Love Islanders who returned to their day jobs after finding fame on ITV2 show
ITV Love Island has seen many of its stars go on to become big names but some have chosen to return to their day jobs
Love Island graced our telly screens once again on Monday (June 10), introducing a new group of singletons all eager to find love under the Spanish sun.
As fans of the ITV2 dating show will know, the series often offers more than just a chance at romance, with opportunities for influencer careers, nightclub appearances and lucrative brand partnerships.
Many hopefuls apply for Love Island in pursuit of both love and fame, and over the years there have been numerous success stories such as Olivia Attwood, Indiyah Polack and Dami Hope.
We've seen business owners, boxers, models, actors, NHS staff and firefighters leave their careers behind for a shot at love, with only a select few returning to their day jobs.
Here's a rundown of a few islanders who chose to return to their original professions after leaving the villa, including Dr Alex and Paige Thorne.
Dr Alex George
Dr Alex George is perhaps now best known as the nation's Mental Health Ambassador.
He appeared on Love Island in 2018, taking a hiatus from his role as an A&E doctor to seek love.
He returned to his previous job just weeks after leaving the villa and has since used his platform for positive change.
Greg O'Shea
Love Island 2019 winner Greg O'Shea, who clinched the title alongside Amber Gill, was a law student and rugby player before his reality TV fame.
In 2020, he returned to his sport and competed in the Tokyo Olympics, announcing his retirement from the sport following the games.
Dr Priya Gopaldas
Dr Priya Gopaldas was a standout contestant from the 2021 series of Love Island was due to her medical background.
After leaving the villa, she resumed her journey towards becoming a doctor amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March 2023, she joyfully announced that she had passed her finals and is now officially a Doctor.
Anna Vakili
Anna Vakili left her pharmacist position to appear on Love Island in 2019.
Post-show, Anna joined her co-stars in exploring a career as an influencer.
However, in 2020, she decided to return to her medical background during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite returning to work, she has still made a name for herself as a successful influencer and even has a podcast with her sister Mandi.
Amber Davies
Amber Davies, who won Love Island in 2017, was studying musical theatre before entering the villa.
Rather than becoming a full-time reality star, Amber achieved her dream West End role in 9 to 5: The Musical in 2019.
In 2022, she took on a lead role in Bring It On, a musical adaptation of the 2000 teen film.
Faye Winter
Faye Winter entered the Love Island villa in 2021 and not long after leaving she revealed plans to return to her job as a lettings manager by launching her own property company.
Georgia Townend
Georgia Townend, despite only being in the Love Island villa for less than 72 hours, made a hilarious impact on social media.
Alongside her amusing posts and Tik Toks, Georgia has also returned to her old marketing role at LIDL Head Office.
Coco Lodge
Casa Amor bombshell Coco Lodge certainly left a mark when she entered the show in 2022. After leaving the villa she returned to her pre-island job of selling shots in clubs after her stint.
In the Channel 4 documentary Untold: Life After Love Island, she revealed that she had to go back to her shot-girl role to cover rent as brand deal payments were delayed.
Jacques O'Neill
Islander Jacques, who terminated his contract to join Love Island 2022, re-signed with his professional rugby club in May 2023.
Tom Clare
Just a few weeks after leaving the Love Island: All Stars villa as a winner alongside Molly Smith, Tom Clare announced his return to Macclesfield FC.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Tom told fans: 'Back home'.
Sanam Harrinanan
Winter Love Island 2023 champion and social worker Sanam Harrinanan announced in August 2024 that she was returning to her day job, having completed her newly qualified year as a social worker.
Kai Fagan
Sanam's Love Island fiancé Kai Fagan also announced his return to his day job as a PE Teacher in September 2024.
On Instagram, he told fans: "First, week back working in Education I've always said I'd return and after the whirlwind of the last few years now is the perfect time."
Being a teacher is something that I worked extremely hard for studying for 5 years, whilst balancing my own education with rugby and work. ".
You can catch up on Love Island on ITVX