A look at all the Love Islanders who swore they’d never go back in the villa

With the newest season of Love Island All Stars well underway, we’re living for the drama. There’s nothing better than seeing old beef be addressed, and old flames come face to face with each other in the villa. Even if they do look absolutely freezing out there – so much for a long hot summer.

While we all place our bets on who might be sneaking up on screen as this year’s bombshells, multiple ex-islanders have spoken out VERY publicly to quash the rumours. So, here are all the Love Island cast members who won’t be going on All Stars and why.

No biggie, we’re not heartbroken at all.

Maura Higgins

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After appearing as a fiery bombshell in season five, Maura some much loved drama before placing fourth alongside Curtis Pritchard. And out of all the potential Love Island cast members to appear on All Stars, Maura would be our top choice. 

Following her appearance on I’m A Celebrity, the 34-year-old revealed to a Loose Women panel that her “dating show days are done”.

She’s rejected All Stars before, and isn’t afraid to do it again. It would be a bit awks to star alongside an ex after all. 

Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

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This one baffles me too. During her time on Celebrity Big Brother, the 30-year-old actress and influencer would snap at any mention of Love Island.

After winning season eight, Ekin-Su spoke often of her frustrations with Love Island, telling housemate Zeze Millz that she resented being associated with the show. Meanwhile, she’s currently catching some rays in the South African villa…

Never let them know your next move, I guess?

Megan Barton-Hanson

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After returning to the Villa to take part in the Love Island Games back in November 2023, Megan declined to join All Stars as a new Islander. She explained it was due to lack of attraction to the potential male participants and honestly, fair enough.

Ovie Soko 

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Fan favourite Ovie Soko had a short lived romance with season five co-star Anna Vakili, before being sidelined by Jordan Hames. 

Since the show he’s been the face of ASOS, returned to basketball to play for the London Lions, and had a brief stint as a guest chef on This Morning. Phew. 

Sharing a post to X, Ovie disappointed fans by stating “I’m never going on Love Island All Stars. Love the show, but I’m 33, guys. I’m your uncle now.”

Zara Lackenby-Brown 

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The season nine model Zara Lackenby-Brown was pinned as a favourite to return for All Stars, having not had a long stint in her season. 

The 27-year-old posted a video to her YouTube in 2024 discussing the possibility, explaining that she would have liked the chance to return, but didn’t make the cut. 

Whilst she didn’t exactly say she would never return, she did quip that “It is a very intense environment; one where the contestants of course do not have full control over.”

Zara also said: “My appearance didn’t necessarily go all the way in my favour the first time around.”

Dr Alex George 

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Season four hot doc Alex George is unlikely to return to Love Island, having returned to the medical field post-show. 

The 33-year-old enjoyed numerous appearances after the show aired, before launching his podcast The Waiting Room. He’s now an appointed Youth Mental Health Ambassador, promoting kindness online. 

In a post on Instagram, Alex told his followers: “Don’t panic, this photo isn’t a sign that I am going back on the island… I just wanted to post a gentle reminder to be kind online.”

Anna Vakili 

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Anna Vakili made her debut on the show in season five, coupling with Sherif Lanre before making things official with Jordan Hames. The now 34-year-old returned to her pharmacy job after the show, working throughout the Covid pandemic. 

She revealed on her podcast Sisters in the City that she wouldn’t return to the show again, even turning down the chance to join the All Stars cast. 

Anna explained she doesn’t see the show as an opportunity anymore, saying: “I look at previous Love Island All Stars and I don’t think it did anything for any of them. In terms of me finding someone on there, it’s very, very slim. The kind of man I want to settle down with wouldn’t really want a woman that’s going on Love Island. I feel that’s such a f***ed up thing to say but that’s the truth.”

Yikes.

Antigoni Buxton

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After appearing on Love Island back in 2022, Antigoni recently revealed she had been approached for the All Stars series but chose not to pursue it, explaining that it didn’t align with her current aspirations.

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