“Love Island: All Stars”’ Olivia Says She and Marcel Have ‘Mutually’ Decided to ‘Stay Friends’: ‘We Speak Every Day’ (Exclusive)

Entertainment TV Reality TV Love Island: All Stars’ Olivia Reveals Decision to Stay Friends with Marcel

Olivia Hawkins, known from her time on Love Island: All Stars, has clarified her relationship status with fellow contestant Marcel Somerville post-exit from the villa. The 29-year-old was eliminated from the South African villa on January 22, after being voted as the least compatible couple by the public alongside Marcel.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Olivia shared that she and Marcel, aged 39, have come to a mutual agreement to remain friends. Despite their short time together on the show, Olivia expressed that they developed a good bond while in the villa. However, the limited time they spent together before exiting into the public eye hindered the growth of a potential romantic connection.

While they have since maintained communication, Olivia emphasised that their relationship has transitioned into a platonic friendship. She noted, “We still speak every day, but I think we’ve just agreed that it’s more of a friendship.”

As alumni from different seasons, with Olivia on season 9 and Marcel on season 3, they were only given nine days in the villa before their departure. Initially coupled with other contestants, they began exploring their connection later in the season. Olivia expressed regret about not having more time to see if their bond could evolve further during their stay.

Following their elimination, Olivia and Marcel were surprised to be voted as the least compatible couple, especially amidst other strong connections in the villa. Olivia believed that if the top two most compatible couples were to be chosen during that time, they would have been included. She mentioned feeling the dismay of their departure also meant missing out on the subsequent villa drama.

For Olivia, the decision to return to the Love Island: All Stars villa was an easy one after weighing the timing and her readiness to re-enter the reality TV setting. Having previously considered participating in a past season and Love Island Games, she felt that the current moment was right for her return.

As she readjusts to life outside the villa, Olivia admitted to feeling a lingering sense of surveillance and having to navigate the sudden exposure to the public eye once again. She shared her observations on the ongoing season and how detached she currently feels from the dynamics inside the villa.

Although her journey on Love Island: All Stars may have taken an unexpected turn, Olivia remains positive about her experience and values the friendships formed during her time on the show. As she moves forward, she aims to focus on settling back into her routine while reflecting on the whirlwind adventure she just concluded.

The evolution of Olivia and Marcel’s relationship serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise within the realm of reality TV romance. While their time in the Love Island: All Stars villa may have been brief, the bond they share as friends continues to be a significant aspect of their post-show narrative.