Olivia Sanderson for Love Island 2026 / ITV
It was a Casa Amor bloodbath on last night’s Love Island as five of the newbies were dumped amid a shock recoupling that saw six new couples formed.
Shortly after leaving the villa, Olivia Sanderson spoke to the press about her time on the show…
How does it feel to be leaving Love Island?
“It feels good! I just don’t think my person was in there. Me and Finley gave it a go, we had a good crack at that connection. I’m happy to be coming away because he’s definitely not for me.”
How would you describe the experience?
“It was a whirlwind! They always say expect the unexpected, but truly that is the advice I’d give! You do not know what is around that corner. It’s the most fun, most unique experience to try and meet somebody. I’ve learnt a lot about myself. If I can stand in front of a Fire Pit full of boys, and take that – I can do anything! It’s humbling. I had the best time.”
We saw you getting to know Finley – did you think that could go somewhere?
“Going in, my top three were Kavan, Finley and Lorenzo but speaking to them, the only one I had an instant connection with was Finley. He was welcoming and had a really bubbly energy. He’s fun, sings a lot and is goofy. I’m not someone that could force anything. I explored the options that I thought would be for me, and none of them were, other than the one with Finley. We gave it a good go but his heart was with Ellie – obviously you’re comparing three days to however long they were together. Although I do think Finley was 50/50 until he made the choice.”
How have you left things with him?
“Finley is a fun laugh, I do think we’ll really be friends on the outside. It’s just a shame, he obviously had a stronger connection with Ellie as they had more time. I think if we had as much time as them together, and he was coupled up with me from day one, it would have been a different story. I was shocked Ellie hadn’t recoupled, I thought she might have. I handled that the best way I could around the Fire Pit and you never know what it’s going to bring so yeah. Never say never!”
Did you form good friendships?
“You go into this experience so naive of what is to come, if I didn’t have that group of girls going in that I did have, I would never have enjoyed it in the way I did! They made the experience. I will never not speak to them on the outside, every single one played a part in my journey and I know I played a part in theirs. We genuinely had the best time with the girls and I could not have asked for a better group, they made a huge impact. Also, Sean and I had such an amazing friendship towards the end, I’m most sad to be leaving him to be honest. He made me feel so welcome. I wish him and Lola all the best because he’s just the best guy and I think he and I will be friends on the outside.”
Love Island continues nightly at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
