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Love Island has finally returned to TV screens after an 18 month absence - and one Islander proved to be very popular with the new hunks on Monday's first episode of the season.

Faye Winter, from Devon, was picked by both Hugo Hammond and Toby Aromolaran in the first coupling, however ended up with Brad McClelland, with the duo going on to share the show's first passionate kiss of the series during a raucous game of dares around the fire pit.

And although still getting to know each other, the new couples will soon be tested as Chloe Burrows is set to waltz into the villa on Tuesday's show and tempt the boys away from the girls in a dramatic shake up. 

Also trying to find love in Mallorca is Kaz Kamwi, Liberty Poole, Sharon Gaffka and Shannon Singh and as well as Aaron Francis and Jake Cornish.

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All the attention: Faye proved to be a huge hit with the hunks, with three boys picking her and Brad being the lucky lad who got to couple up with the blonde beauty on Monday's first episode of Love Island 2021

In true Love Island tradition, the girls were the first ones to arrive at the villa - with Kaz, Liberty, Sharon, Faye and Shannon all make their entrance and beginning to get to know one another at the iconic fire pit. 

Kaz and Liberty were the first two to enter and struggled popping the first bottle of drink, before bonding over some giggles and joking they needed a man to help them.

Sharon was next to turn up, shortly followed by Faye and Shannon. Once introduced to their new pals for the summer the girls wasted no time in getting to know each other and talking about their ideal men. 

Shortly after, host Laura Whitmore arrived and the girls are asked to line up - with the infamous first coupling already being teased ahead of the show airing on Monday night in an action packed trailer.

Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the boys, Liberty said: 'I'm ready for the hotties. Anyone else?'

Ahead of the first coupling up, Laura asked the girls how they're feeling. Liberty said: 'I'm nervous but I'm excited to see what potential is coming through the doors.' 

On the subs bench: Hugo and Toby both ended up sitting to the side after Brad picked Faye to couple up with (right)

Loving it: The beauty from Devon seemed surprised by all the attention on day one of the series 

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Here comes drama! Bombshell Chloe Burrows was revealed at the end of the episode, with Toby receiving a text from from her inviting any of the boys to leave their belles and come meet her outside the villa

Speaking about what she is looking for, Kaz said: 'I just like muscles and biceps, nice backs and nice bodies!'

On whether personality is important to her, Faye - letting a little of her Devon accent shine - said: 'We need the personality; if he's not bringing the personality, I don't want him!'

Speaking about her 'turn-offs', Sharon says: 'White jeans and an ego... it's just a no from me.'

The time then arrived for the girls to meet the boys as host Laura said: 'I think it's about time we meet some boys. What do you think? One by one the guys are going to come in, you're going to decide if you like them or not... 

'If you fancy them, you step forward and once you step forward or not, each boy will then decide who they want to couple up with. So, who is ready to meet our first boy?'

It's back! Love Island returned to screens on Monday, with a new host of stunning Islanders hoping to couple up and find their match in Mallorca (pictured L-R Liberty Poole, Sharon Gaffka, Kaz Kamwi, Faye Winter and Shannon Singh)

Here come the girls! Faye (left), Sharon (middle) and Shannon (right) are three of the 2021 girls hoping to find love in the villa

Stunning: Liberty (left) and Kaz (right) also sizzled in their slinky bikinis during the eventful launch night episode, with the two beauties being the first to enter the brand new villa

Romance: Toby (left) and Hugo (right) are among the eligible bachelors hoping to couple up on the 2021 series

Hunky: Brad (left), Jake (middle) and Aaron (right) also ensured to make an impression as they tried to catch the ladies' eyes  

The boys - Jake, Aaron, Hugo, Toby and Brad - then make their entrance one by one and are greeted by the girls.

Somerset hunk Jake arrived first, struggling to hide how impressed he was with the stunning girls in front of him and acknowledging he's a 'lucky man' to be going first.  

After a slightly nerve-wracking few seconds, Liberty stepped forward for Jake and he decided to couple up with the blonde beauty from Birmingham to become the first 2021 couple.

Aaron was the next to run through the villa, opting to couple up with Shannon - who he called 'number five' - despite the fact she didn't step forward to him and both Kaz and Faye had. 

Asking Faye how she felt about not being picked, Faye brushed off the disappointment and said: 'If he doesn't remember a girl's name I've dodged a big bullet!' 

Here they come! Kaz and Liberty were the first two girls to arrive at the villa and soon excitedly explored the bar area

Exciting: The girls wasted no time sipping the prosecco and getting to know each other (pictured Liberty, Kaz and Sharon)

Hugs all round: The Islanders all quarantined ahead of going into the villa and could not get enough of the hugs as they made their introductions 

Bring on the chats: Kaz, Sharon and Liberty seemed to be having a wonderful time as they chatted on the white sofa area

Hugo also faced a little potential embarrassment in the coupling up drama with none of the girls stepping forward for him. He went on to pick Faye, who through a smile said he just seemed 'too kind' for her.

Already proving to be a big hit with the hunks, Faye was then also picked by Toby to recouple with him after none of the girls stepped forward after his big entrance. 

Closing the first coupling of 2021, Brad caused more chaos when after three girls showed their interest in him he declared that he wanted to be with the 'one in the blue' - meaning Faye had yet another move on her hands.  

And although having waited 18 months for the return of Love Island, many fans were left frustrated ahead of the girls' big entrance and quickly trying to fix their ITV Hub stream - with football fans also facing difficulties trying to watch the France V Switzerland game.

ITV tweeted about the problem, telling fans: 'We are currently experiencing technical difficulties and working on getting services back as soon as possible.' 

Dozens of viewers shared Love Island memes featuring stars of seasons past to express their frustration, with some fans hoping that the glitchy player was just a 'joke'. 

It also comes as a source told The Sun that ahead of going into the villa all of the Islanders had to do a drugs test so that TV bosses could discover if they were taking any illegal drugs and prescription medication.

The stars are also said to have had to give permission for the show to contact their GPs about any pre-existing conditions - such as sleep walking - which could effect them in the villa. 

A source said: 'Love Islanders are all vetted for drugs and had to submit to a test before entering the villa. It's part of the medical screening process and their fitness to participate

'The drug testing also lets bosses know if they have an addict on their hands or someone who is taking drugs for a condition the show doesn't know about.' 

MailOnline has contacted Love Island's representatives for further comment. 

After getting through the dramatic coupling, the new Islanders got to explore the villa a little and take in their summer surroundings before getting ready for the first night together.

Once they'd got their glam on, Liberty revealed she's already rather taken with Jake but told her new bestie Kaz that she's worried they're a little too similar and she's going to keep her options open. 

Oh dear: Dozens of Love Island fans were left in a panic moments before the episode started on Monday, with many facing problems with ITV Hub crashing

LOVE ISLAND 2021: MEET THE COUPLES

Liberty and Jake

Coupled up: Liberty and Jake formed the first couple on the 2021 series of Love Island

 

Name: Liberty Poole

Age: 21

Location: Birmingham

Occupation: Nando's Waitress and Marketing Student

Who is their type on paper? 'So I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky chappy sort of guy. 

'But obviously that's always usually combined with player types, which is where I go wrong. So I am trying to change my ways and go for more of a nicer guy that is going to treat me right.' 

 

 Name: Jake Cornish

Age: 24

Location: Weston-super-Mare

Occupation: Water Engineer

Who is their type on paper? 'Looks wise, always gone for blondes. But for me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be loyal to you...

'I've had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why I don't trust anyone. Someone who is loyal really. But when I'm single, I like having a good time!

Sharon and Hugo

Compatible? Sharon and Hugo also coupled up on the first show, however time will tell if they last the season

 

Name: Sharon Gaffka

Age: 25

Location: Oxford

Occupation: Civil Servant - Operations Lead for Department of Transport

Who is their type on paper? 'I tend to date someone who is taller than me, even though my last long-term partner, he was actually someone who was shorter than me. ' 

 

Name: Hugo Hammond

Age: 24

Location: Hampshire

Occupation: PE Teacher

Who is their type on paper? 'I've been single for a while now. With the current climate, it's been really hard to get back into dating. 

'I saw it as an opportunity to have an amazing fun summer and put myself back out there.'

Kaz and Toby 

Will it last? Fashion blogger Kaz and Semi-pro footballer Toby made another pair

Name: Kaz Kamwi

Age: 26

Location: Essex

Occupation: Fashion Blogger

Who is their type on paper? 'I like meeting new people, I'm ready to be in a relationship. Why not be in a place where people are looking for the same things as me?' 

 

Name: Toby Aromolaran

Age: 22

Location: Essex

Occupation: Semi-pro footballer

How would he describe himself? 'Optimistic. I always see the bright side in the worst situations. I'm a fun guy when I go on a night out. Responsible guy as well.' 

Faye and Brad 

Instant attraction: Faye proved very popular with the hunks and Brad did not hesitate to couple up with her

 

Name: Faye Winter

Age: 26

Location: Devon

Occupation: Letting Manager  

What is her type on paper? 'Someone that will put me in my place. Someone that makes me laugh. But also someone that takes my banter.'

 

Name: Brad McClelland

Age: 26

Location: Northumberland

Occupation: Labourer

Who is their type on paper? Sommer Ray from Instagram. Zara McDermott, she's a good-looking lass. Or Megan Fox.

Shannon and Aaron

Duo: Shannon and Aaron were also coupled together in the first match of the series

 

Name: Shannon Singh 

Age: 22

Location: Fife 

Occupation: Glamour model

Who is their type on paper? 'I don't feed off looks, I feed off energy, I need someone with personality. Just someone I can have fun with.

'I'm a party girl, I love going out, I'm very social. For me it's quite hard to find people who are genuine and looking for what you're looking for'

 

Name: Aaron Francis

Age: 24

Location: London

Occupation: Luxury Events Host

Who is their type on paper? 'I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing - from scientist to anything - you can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. 

'I love that.' 

 

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Jake was also not 100 per cent convinced on his new beauty yet but staying positive as he revealed his true feelings to the boys during the night's chats.

He said: 'I've not got that instant, I wanna rip your clothes off… we're all here for the same reason, you need that instant attraction.. and she is a beautiful girl but right now, I haven't got tunnel vision yet.' 

While Faye, who seemed recovered from the earlier attention, chatted in the Beach Hut that she thinks Brad is 'fit' but that she's 'still open to the idea that he's not my husband' seeing as they'd yet to know each other for 24 hours.

Making sure the latest series is one to remember, the beauties and hunks wasted no time in getting to know each other and setting a very saucy tone with a game of dares around the fire pit in the evening. 

Probably a sensible decision: Faye chatted in the Beach Hut that she thinks Brad is 'fit' but that she's 'still open to the idea that he's not my husband' seeing as they'd yet to know each other for 24 hours

Real talk: Sharon and Hugo discussed his lack of eye contact - with the brunette saying he'd have to work on it

Could it be love? Liberty and Jake seemed to be getting along well during the first episode, however both tried to keep their options open and consider other Islanders

Getting to know each other: Kaz and Toby enjoyed the views from the balcony area while having their first conversation 

Couples: Everyone tried to be cheerful with who they were paired with on the first episode

Labourer Brad, picked the dare: 'You and your partner must snog for 30 seconds', after which he locked lips with Faye in a very passionate embrace.  

Speaking in the Beach Hut after the kiss, cheeky Brad said of his snog: 'Decent kiss. It went on a bit too long I think.' 

Semi-pro footballer Toby, who picked a dare reading: 'One of you must suck the toes of the other for 30 seconds' also embraced the spirit of the evening and got up close and personal with Kaz's feet. 

Speaking after the dare, Toby said: 'I think I got the worst one, but you know what? I'm up for it because it's all a laugh.' But will his partner be up for it? 

Oxford-born civil servant Sharon then had her turn for a dare. She read: 'One of you must suck the other's earlobe for 30 seconds.'

Party time: The new islanders get dressed up as they let their hair down straight away on their first night in the villa

Oh, wow! Making sure the latest series is one to remember, the beauties and hunks wasted no time in getting to know each other and setting a very saucy tone with a game of dares around the fire pit in the evening

Going for it! Brad and Faye shared the first kiss of the series after they had to lock lips for 30 seconds in the game

Getting to know him: Oxford-born civil servant Sharon then had her turn for a dare. She read: 'One of you must suck the other's earlobe for 30 seconds'

Speaking in the Beach Hut, Sharon said: 'Earlobe sucking is probably not something I do on the first day that I meet someone. Actually, I don't do that when I first meet someone. It was just a bit weird!'

And Scottish beauty Shannon and Aaron got to show off their twerking moves after being tasked to do the dance move for a minute. 

However, the Islanders game of dares was soon interrupted as Toby received text. Toby received a voice note from Chloe reading: 'Hey boys. How are you?...

'Chloe here. I've just arrived and I'm outside the front of the Villa. I'd like to take you all on a date but I'll let you guys decide who wants to come and join me. Hopefully I'll see you soon.'

 

Reaction: Some viewers thought the first episode was a little 'dry' and was lacking banter between the Islanders while others said they were missing Ovie Soko, who appeared on a past series of the reality show 

 

Gushing comments: After the show aired, one person gushed: 'Laura Whitmore looking THAT good 2 months after giving birth should be illegal'

Ensuring to leave fans on the edge of their seat, the episode ended before it was revealed which boys ditched their current partners and went to discover just who bombshell Chloe is. 

Fans soon took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the episode, with many saying that they thought the show was a 'dry' and many wishing there had been a little more banter between the Islanders.

One person simply penned: 'These lot are a dry bunch' 

The ITV2 reality series is returning to screens for the first time since January 2020 after last year's planned summer series was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

And after a short hiatus, the villa has had a little revamp with the bedroom boasting a tropical theme with some suggestive headboards and beds covered in pink and blue bedspreads along with a bright blue carpet.

'Besties': Kaz and Liberty were the first two islanders to enter the villa and appeared to bond quickly - with fans praising their chemistry

Where the magic happens: The bedroom has a tropical theme with some suggestive headboards above each bed which are covered in pink and blue bedspreads along with a bright blue carpet

Location: The villa was given a revamp before the singletons arrived, with many of the eye-catching design choices remaining for another year as well as all the classic hangout spots including the fire pit and day beds 

This year's hideaway, where some of the couples will be heading for alone time, also features plush red curtains with a neon lips sign and some new secret drawers.

The day beds are also back for the contestants to have heart-to-hearts while the garden also features a weights area for the islanders to keep themselves in shape throughout the summer.

Meanwhile, narrator Iain Stirling recently revealed he does not intend on travelling to Majorca this year to narrate the forthcoming series of Love Island.

The TV presenter, 33, who became a voice-over artist for the dating show in 2015, has insisted he is looking forward to being 'locked away' in a sound booth all summer.

Radiant: Host Laura Whitmore looked nothing short of sensational as she greeted the contestants inside the villa

However, he hasn't entirely ruled out the possibility of jetting abroad as he confirmed production haven't made a final decision due to uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.

Appearing on Loose Women on Friday via video link, panellist Kaye Adams asked if he will be going to Mallorca for his narrator duties.

Iain responded: 'We are in London, I think, now, this is the thing with coronavirus, I never want to say anything because you never know, who knows what's going to happen.

'I don't know what colour Mallorca is going to be next week, it will be tartan by the time I'm done with it!' 

Whilst Laura had already landed in Majorca with her baby daughter ahead of the new series, Iain said he is happy to get to work in the UK.

He added: 'I am very excited, I have not been in a sound booth for quite some time. This is like my gaming room but it's not quite the sound booth, I am looking forward to being locked away all summer.'

Stunning: The ladies were joined by Faye (second right right) and Shannon (far right) by the pool

LOVE ISLAND 2021: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

 Sharon Gaffka, 25  

Name: Sharon Gaffka

Age: 25

Location: Oxford

Occupation: Civil Servant - Operations Lead for Department of Transport

Who is their type on paper? 'I tend to date someone who is taller than me, even though my last long-term partner, he was actually someone who was shorter than me. 

'I'm quite an intellectual person so I want someone who can kind of match that.'

 Aaron Francis, 24

Name: Aaron Francis

Age: 24

Location: London

Occupation: Luxury Events Host

Who is their type on paper? 'I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing - from scientist to anything - you can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. I love that. 

'I don't like when people are doing a job just to make money and then they kind of just live for the weekend. Especially because I work on the weekends.'

 Liberty Poole, 21 

Name: Liberty Poole

Age: 21

Location: Birmingham

Occupation: Nando's Waitress and Marketing Student

Who is their type on paper? 'So I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky chappy sort of guy. 

'But obviously that's always usually combined with player types, which is where I go wrong. So I am trying to change my ways and go for more of a nicer guy that is going to treat me right.' 

 

 Hugo Hammond, 24  

Name: Hugo Hammond

Age: 24

Location: Hampshire

Occupation: PE Teacher

Who is their type on paper? 'I've been single for a while now. With the current climate, it's been really hard to get back into dating. 

'I saw it as an opportunity to have an amazing fun summer and put myself back out there.'

 

Shannon Singh

 Name: Shannon Singh 

Age: 22

Location: Fife 

Occupation: Glamour model

Who is their type on paper? 'I don't feed off looks, I feed off energy, I need someone with personality. Just someone I can have fun with.

'I'm a party girl, I love going out, I'm very social. For me it's quite hard to find people who are genuine and looking for what you're looking for'

Jake Cornish

 Name: Jake Cornish

Age: 24

Location: Weston-super-Mare

Occupation: Water Engineer

Who is their type on paper? 'Looks wise, always gone for blondes. But for me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be loyal to you...

'I've had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why I don't trust anyone. Someone who is loyal really. But when I'm single, I like having a good time!

Kaz Kamwi

Name: Kaz Kamwi

Age: 26

Location: Essex

Occupation: Fashion Blogger

Who is their type on paper? 'I like meeting new people, I'm ready to be in a relationship. Why not be in a place where people are looking for the same things as me?' 

Chloe Burrows

Name: Chloe Burrows

Age: 25

Location: Bicester

Occupation: Financial Services Marketing Executive

Who is their type on paper? 'I like a good build. I go to the gym. I want someone who is funny. Really funny and caring and will do nice little things for you. 

'And then obviously someone who you can depend on to not ditch you. Because I am quite a big character and quite loud, they would have to be as loud, if not more. 

'I could never be with someone who is quiet. Someone that gives you a bit back'

Faye Winter

Name: Faye Winter

Age: 26

Location: Devon

Occupation: Letting Manager  

What is her type on paper? 'Someone that will put me in my place. Someone that makes me laugh. But also someone that takes my banter. I’m like a five-year-old in a playground, if I like you, I will make a mockery of you and laugh and joke. That is my really terrible flirting skills. I need someone who can take that.'

Brad McClelland

Name: Brad McClelland

Age: 26

Location: Northumberland

Occupation: Labourer

Who is their type on paper? Sommer Ray from Instagram. Zara McDermott, she's a good-looking lass. Or Megan Fox.

Toby Aromolaran 

Name: Toby Aromolaran

Age: 22

Location: Essex

Occupation: Semi-pro footballer

How would he describe himself? 'Optimistic. I always see the bright side in the worst situations. I'm a fun guy when I go on a night out. Responsible guy as well.' 

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