Love Island UK is turning up the heat by borrowing a page from Love Island USA, as one of the newest bombshells shakes things up in the villa. Season 12 is already off to a fiery start, with the original 12 Islanders just settling into their journey. But as always with Love Island, a surprise twist—or a bombshell—can change everything in an instant.
While Love Island UK usually features a fully British cast, the first bombshell of the season, Toni Laites, has crossed the Atlantic in search of love in Mallorca.
Toni marks a milestone as the first American to join the Love Island UK villa—a big shift compared to Love Island USA, which regularly spices things up with international Islanders. In season 6 of the US version, UK native Aaron Evans made headlines for his romance with Kaylor Martin. That same season, Olivia “Liv” Walker joined the cast from Australia. And in season 7, British bombshell Charlie Georgiou also made an entrance. So while foreign contestants are common in the U.S. version, Toni’s appearance is a rare move for the UK series.
Toni hails from Connecticut but now lives in Las Vegas, where she works as a bottle service girl at a pool. On the show, she opened up about her job, saying,
I’m always the number one in sales at both hotels I work at. I’m a workaholic. You have to audition to get the job I’ve got–over a 1000 people applied. There’s only 10 cabana servers!
Read More: Love Island’s Sophie Lee Opens Up About Terrible Accident That Left Burn Scars on Her Face
Toni clearly goes after what she wants. During her time on Love Island UK, that includes finding the right man. She made it clear that nothing stands in her way—not even another woman who’s already coupled up with the guy she’s interested in.
Toni’s entrance at the end of episode 1 of Love Island UK season 12 made waves, as she became the first-ever American Islander on the show. Her arrival had been teased in a promo shared by the Daily Mail, where she told host Maya Jama that she was heading to the villa after Maya mentioned wanting more “twists” this season.
Hey Maya, I heard you want more twists. How about an American bombshell? Get ready, I’m on my way.
Toni’s sudden arrival left the Islanders stunned, especially since they had just coupled up. She wasted no time stirring things up—she got the chance to steal someone from an existing couple and chose Ben Holbrough, who was paired with Shakira Khan. That left Shakira single and vulnerable to elimination. Still, Toni’s warm personality quickly won over the other girls, and she was welcomed into the group with open arms. Even Shakira didn’t seem to hold a grudge.
Even though Toni entered the villa by stealing Shakira’s partner, the Islanders were instantly intrigued. As the only non-British contestant, she brought a fresh energy that definitely caught the boys’ attention. Her sassy and witty personality only added to her charm. She shared that she works in Las Vegas, where the party never stops—but she’s “tired” of American men.
I have some British friends and they’re pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners.
Toni’s arrival meant one girl would be dumped in the next episode. While many expected Shakira to go, it was actually Sophie Lee who got sent home. Her partner, Harry Cooksley, chose to couple up with Shakira, which meant Sophie was left single and had to leave. If Toni came to stir things up the American way, mission accomplished.
Love Island UK is streaming on ITVX for free.
Sources: Toni/Instagram, Daily Mail/TikTok