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Love Island villain ‘confirmed’ for All Stars return after split with villa boyfriend and viewer backlash

THE stunning brunette has previously hit out over stereotypes about Islanders not being smart

WINTER Love Island star Olivia Hawkins is returning to screens in Love Island All Stars later this month.

The stunning brunette actress, 29, who first appeared on the series in 2023, is set to jet out to South Africa, where the series is filmed, next week.

Olivia Hawkins is returning to the Love Island villa for All Stars later this month
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Olivia Hawkins is returning to the Love Island villa for All Stars later this monthCredit: Getty
She split from boyfriend Maxwell Samuda just weeks after leaving the villa in early 2023
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She split from boyfriend Maxwell Samuda just weeks after leaving the villa in early 2023Credit: Rex
Liv hit back after being branded a 'villain' during her first stint on the show
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Liv hit back after being branded a 'villain' during her first stint on the showCredit: Splash

It comes after the one-time Michelle Keegan body double split from her on-screen boyfriend Maxwell Samuda, 25, shortly after the show wrapped.

A source said: “Olivia is really excited to be returning to South Africa and continuing her Love Island journey.

She feels like she’s got lots to offer still and would love to meet someone. She’s adored the limelight since she first came out of the villa, but would like to find romance.”

Other Love Island stars set to return to the villa include Curtis Pritchard, 28, and Scott Thomas, 36, with Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, 30, also said to be tempted.

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An ITV spokeswoman said: “All names suggested are speculation. The line-up will be announced in due course.”

Last year Olivia hit back at stereotypes about Love Islanders' intelligence.

She said: “I think when people go on Love Island, you just see them as a character and as beautiful people There's only a surface level that people get to see and no one knows what degrees you've done, what your background is.

“I’ve got A-Levels, I went to Musical Theatre College. I got a first class degree.

“So, you know, people just think, ‘oh, they're just these pretty people that don't know what they're talking about’. I guess it opens people up to a different side to you."

After her stint on the show back in January 2023, Olivia found herself at the centre of a public backlash and being branded a TV villain.

Love Island’s Liv Hawkins in feud with Casa Amor star over ‘disgusting’ comments

She spoke to The Sun exclusively after getting booted, and denied being a Mean Girl.

“When people meet me they will see the real me, I’m definitely not a villain.

“Now I’m out of the villa I’m looking forward to people seeing my fun side and my big heart.

“I’m a genuinely lovely person.”

The new series, hosted by Maya Jama, starts on Monday January 13 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

Ekin-Su has also been in talks to return to the franchise
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Ekin-Su has also been in talks to return to the franchiseCredit: Getty
Curtis Pritchard is also in the mix for the new series
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Curtis Pritchard is also in the mix for the new seriesCredit: Instagram
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