.
“Some shoots were twenty hours, and paying us as ‘contributors’ is a loophole that allows for no overtime,” they said.
“The weekly ‘dinner parties’ could go well past midnight, and the ‘commitment ceremonies’ averaged between 8 and 12 hours.”
Former participants on how much they were paid to be on MAFS
Nasser Sultan, who appeared on the 2018 season, told Now to Love: “You get $150 for the day, that’s it… It’s not $150 clear. You still have to pay rent if you’re renting, you’ve gotta pay your rego, and it’s 12-hour filming days.”
An anonymous MAFS contestant shared similar feelings with The Daily Telegraph about the money. “I am broke after being on the show,” they revealed to the publication.
“I couldn’t even make my rent payments with what we were being paid… We would film late, so I’d be ordering takeaway most nights.”
Nasser Sultan and Jesse Burford reveal the money MAFS contestants actually make. Image: Instagram
Season 7’s Mikey Pembroke discussed his earnings on the I’ve Got News For You podcast, explaining he “pocketed about $1,000 bucks” during his MAFS stint.
He added: “The show makes an incredible amount of money,” but MAFS contestants are left with just enough to scrape by.
Pay details appear inconsistent across seasons, with some suggesting pay cheques have grown slightly.
In a Q&A on Instagram, 2023 groom Jesse Burford claimed contestants were paid $1,175 per week.
According to News.com.au “villain” of MAFS 2022, Olivia Frazer, said she earned “around $1,100 a week,” while her co-star Al Perkins told Daily Mail: “MAFS will pay you just over like a grand a week… But it’s not until the endorsements afterwards, that’s where you make your money.”
Olivia’s rival,Domenica Calarco, admitted her pay was far from glamorous during an interview on The Kyle & Jackie O Show, saying it was “about minimum wage.”
For reference, Australia’s weekly minimum wage is currently $915.90 per week, per the latest figures from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Do MAFS contestants get a clothing allowance?
Sort of.
Nasser told Now to Love that while the show doesn’t officially cover wardrobes, contestants often hustle to score free clothing.
“The girls would message companies on Instagram and ask for free clothes to be sent to them, and so we’d be sitting there and these deliveries would show up,” he said.
Meanwhile, 2019 groom Liam Cooper revealed on episode 169 of the So Dramatic! podcast that contestants had to dig into their own pockets: “They only gave us [a] $150 budget and then the rest we had to put in and that’s all we were given as a reimbursement.”
But, things do appear to have improved slightly over the years on the money-front.
On episode 170 of the So Dramatic! podcast, 2021 bride Beck Zemek revealed producers offered $500 for her wedding look and $200 for Final Vows.
However, she added, “Most people [gave] out dresses for free or for just $500 because they knew it was going to be on TV. Mine was a $3,000 dress.”
Jaimie Gardner, another 2021 bride, told the publication that each contestant received $1,500 for their MAFS wedding attire, plus $500 for bridesmaids and groomsmen.
But overall? A lot of costs come out of pocket.
Olivia Frazer and Jaimie Gardner. Image: Instagram
During an Instagram Q&A, 2022 bride Olivia said, “you get paid $1100 weekly… Out of that you have to pay for your rent, bills, food, hair, make-up, outfits (so many outfits because producers need to approve).”
The anonymous Daily Telegraph source echoed this: “I spent a bomb on outfits, hair and makeup, and to top it off, they didn’t even let us wear what we wanted.”
And for those wondering, MAFS producers even have the final say on what contestants wear. Season 10 brideJanelle Han revealed to Refinery29 Australia that cast members often pull pieces from their own wardrobes, only for producers to step in with approval.
“For commitment ceremonies and any of those sorts of events, we submit three photos and then they finalise the final one… That’s because they don’t want any outfit clashing,” she explained.
Plus, Han noted that contestants are also responsible for doing their own hair and makeup on the show.
Does Married at First Sight pay for the honeymoon?
While details are a little scarce, a look at the US version of MAFS offers some clues.
According to Women’s Health, each couple’s honeymoon is all-inclusive, though they don’t get to choose the destination.
There’s also a popular theory suggesting couples who are likely to stir up the most drama and become Main Characters are treated to the most glamorous MAFS honeymoon spots by producers.
Take the 2024 season of MAFS Australia, for example. While EdenHarper and JaydenEynaud‘s honeymoon stayed local in Airlie Beach, never even leaving their home state of Queensland, Sydney’s TimCalwell and SaraMesa were whisked away to the tropical paradise of Fiji.
Does Married at First Sight pay for the wedding?
Yes… but with a catch.
Over in the US, ScreenRant noted that producers typically cover the money for weddings, rings, and bachelor/bachelorette parties, but hinted that participants don’t necessarily have free reign over their budgets.
From what we gather, the show covers some costs, but anything beyond that comes out of the contestant’s pocket.
Bride Jaimie told So Dramatic! that producers “recommend you go to cheap wedding places,” although she rejected this suggestion.
Ivan Sarakula and Martha Kalifatidis spill on the money that goes into MAFS weddings. Image: Instagram
Similarly, Daily Mail reports that MAFS Australia Season 7 groom Ivan Sarakula forked out his own money to fund a more elaborate big day, despite the producers providing a budget.
Co-star Martha Kalifatidis told the publication: “Apparently, Ivan actually got money out of his own pocket to pay for part of his wedding because he wanted it to be so elaborate, and the show gives you a budget.”
A New Idea insider revealed in 2020: “The experts are on $50,000 each for the whole series and they feel they are being underpaid.”
MAFS Experts Alessandra Rampolla, Mel Schilling and John Aiken. Image: Nine
Well, it’s not like the experts are exactly struggling for cash. According to The Tab, Alessandra and John are worth £1.8 million (AUD $3.61 million) each, while Mel sits at £1 million (AUD $2 million). Not too shabby!
Well, there you have it! MAFS contestants don’t exactly walk away loaded (at least not initially), and much of the love story comes with a hefty personal price tag.
So, is it worth it? That depends on how you define happily ever after.
Married At First Sight Season 12 will air on Channel 9 and 9Now in 2025.
Throughout the season, viewers watched the three women come increasingly close and support each other through the tough times inside the villa — including Sophie’s rollercoaster romance with Dylan.
Em told Chattr that her friendship with both Mimi and Sophie has grown even stronger in the real world.
“We are all such, such good friends. I was just with them all yesterday because Soph is in Sydney at the moment,” she said.
“They’re actually out right now having a coffee and a walk around, but I was too sick to join. We’re all as close as ever.”
Em added that she and Mimi are planning a holiday away together.
“We’re loosely planning a trip to Japan for next year, which is exciting. We both love the snow, so I really want to go snowboarding. She’s gonna go skiing,” she explained.
“If I got one thing out of this whole experience—I got multiple things—but, I would say, I’m most grateful for the both of them and their friendship.”
Love Island’s Mimi, Sophie and Em. Image: Nine.
Has Mimi’s relationship with Dylan affected her friendship with Sophie?
Sophie and Dylan were coupled up for the majority of their time on Love Island Australia 2024, and while they went through adversity on the show, they left as a couple.
Em said that although Mimi and Dylan are dating, the new relationship will not cause a rift between Sophie and Mimi despite their history.
“The Sophie, Dylan and Mimi situation, I feel like everybody’s just been quite mature about it all, it was all aired out pretty quickly,” she explained.
Dylan and Sophie (left) and Dylan and Mimi (right). Image: Nine.
Em added that while the whole situation wasn’t exactly ideal for Sophie, the women’s friendship trio is still as strong as ever.
“Sophie just wants the best for Mimi. Obviously, she wishes that maybe it could have been someone else, but it’s not, and that’s okay. It’s not going to affect their friendship at all,” Em said.
Phew! We don’t know if our hearts could handle a rift between the three women.
Captain Jason said he found the new out through a melanoma biopsy.
Taking to Instagram to reveal his diagnosis, Jason said his biopsy came back with melanoma after getting it tested in Bali.
“So, I’m waiting for the specimen to come from Bali. It’ll be here this week, but it may not get in until after Christmas. So fingers crossed,” Jason said in a video.
In the same post, he told his 344,000 followers that he was a person who spent his life in the sun, from playing sport to working on the ocean.
“I thought I was resistant to the damaging effects of the sun,” the Below Deck Down Under captain explained.
“I love the sun, and its health benefits are evident, but be wise and – like everything in life – it’s all about balance; choose your battles.”
With a diagnosed melanoma biopsy, Jason said he now has an “anxious wait” as the skin spot turned cancerous in six months.
“Early detection is the key,” he added.
How did fans respond to the diagnosis?
Jason received an abundance of support and love from his followers on his Instagram post revealing the melanoma diagnosis.
“Any form of cancer is scary. Hoping for good news coming up for you,” one user commented.
“Prayers you get good report,” another said.
“Oh dear Captain Jason I’m so sorry to hear of your melanoma diagnosis. You are definitely in my thoughts. Sending all positive vibes for a full recovery,” someone else added.
Will there be a Below Deck Down Under season 3?
Yes, there will be!
The trailer below was dropped during the Bravo FanFest in Miami in late November 2024. Where we can see Captain Jason all dressed up to entertain some guests in the ‘Captain’s Lounge’.
Married at First Sight (MAFS) 2025 is back on our screens, and we have been graced with the gorgeous Ashleigh Ackerman as a bride.
While she’s looking for love on MAFS, this Gold Coast local is so much more than just a bride, so read on to find out below everything you need to know about MAFS’ Ashleigh.
Ashleigh and Jake at their MAFS wedding. Image: Nine.
MAFS’ Ashleigh owns a dance company
The 34-year-old is a creative soul who runs her own business, Ashleigh Lee Dance Company, with her mum and sister. According to the company’s Instagram, they focus on fun and confidence development.
It was founded in 2012 and provides lessons in Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acrobatics and Performance dance.
What is Ashleigh like?
Ashleigh describes herself as playful and caring. She is looking for someone honest, warm, and kind. She hopes to meet her forever love on MAFS and find someone with whom she can start a family.
Prior to the experiment, she lived with her sister and nephew in a house full of animals. Will she move in with her new husband after the experiment? We have our fingers crossed!
Another season of Australian Idol is set for 2025, and we’re ready for another year of incredible performances that will make us laugh, cry, and cheer.
The hugely popular singing competition is bringing back all three judges from last season. Legendary performer Marcia Hines, radio personality Kyle Sandilands, and singer-songwriter Amy Shark will once again be on the hunt for the next Aussie superstar.
Find out more about each judge below.
Marcia Hines
Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines. Image: Seven
Marcia is a true Australian music icon with a career spanning five decades.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Marcia moved to Sydney at just 16 years old to star in the Australian production of Hair. She went on to become the first black woman to play the leading role in Jesus Christ Superstar, which marked the beginning of her legendary career in music and theatre.
With 22 albums to her name, Marcia has sold over 2.6 million records and achieved multiple chart-topping hits. Her ongoing impact on Australian music was recognised in 2007 when she was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
Her theatre credits include Pigalle for the Sydney Festival, Saturday Night Fever at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre, and was The Dragon in the 2020 Australian production of Shrek The Musical.
Marcia also starred in the cabaret-discotheque spectacular Velvet, directed by Craig Ilott in 2015. The production later evolved into Velvet Rewired in 2023, with Marcia reprising her role for the Australian tour. In 2024, she starred as Teen Angel in the John Frost/Crossroads Live production of Grease.
In 2023, she released The Gospel According to Marcia, an album celebrating her musical roots and early experiences with gospel music.Marcia was part of the Australian Idol judging panel during the original show’s seven consecutive seasons, and she returned as a guest judge during the show’s 2023 reboot. She returned as a full-time judge in 2024, and will be back for this coming season!
Kyle Sandilands
Australian Idol judge Kyle Sandilands. Image: Seven, Instagram
Sometimes controversial, always entertaining, Kyle is one of Australia’s most recognisable broadcasters and media personalities.
Originally from Brisbane, Kyle began his radio career at 21, landing his first gig at Austereo’s Triple M in Brisbane before moving to Sydney in 1999 to host Hot30 Countdown at 2Day FM.
Since 2000, he has been the co-host of the hugely popular Kyle & Jackie O Show, which made headlines with its record-breaking 10-year deal with KIIS FM which was inked in 2023, reportedly worth $200 million.
The show has earned multiple Australian Commercial Radio Awards, including wins in 2006, 2007, 2011, and 2015.
Kyle was also a judge on the original Australian Idol from 2005 to 2009 and returned to the judging panel for the reboot in 2023.
In 2008, he hosted The Australian Big Brother alongside Jackie O and also served as a judge on The X-Factor Australia from 2010 to 2011, and Australia’s Got Talent from 2010 to 2013.
Sometimes referred to as a “shock jock” due to his unfiltered personality, Kyle was once named “most hated Australian identity” by Zoo Weekly in 2006. Still, his outspoken attitude has endeared him to much of the public and helped him build a loyal fan base.
When he’s not on air, Kyle heads his own entertainment and investment company, The King Kyle Group, which produces and manages content across radio, TV, publishing, film, and music.
Amy Shark
Australian Idol judge Amy Shark. Image: Seven, Instagram
Amy is a multi-platinum, award-winning Australian indie pop singer-songwriter. Hailing from the Gold Coast, Amy’s career took off in 2016 with the release of the six-times platinum single Adore, which became a nationwide hit.
She also earned the APRA award for Song of the Year for her chart-topping hit I Said Hi, which garnered massive success and topped airplay charts across Australia. Fun fact:
Amy’s stage name is inspired by her love for the movie Jaws.
Her debut album, Love Monster, skyrocketed to the number one spot on the ARIA charts and was certified platinum. In 2018, it was honoured with four ARIA awards and nominated for another five.
Love Monster went on to become the highest-selling album by an Australian artist in 2018 and also made waves in the US, peaking at number two on the Billboard Heatseekers album chart.
Amy made history as the first Australian artist to be named Apple’s Up Next Artist, which led to appearances on major platforms, including The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
In addition to her music career, Amy competed on Celebrity Apprentice Australia in 2022, and in 2023, she joined the judging panel of Australian Idol for its reboot. Now, she’s returning for Australian Idol 2025, ready to help discover the next great Aussie talent!
Australian Idol will be airing on Channel 7 and 7plus in 2025.
Jock Zonfrillo’s widow LaurenZonfrillo (née Fried) has written a book titled Til Death Do Us Part that explores love and loss, touching on her experience of losing the late MasterChefAustralia judge.
Lauren took her Instagram account to share news about the book with her followers.
“The kids and I have been surrounded by so much care, so many people felt the loss of Jock,” she said in a video.
Lauren went on to explain that the overwhelming response to Jock’s death encouraged her to put pen to paper.
“It’s been really hard for me to explain how we got from absolute catastrophe to the new version of our lives, which, in spite of it all, is quite bright and optimistic,” she said.
“So I’ve written my book, which is my journey through grief. It was not at all cathartic.”
Lauren and Jock got married in 2017 and shared two kids, Alfie and Isla. The former MasterChefAustralia judge was found dead in his hotel room in April 2023. His cause of death was never publicly shared.
Jock and Lauren Zonfrillo at their wedding in 2017. Image: Instagram.
Lauren Zonfrillo said writing the book took her to a “dark” place
During the video, Lauren told her followers that writing Til Death Do Us Part took her down a traumatic path emotionally.
“I reread journals from some very dark and broken places, and probably undid a bit of my progress, to be honest, but it did make me think deeper about some really complex parts of grief. And so I write about my spirituality and my connection to Jock,” she said.
Jock and Lauren Zonfrillo at an event in 2022. Image: Instagram.
Lauren explained that the book covers dealing with grief and her personal experiences with the matter.
“I write about my spirituality and my connection to Jock now,” she said.
“I write about grief amnesia, which is the physical response to trauma which has impacted my memory, my mind and my body.
“The unrelenting firsts that just keep coming in waves and living a life of intention and living with urgency.”
Till Death Do Us Part will be released on May 6, 2025.
Over the years, we’ve seen countless couples fall in love in the Love Island Australia villa, so we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane to see where all the winners are now.
Some have stayed together post-villa while others have unfortunately broken up.
Here is everything you need to know about the previous Love Island Australia winners.
Season 1 winners: Grant Crapp and Tayla Damir
The first season of Love Island Australia saw Grant Crapp and Tayla Damir as the inaugural winners. When the cameras stopped filming, the drama didn’t stop.
News emerged that Grant had a secret girlfriend on the side the entire time, named Lucy Cartwright. Grant and Lucy are still in love and they have two children together.
Grant, his partner Lucy and their daughter Charli. Image: Instagram.
Tayla found out about the secret relationship after doing some digging, according to Now to Love.
“He said they were dating, and that she knew he was going on the show and that he was going on there to promote his business and that he’d be there when he got out,” Tayla told the publication.
But don’t worry—Tayla hasn’t missed out on love; in fact, she’s happily married! She tied the knot with AFL player Nathan Broad, and they have a one-year-old daughter, Sammy.
Nathan and Tayla. Image: Instagram
Season 2 winners: Anna McEvoy and Josh Packham
The winners from Season 2 of Love Island Australia, which aired in 2019, were Anna McEvoy and Josh Packham. They didn’t break up straight after the season ended though; they lived together briefly before breaking up in 2020.
In a post-split interview with 9Now in 2020, Josh said the couple had been “struggling for quite a while”.
Anna is now married to Michael Staples and they have a tanning business together, Goldee Bee. Anna is also a co-host of the Where’s Your Head At podcast with fellow Love Island castmate Matt Zukowski.
Michael Staples and Anna McEvoy on their wedding day. Image: Instagram
Josh is currently single but is no stranger to reality TV. He appeared on The Block: Fans vs Faves in 2021 with his twin brother, Luke Packham. He is an influencer and model and also has his own turf company, JL Turf. Josh lives in Sydney’s southern suburbs.
Josh Packham on the catwalk. Image: Instagram.
Season 3 winners: Mitch Hibberd and Tina Provis
Love Island Australia Season 3 winners Mitch Hibberd and Tina Provis are not together anymore. They announced their breakup just over a month after the Love Island Australia 2021 finale aired.
Mitch is currently single and was a professional AFL player before joining the cast of Love Island. Nowadays he is a fitness influencer and loves posting about his overseas adventures. He is also available on Cameo.
As for Tina, she is also single but living her best life. She is also an influencer who posts vlogs on YouTube, Instagram, and, TikTok. Tina is also available for Cameos!
She’s also friends with Tyra Johannes from season 6 of Love Island!
However, their love story didn’t end during Season 3.
Mitch and Tina came back as bombshells for Season 4 where they rekindled their love. They broke up after that season.
They appeared on Love Island Games together in 2023 but did not get together during filming.
Tina from Love Island. Image: Instagram
Season 4 winners: Austen Bugeja and Claudia Bonifazio
Love Island Australia Season 4 winners Austen Bugeja and Claudia Bonifazio are very much still in love!
Both ex-Islanders are influencers, and Austen is about to launch his own clothing line, Mírame. They live together in Sydney.
Love Island season 4 winners Austen and Claudia. Image: Instagram.
Tyra is an influencer and Kale is a model. They live together on the Gold Coast. The couple recently adopted a new puppy named Cali and she is very cute!
After they exited the villa triumphant, Mercedes moved back to his home country and he and Em had a few miscommunications which ultimately led to their break up.
“I think I got home on Tuesday, and on Saturday, we agreed to take space. But I feel like the way Mercedes communicated that was a little lost in translation for me,” she told Nine.
“His intention, he said later on, with taking space was that we would come back together. But I got that message and I was like, ‘We’re done’.”
It’s been a mixed bag of reactions from Love Island Australia fans. Some are ecstatic about Em and Mercedes winning the reality competition, while others found the result lacklustre.
Read on to see how fans reacted to the winners of Love Island Australia.
Disappointment over the Love Island Australia winners
Em and Mercedes on Love Island Australia. Image: Nine.
Unfortunately, for the triumphant winners some of the comments have been negative, with users expressing their disappointment over Em and Mercedes winning Love Island Australia.
“How unfortunate they broke up a week later, unlike Kaylah and Eric,” a Facebook user commented on a post.
Another user posted in a Love Island Australia group, “I think we all deserve a little compensation from this season.”
Fans react over Mercedes’ third reality win
Some fans had raised eyebrows over the fact Mercedes has now won his third reality show, the first two being FBoy Island.
“If you don’t think Mercedes is playing a game watch Fboy Island then come talk to me lol…He also won season 3 being a fboy making the girl think he was in love and changed just to win the money just like season 2,” one Facebook user posted.
Another agreed, saying, “100% he’s playing a game. There is no way you would think otherwise.”
Other users voiced their annoyance over the entire season.
“Lots of mean girl energy & bullying from all around this season. hope to see love island crew put a stop to that and enforce it better in future seasons,” one Instagram user commented.
One user took to Facebook to say the producers need to go back to an “old format”.
“The season was horrendous. Most of the cast weren’t very likeable and quite immature. They need to lift the ages of these contestants, cos [sic] we had nothing but kids on this season, immature brats,” they said.
Positive reactions from fans about Em and Mercedes’ win
Em and Mercedes on Love Island Australia. Image: Nine.
Regardless of the negativity, some fans been happy that Em and Mercedes won, especially since he asked her to be his girlfriend a few episodes before the finale.
“Em, Mimi and Sophie carried the season and I’m so glad Em won, haters stay mad,” one fan said on an Instagram post.
“Well deserved and that’s on period,” another said on the same post.
I’m so sad this has been the best season of love island Australia, literally would rush home from work to watch it 😪 same time, same place next year? #LoveIslandAU
On Facebook, users took to the comments of the Love Island Australia page to express their elation.
“The potatoes can continue to potate they won and that’s all period,” one Facebook user wrote.
“Well I voted for them. They were both open and honest. Saying what you think and having your own opinion does not make them mean. Congratulations to the best winning couple and Niko and Mia who I thought were cute together too,” another commenter wrote.
Despite, Em and Mercedes not being together, we wish them the best and hold a flame of hope for a rekindling in the near future.
Stream all seasons of Love Island Australia on 9Now.
Love Island Australia 2024is done and dusted, and along the way all but one of the couples was yeeted out of the luxurious Spanish villa.
As the premise of the show goes, contestants who are in strong relationships on the show generally tend to stick around for the majority of the season.
As always, there were Bombshells that were sent in in an attempt to break up couples, as well as eliminations — which were voted for by the Superfans.
That meant that sticking around for the entire season was far from guaranteed — even for the strongest couples.
Xanthe, Hannah, Mimi, Eilisha and Em posing in the Love Island garden. Image: Nine.
Unlike the international iterations, Love Island Australia 2024 isn’t filmed live.
Rather than having a public vote throughout the season, a selection of people, otherwise known as the Superfans, were given advance access to episodes and could cast votes on their favourite Islanders and couples.
Fortunately, for us plebs who didn’t make the cut to be a Superfan, the winner was decided by public vote. It was Em and Mercedes who took home the Love Island 2024 crown and they received $50,000 to split (as well as the possibility of a loving relationship, of course).
Sadly for the below contestants, they lost their chances at gaining the Instagram blue ticks and sponcons that generally come hand-in-hand with the Love Island Australia winning title.
Who has been eliminated from Love Island Australia 2024 so far?
Kaylah and Eric
Kaylah and Eric at the Love Island grand finale. Image: Nine.
However, they narrowly missed out on being crowned the winners, as Mercedes Knox and Em Miguel Leigh took out the win.
Niko and Mia
Niko and Mia at the Love Island grand finale. Image: Nine.
Niko Fotopoulos and Mia Dalkos were grand finalists, alongside Em and Mercedes and Kaylah and Eric. However, it was Mercedes and Em that the public voted to win, so Niko and Mia were sent home.
Sophie Mills and Dylan Towolawi were eliminated during the episode that aired on December 12. The Superfans were tasked with eliminating two couples, and Sophie and Dylan were one of them.
Mimi and Steph
Mimi and Steph with their suitcases. Image: Nine.
Fan fav Mimi Paranihiand her partner Steph Blackoswere eliminated from Love Island Australia during the December 11 episode.
The remaining six couples were tasked with choosing a couple to vote out of the villa. Mimi and Steph received the most votes, with three, meaning that they were sent packing.
ZaneProphet was eliminated from the Love Island Australia 2024 villaduring the episode that aired on December 9.
Zane and his partner Jade Phalen, and Sophie and Dylan received the least amount of votes from the Superfans, so it was left up to the Islanders to decide who was sent home.
Because there were only five couples voting, that meant Zane and Jade received enough votes to leave, and Mimiand Steph and Em and Mercedes’s votes weren’t shared.
Krissy
Krissy Bertone. Image: Nine.
BombshellKrissy Bertone entered the villa with a bang, but she struggled to find a solid connection throughout her time on Love Island Australia 2024.
After Hannah was eliminated, Krissy and Taylorwere sent off on an overnight stay together for Hotel Amor, and the couple appeared to get along well, proving that there was potential for romance.
However, at the recoupling ceremony, Hannah returned, and Taylor was asked to pick between her and Krissy.
He chose Hannah, which meant that Krissy was eliminated from Love Island Australia.
Hannah
Hannah Steinfeld. Image: Nine
Hannah entered the Love Island Australia 2024 villa on Day 1 and quickly captured the attention of the men with her dry sense of humour and striking blonde looks.
However, in episode 17, the Victorian nursing student was unexpectedly dumped from the villa just as her connection with Taylor was starting to deepen. New bombshell Mia coupled up with Niko, leaving Hannah single and without a chance to recouple.
“I lived every moment in here honestly and truthfully, and I followed my heart,” she said tearfully in her farewell, as her fellow Islanders expressed their disbelief over the shock elimination.
However, with Hotel Amorpremiering in episode 18, speculation is running wild on fan forums that Hannah might not be gone for good. Could a comeback be on the cards?
Tommy
Tommy Armour. Image: Nine.
Tommy Armour broke the hearts of his fellow Islanders when he announced that he was self-eliminating during episode 15.
While Tommy didn’t find romantic love in the villa, he captured the hearts of his co-stars, who loved watching the Aussie larrikin clown around.
“I came in here with the right aspirations,” Tommy told the group during the episode. “It’s been unbelievable with all of you guys.”
“I hope we all link up after this. I’m out.”
Sydney
Sydney. Image: Nine.
During episode 13, Sydney Paight was dumped during a fire pit meeting on Love Island, Australia.
She was chosen by Zane and Nico as the one girl on the island who is least likely to find love in the villa. Zane and Nico were chosen by the Love Island Superfans as the two boys most likely to find love in the villa.
Sydney was coupled with Tommy.
This is not her first time on Love Island, Sydney was the runner-up on Love Island US 2022. She met her ex-boyfriend IsaiahCampbell on the show, who she dated for a year until he cheated on her.
Xanthe
Xanthe. Image: Nine.
XantheWessen was dumped from the villa during episode 12. In the episode that aired the previous night, Xanthe’s partner, Zane, had told her that he didn’t want to pursue anything with her and listed her lack of interest in the gym as one of the main reasons.
During a recoupling, Zane was chosen by Kaylah, who is a health and fitness coach and entered the villa as a Bombshell. That left Xanthe single and in the same situation as her fellow Islander Sophie.
Then, host Sophie Monk announced that a new Bombshell named Mercedes was entering the villa, and that both of the single gals would go on dates with him, and he would couple up with the one that he picked.
Unfortunately for Xanthe, Mercedes picked Sophie, and she was sent packing.
Indigo
Indigo. Image: Nine.
IndigoCarthrew was dumped during a tense recoupling ceremony, which came down to new bombshell Sophie, who was tasked with choosing between him and Dylan.
Sophie, who was previously paired with Indigo, decided to couple up with Dylan. The decision left Indigo single and he was eliminated.
Eilisha
Eilisha. Image: Nine.
EilishaFlesch was the first female Islander eliminated, and, boy, was she unhappy about it.
The 25-year-old support worker from Queensland has coupled up with the first Bombshell Taylor. However, EmMiguelLeigh had vocalised her interest in Taylor behind closed doors, and he ultimately picked her to continue his journey with, and Eilisha was sent home.
“It’s actually embarrassing that I was even in competition with her,” Eilisha said after her elimination, referring to Em.
“I don’t get it, but this whole thing is embarrassing,” she added. Ooft.
Kane
Kane. Image: Nine.
Carpenter KaneGodlevsky, 23, from SA, was unfortunately the first Islander to be sent packing. Prior to the elimination, his future on Love Island looked bright, as he was comfortably coupled up with Xanthe.
However, that all changed when Zane swooped in and shared his interest in Xanthe. During a nail-biting “stick or twist” coupling up ceremony, Kane was left without a partner and he was sent home.
Love Island Australia airs Mondays to Thursdays on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The White Lotus Season 3 is taking us to a luxurious trip to Thailand, but like previous seasons, not everything will be sunshine and rainbows.
The new trailer for The White Lotus Season 3 has dropped and it is pure and utter chaos. From scenes of boozy nights out, to a body bag getting wheeled out, the new instalment will be nothing short of dramatic.
Ahead of the drop, let’s dive into everything we know so far about The White Lotus Season 3.
White Lotus Season 3 cast, Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, and Leslie Bibb. Image: HBO.
What is The White LotusSeason 3 release date?
The third season of the enthralling series will be available to stream from February 17 on BINGE.
Is there a White Lotus Season 3 trailer?
There is! The first full-length trailer dropped on January 28. Watch it for yourself below.
Who is in The White Lotus cast for Season 3?
We now have the confirmed cast for The White Lotus season 3, featuring Season 1’s Natasha Rothwell, the spa manager who was taken for a ride by Jennifer Coolidge‘s character, Tanya McQuoid.
The cast for season 3 also includes Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Lek Patravadi, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong, and Aimee Lou Wood.
Additional cast includes Nicholas Duvernay, Arnas Fedaravičius, Christian Friedel, Scott Glenn, Dom Hetrakul, Julian Kostov, Charlotte Le Bon, Morgana O’Reilly, and Shalini Peiris.
Walton has gone ahead and done God’s work for White Lotus fans by sharing a bunch of behind-the-scenes photos of the Season 3 cast. The carousels include photos of cast members Michelle, Carrie and Leslie.
In Season 2, fan favourite and the only returning character, Tanya, was seemingly killed off. Will we see her return from the dead, or perhaps a long-lost twin sister will come in to take her place? Fingers crossed for a Coolidge resurrection, but HBO has been keeping mum if she’s returning.
However, with the release of the full trailer and no Tanya in sight, things don’t look promising.
What is The White Lotus Season 3 filmed?
Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Shwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Sam Nivola. Image: HBO.
After vacationing in Maui in Season 1 and Sicily in Season 2, HBO revealed in a statement that Season 3 will take us to the stunning setting of Thailand. Filming locations include Bangkok, Koh Samui and Phuket.
What hotel is The White Lotus filmed at?
The first two seasons were shot at Four Seasons resorts in Hawaii and Italy, and Season 3 followed the trend.
While there are Four Seasons resorts in both Bangkok and Koh Samui, Bloomberg reported in early 2024 that The White Lotus Season 3 would be filmed at the Koh Samui location.
AFAR has also reported that Phuket’s Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas will feature in Season 3 scenes.
What can we expect from The White LotusSeason 3?
Lalisa Manobal and Tayme Thapthimthong. Image: HBO
In a press release, we got a vague synopsis for this season, “The social satire is set at an exclusive Thai resort and follows the exploits of various guests and employees over the span of a week.”
If the past two seasons are anything to judge this season off, we know it will be a very dramatic week for the guests.
During an episode of the Unpacking explainer series, White said, “The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex.
“I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion – and spirituality. It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus.”
The show has absolutely cleaned up at awards shows in recent years. In total, the series has been nominated for more than 80 awards, winning 38, including two Golden Globes and 10 Emmy awards.
Is there a Season 4?
Yes, there will be a Season 4 of The White Lotus.
The next season has already been confirmed on the show’s Instagram, but they have kept the details very threadbare.
“Good news travels fast. #TheWhiteLotus is excited to welcome you to a new destination,” the Instagram caption read.
A lot happened during the finale; we saw returning Islanders as well as the return of the Truth Bike, the remaining contestants met their partner’s families via video calls, and, of course, Em and Mercedes were announced as the winners.
Things went from strength to strength for Mercedes and Em, and they became boyfriend and girlfriend during the finale week.
Em and Mercedes on Love Island. Image: Nine.
What happened in the Love Island Australia 2024 grand finale?
It was an action-packed episode, that’s for sure! First, the Islanders met their partners’ families on a video call.
Next up, the grand finalists were shocked to see the Truth Bike back in the garden. Shortly after, Zane Prophet, Mimi Paranihi, Steph Blackos, Sophie Mills, Dylan Towolawi, Taylor and Hannah made a surprise appearance at the villa for another round on the bike.
Dylan on the Love Island Truth bike. Image: Nine.
After that, we were up to the grand finale of the grand finale. Host Sophie Monk announced that the viewers’ votes were in, and Em and Mercedes were crowned the winners of Love Island Australia 2024.
Now onto the post-show goss!
Stream all seasons of Love Island Australia on 9Now.
OG Love Island Australia 2024 Islander Em Miguel-Leigh captured viewers’ attention from day one thanks to her sassy clapbacks and quick wit.
She originally coupled up with Indigo Carthew as friends, but went on to form a romantic connection with bothTaylor Reid and Mercedes Knox.
Over the 2024 season of Love Island Australia, we’ve gotten to know Em inside the villa, so we thought we’d take a look at her life on the outside.
What do we know about Em Miguel-Leigh?
Love Island Australia contestants Em and Sophie. Image: Nine
Outside of her reality TV journey, Em works as a model and content creator. She has also worked in hospitality — as a restaurant manager, and in social media marketing as well.
The 26-year-old grew up outside of Kempsey, New South Wales, and after leaving home at 18, spent some time living aboard in Canada. Most recently, she has called Sydney home.
Ever an active gal, Em boasts a black belt in karate and is also a fan of snowboarding.
What is Em looking for on Love Island Australia?
According to Nine, Em came into the villa looking for an “emotional connection first over a physical one”. After coupling up with Taylor early on in the season, she moved on to Bombshell Mercedes.
Before officially coupling up, both Em and Mercedes voiced their interest in each other. They were then paired up for Hotel Amor and officially recoupled together shortly after.
Em and Mercedes on Love Island Australia. Image: Nine.
Where to find Em on social media
If you’d like to take a peek at Em’s presence on social media, you can find her on both Instagram and TikTok as @dragonsweep.
GoggleboxAustralia will be returning in 2025, but The Silbery family unfortunately won’t be. Now, Isabelle Silbery (Izzy) has spoken out about being axed from the show after 17 seasons.
Izzy originally announced on Instagram that she wouldn’t be returning to Gogglebox Australia.
“It’s with a very heavy heart to announce that Mum, Ruby and I will not be returning to Gogglebox in 2025,” she began.
“Foxtel have decided not to renew our beloved show and although the show will continue on Channel 10, the three of us have not been included in its new form.”
In a recent interview with Mamamia, Izzy said she was “blindsided” by production’s decision to cut her family from the upcoming season.
“After being told to keep the first half of next year free for Season 21, receiving the news over the phone that Mum and I’s contract would not be renewed was not something I saw coming,” she told the publication.
“I won’t lie, it was a shock. Mum was equally as shocked and we tried to make sense of things.”
“It was explained the cut was due to financial costs, however no other families have been cut which left me wondering why and who decided that three generations of women was the right choice to make, especially when the show is already dominated heavily by men’s voices,” Izzy added.
Isabelle Silsbury’s history on Gogglebox Australia
Izzy became part of the cast in Season 3, alongside her mother Kerry and great grandma Emily Milligan, otherwise known as Emmie.
Emmie left the series after season 16 due to her dementia diagnosis. Izzy’s baby daughter Ruby joined the cast in Emmie’s spot.
In her departure announcement, Izzy acknowledged Emmie and Ruby’s time on the show.
“Nine years ago, I saw an opportunity to showcase real women’s voices across multi generations. Baby Ruby filling in for Emmie in recent seasons made it feel full circle,” she wrote.
“It has been an absolute pleasure sharing our lounge rooms with you all and cannot thank you enough for the love and support.”
“It might be the end of an era but it’s also an opportunity for new exciting beginnings.”
The Daltons on Gogglebox in 2024. Image: Ten.
Gogglebox’s new home at Channel 10 in 2025
The Silbery family leaving GoggleboxAustralia isn’t the only huge change for the show.
GoggleboxAustralia was formerly a co-production between Channel 10 and Foxtel, with the latter airing episodes first and the free-to-air network releasing them the following day.
However, the show will be solely produced by, and aired on, Network 10 starting in 2025.
“The TV show about watching people watch TV. Nobody believed in it, but Foxtel did,” a Foxtel Group spokesperson said in a statement.
Anastasia and Faye on Gogglebox in 2024. Image: Foxtel.
“Since 2015 we have broadcast Gogglebox Australia into our lounge rooms – putting a mirror not only up to Australian television but Australian culture, humour and entertainment.
“We have laughed, cried and shared many iconic moments together alongside the Gogglebox households.
“As Gogglebox Australia moves onto its next era, we want to thank our partners at Endemol Shine Australia and every single family that opened their houses to take part in this wonderful adventure.”
The Silbery family will be missed!
Gogglebox Australia Season 21 will air on Channel 10 in 2025.
The short answer is no. But if you’re looking for more details, then you’re in the right place. Read on to find out exactly what went down between the couple and who Dylan is dating now.
Dylan and Sophie posing together in the Love Island villa. Image: Nine.
Sophie and Dylan: Does this couple last outside the villa?
Nope, Dylan and Sophie’s relationship is donezo, and he’s actually moved on with another Islander.
Dylan and Sophie left the villa together but split shortly after. In a post-elimination interview, Sophie revealed that Dylan told her he wanted to explore a relationship with someone else.
“Dylan did start acting a little bit funny, and he did give me a ring and let me know that there’s somebody from his past that has come back up and that he’s interested in getting to know again,” she told 9Now.
“I just decided to remove myself from the equation,n and I think it was probably for the best.”
Turns out that person from Dylan’s past was none other than fellow Islander Mimi Paranihi.
In a separate interview with the same publication, Mimi said she and Dylan hooked up one night.
“We were on a night out and my intrusive thoughts won,” Mimi shared
“We were just talking – and then I just kissed him. Then we ended up having a really deep conversation. He opened up to me and I opened up to him… we learned that he can’t be emotional without physical, and I can’t be physical without emotional, so that’s kind of where that all worked out.
“I adore him. I’m obsessed with him, actually. He’s amazing. I’ve literally never been with anyone as caring as him before.”
Dylan went on to say that while he and Mimi aren’t official yet, they are exclusive.
“After that night happened, we were just always talking and seeing each other on group nights. Then the last month and a half, we’ve been out and staying at each other’s houses,” he added.
While the confirmation of the post-villa recoupling is some juicy drama, we already had an inkling that Mimi and Dylan had rekindled their spark.
In early December, a Redditor shared a few images of Mimi and Dylan allegedly out together and accompanied them with a very interesting tidbit about the night.
“I was sent these photos by a lovely Redditor who saw them yesterday. They said they [Dylan and Mimi] were all over each other and kissing!! Her outfit matches that of a TikTok uploaded by her friend yesterday as well,” the poster wrote.
Sophie and Dylan’s journey on the show
At the beginning of the season, Dylan was in a couple withMimi, and Sophie was partnered with Indigo Carthrew.
When Steph Blackos entered the villa as a Love God, Mimi decided to pursue a relationship with him, leaving Dylan single. However, it wasn’t long before Dylan and Sophie coupled up.
Although things were smooth sailing for a while, all hell broke loose when Love Island host Sophie Monk announced that the Islanders were heading to Hotel Amor.
Zane and Sophie when they found out they were paired for Hotel Amor. Image: Nine.
Hotel Amor involved the shows’ Superfans matching the Islanders together for an overnight stay – and for the most part, those couples were brand new pairings.
Sophie headed off to a hotel room withZane Prophet, who she’d hooked up with before entering the Love Island Australia 2024 villa. There, the new couple explored their old connection and got down and dirty.
When Sophie returned to the original villa, she told Dylan that she and Zane had shared a kiss and got “touchy-feely”. However, it was revealed at Love Island Movie Night that they did “everything but sex”.
However, they left the villa as a couple, which clearly isn’t the case anymore. Find out which other couples are still together from Love Island Australia 2024 right HERE.
Mercedes, Mimi, Steph, Sophie and Dylan hanging out in the villa. Image: Nine.
Stream Love Island Australia Mondays to Thursdays on Channel 9 and 9Now.
With Love Island Australia 2024 drawing to a close (cue our collective tears) and the epic finale just around the corner, this season has delivered its fair share of unforgettable moments and unforgettable Islanders!
Among them is the stunning Krissy Bertone, the 25-year-old Bombshell from Perth. While she may not have found her perfect match in the villa, the gorgeous brunette strutted away as an undeniable fan favourite for many.
Here’s everything to know about her.
Krissy Bertone entering the villa with fellow Bombshell Kaylah Holmes. Image: Nine.
Outside Love Island, Krissy Bertone is a makeup artist and business owner
According to her show bio, Krissy is a professional makeup artist by day. The beauty also owns her own swimwear line, Bertone Swim, which is described on its Insta page as “Italian-inspired swimwear” – fitting, given Krissy’s Portuguese and Italian roots.
She’s also made quite the splash on socials even before stepping foot on Love Island, with over 380K followers on TikTok!
What was Krissy looking for on Love Island Australia 2024?
What was love on the brain for Krissy? When she first entered the villa, Krissy revealed that she was immediately drawn to Steph Blackos and Dylan Towolawi, describing them as her “tall, dark type.”
And she wasn’t shy about going after what she wanted. “Watch out for this little Sicilian-Portuguese pocket rocket,” she warned. “I will go after what I want in the villa. 100%.”
Who was Krissy coupled up with in the villa?
Krissy and Taylor.Krissy and Dylan.
From the moment Krissy strutted into the Love Island villa during Episode 10, it was a bit of a rollercoaster. First, she had undeniable chemistry with Dylan… until his attention shifted to Sophie Mills. Ouch.
Next came Niko Fotopoulos, but their connection fizzled fast when Greek Goddess Mia Dalkos entered the scene. Krissy also seemed to suggest that Steph was keen, especially after the infamous “foot rub” incident.
Krissy’s final potential match was Taylor Reid, and things seemed to be heating up after their overnight stay at Hotel Amor. But in Love Island fashion, the drama wasn’t done. When eliminated contestant Hannah Steinfeld returned, Taylor had to choose between her and Krissy and, unfortunately for Krissy, her villa days came to an end.
Since leaving the show, Krissy seems to be living her best life. She’s been busy spending time with fellow ex-Islanders like Xanthe Wessen. Yes, the same Xanthe who told her to “fuck off”!
But with the finale fast approaching and some familiar faces returning for the season’s second round of the “truth bike” segment, Krissy will make a comeback for one final hurrah on Love Island.
Although they weren’t coupled up at the start, Hannah and Taylor found their way together and eventually became one of the strongest couples in the villa.
Here’s everything we know about whether Taylor and Hannah are still together.
Hannah and Taylor. Image: Nine.
Hannah and Taylor: Did this couple stay together outside the villa?
Nope! Hannah and Taylor split shortly after they were eliminated from Love Island Australia during the episode that aired on December 12.
Taylor told 9Now that they gave their relationship a shot in the real world but cryptically explained that there was a “moral” misalignment between them.
“Hannah and I left the Villa with all intentions to give it a go in the outside world. We got back to Melbourne, and we continued to see each other quite briefly,” he began.
Taylor added that they “had a conversation because there was some information that came to light that we needed to speak about.”
“We started to get to know each other without the cameras and see each other’s lives and lifestyles, and there was something that didn’t sit with me morally.”
Meanwhile, Hannah refused to comment on the specifics behind their break-up but said that she and Taylor were still good mates.
“Taylor and I are not together. I’ll just confirm that Tay and I are still really close friends and that we’re as close as we were in the Villa, just not romantically,” she said.
We’re going to need more info, stat!
Hannah and Taylor on their final Love Island Australia date. Image: Nine.
Hannah and Taylor’s Love Island journey
Hannah originally coupled up with Niko Fotopoulos, and the pair stayed together for the first half of Love Island Australia 2024.
Part way through the season, Hannah broke things off with Niko and pursued Taylor, who was coupled up withEm Miguel Leigh.
At the time, Taylor explored a relationship with both women, but Hannah was dumped from the villa in Episode 17 when Bombshell Mia Dalkos chose Niko, who Hannah was technically coupled up with.
The following episode saw Taylor and Krissy Bertone head off to Hotel Amor. During the next recoupling ceremony, Hannah returned to the villa and was told she would be able to stay if Taylor coupled up with her, which he did. Unfortunately for Krissy, she was sent packing.
Hannah returning to the Love Island Australia villa. Image: Nine.
Since then, Hannah and Taylor’s relationship has gone relatively smoothly, but unfortunately, it has not lasted the test of time!
Stream Love Island Australia Mondays to Thursdays on Channel 9 and 9Now.
