Season 7 of “Love Island UK:” A Whirlwind Summer

I was not disappointed by the seventh season of “Love Island UK.” I watched an episode nearly every day for an entire month, and have been enthralled non-stop. Though I wallowed in despair for most of yesterday while I was processing the fact that I would have to wait an entire year for fresh content, I decided that I needed catharsis: I need to say every major thought I had about this season. And so we meet: join me on my trip down memory lane as I rehash my thoughts on season 7.

The starting episodes were pretty lackluster, and I didn’t have any expectations for where this season was heading. A consistent theme proved to be true: the girls were carrying the show in looks, attitudes, and senses of humor. The boys did not make a single recovery until Teddy joined the show, and even then, it was a delicate balance. 

As more frontrunners settled in, I could tell this would be an exciting season. Approaching Casa Amor, the cast was increasingly dynamic and provided entertaining plot lines with Toby’s typically menace-behavior, but the cast was perfect in those weeks. Chloe is without a doubt the overall star of this season, and with her newly single, I was excited for Casa Amor.

Casa Amor was the highlight of this season, in a way that has not appeared on this show before: It feels like everyone broke up, found new people, broke up, and then recoupled with their original pair. At first, I was hesitant to accept this growth: is it good TV if they’re actually learning from their mistakes? But man, the last few episodes were so good. The couples had so much to talk about, and believe me, I’m about to.

Priya and Brett’s whole ick situation was just annoying to me because she let herself spiral deeper and deeper into the little things that she didn’t like about Brett without talking to him until they pretty much broke things off. It just felt very middle school, and it felt like if they worked things out earlier on they could’ve had a lot of potential for a long term relationship.

Teddy and Faye are my absolute favorites. Everyone ALWAYS brings up their arguments, but unlike the other couple, they’ve convinced me that they’re stronger for it. Faye has matured so much throughout this season, and Teddy has remained patient and supportive– WHY DIDN’T THEY WIN?????

Toby and Chloe are by far the most entertaining and hilarious couple. They are so obviously insanely obsessed with each other, and they’re similar to Faye and Teddy where they’ve come out of a bad situation stronger (except no one ever seems to bring that up half as often as they do Faye’s blow-ups). I thought they should win or get second to Faye and Teddy, and though they did get second, it’s not the same. Both of them were made for TV, though Chloe suits it more, and I hope they do random celebrity appearances.

Aaron and Mary were so cute and the whole drama thing with Kaz and Tyler was so out of nowhere that I physically recoiled when Kaz started raising her voice. I am not a fan of Kaz and Tyler simply because I’m not a fan of Tyler: he seems shifty. Plus, Kaz’s voice bothers me a little bit.

I hated Jake from the start, and though it pained me to see someone as wonderful as Liberty in so much pain, I cheered the moment she said she wanted to end it with him. Even before all the disingenuous discussions, I just didn’t like him. He seems very old-school in his beliefs, and not in a comforting way. Liberty deserves the world, and the world doesn’t deserve her.

I never recovered from Liam’s betrayal at Casa Amor. None of the things he did were worthy of a second chance, and though I do not agree with Lillie’s decisions at all, I can imagine it was tough seeing Liam win the show after juking her out for five days straight. Millie seems like such an interesting and kind person, and she deserved so much more than the whole re-coupling situation when they returned from Casa Amor (not to mention her style being literally perfect in every way). Liam never redeemed himself in my eyes, but I’m glad to see Millie happy and wiser.

My favorite islander is without a doubt Chloe, and the biggest dumping upset I experienced the entire time was either Shannon getting dumped on the first episode or Mary and Aaron getting kicked off. I loved this cast of people, and this will definitely be a season I revisit soon. Iain Stirling and Laura Whitmore cleaned up this season, and Iain deserves an extra bag of cash for all the times he got me despite me trying not to laugh. Also, can I mention Laura’s looks this round??? Her outfits and styling were pretty cute and appropriate for the most part! Her finale outfit was adorable, and she’s definitely charismatic.

This season may dethrone season 4 as my favorite, but only time will tell. Until then, I can pine away for my least favorite annual season to return as I grow one year older, and hopefully I’ll get a VPN so I can watch it live someday. If you disagree, comment kindly, and check out my previous “Love Island UK” article!