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Love Island UK season 12 began on June 9, 2025, with a twist involving its first confirmed bombshell. The season’s initial surprise entrant is Antonia Laites, a 24-year-old from Connecticut currently working as a pool cabana server in Las Vegas.
Known as Toni, she made her entrance after the original 12 Islanders had coupled up. During the premiere episode, she was instructed to select a male Islander at the fire pit. She chose footballer Ben Holbrough, leaving his original partner, Shakira Khan, single and vulnerable to elimination.
Toni Laites becomes the first Love Island UK season 12 bombshell
Toni Laites' background and career
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Toni Laites is from Connecticut and currently resides in Las Vegas, where she works as a pool cabana server. Her job and willingness to relocate were confirmed in a pre-villa Q&A of Love Island UK, and she admitted,
“It would just break my heart to not have my job anymore.”
Toni is the first American to appear on Love Island UK. The news of her participation was first teased on June 8, 2025, in a video posted on the show's Instagram page. In the clip, she sent host Maya Jama a voice note stating,
“Hey Maya. I heard you want more twists. How about an American bombshell? Get ready. I’m on my way.”
Maya responded in the video by acknowledging the voice note and referring to it as the "sweet sounds of an American." In the same Q&A, Toni explained that although she has lived in three different states, she is still single and believes it is "time to try something new." She also described her interest in British men, adding,
“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.”
Entrance twist and impact on villa dynamics
Toni’s entrance was featured during the season’s premiere episode. After the initial couples were formed, she walked into the villa and was directed to select a male Islander. She chose Ben Holbrough, breaking up his existing couple with Shakira Khan.
Shakira was left single after the recoupling and given 24 hours to find a new partner or be eliminated. Ben and Toni became a new couple, putting Shakira at risk. This twist shook up the villa early in the season. According to Love Island rules, anyone left single after a recoupling can be sent home, and reports say one girl has already been dumped, though it hasn't aired yet.
Personal details and partner preferences
Toni is 24 years old and has openly discussed her dating preferences. In her pre-villa Q&A, she said she is looking for someone who can “make me laugh” and who is “quite active.” She described her ideal man as having “darker hair” and a “clean haircut,” and added that he should be “definitely muscular but not too muscular.”
Toni also shared her hopes for her time in the Love Island UK villa,
“I don’t want to be super messy. I’m not really like that. I’m hoping to come out with friends of course. I guess I’m the party starter, I want everyone to have fun.”
Love Island UK season 12 will be available to stream in the U.S. on Hulu starting on June 12, 2025.
