EastEnders airs surprise Love Island crossover as islander makes cameo
Love Island 2023 contestant Olivia Hawkins was spotted at the end of last night's episode.
If you're an avid watcher of the new season of Love Island and beloved soap Eastenders, you'll have spotted that a certain contestant made a surprise appearance in last night's (Wednesday 18th January) episode.
Olivia Hawkins, who is currently at the heart of the drama in the South African-set winter edition of the dating show, can be seen looking over her shoulder at the end of EastEnders' latest episode.
Fans were quick to spot the ring girl and actress on the soap, with one viewer Tweeting: "Did anyone else spot Olivia as an extra in Peggy’s bar on Eastenders tonight?"
Others were equally excited to spot the reality show star in the brief clip that saw her locking eyes with Zack.
The 27-year-old has crossed paths with a few celebrities throughout her career, revealing that she was previously a body double for Shona McGarty's character Whitney in EastEnders.
Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other press, Olivia was asked what her ideal role would be – and whether she'd like a part in EastEnders.
"Well funnily enough, I actually did doubling for Whitney [Dean, played by Shona McGarty] as well in one of the New Year’s episodes," the Love Island star said. "Yeah – that would be a very full circle moment to go on and be one of the characters, even if it was just a drop-in role."
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Olivia revealed that being on the set of EastEnders was "amazing", adding: "The crew on there are so lovely." And on working with actress Shona, she said: "She’s lovely. Amazing singer as well."
As well as playing a waitress in No Time To Die, she has also been a body double for Michelle Keegan and Emma Watson.
In the Love Island villa, though, the actress has certainly kickstarted the drama from day one. In the initial coupling, she decided to steal Kai Fagan from Anna-May Robey – but the move ultimately backfired when Kai stepped forward for Tanyel Revan and Olivia paired up with the only single boy left: Will Young.
Read more:
- EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?
- EastEnders' Kellie Bright teases Linda Carter’s future after Mick exit
- Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright react to Mick's tragic EastEnders exit
Love Island airs on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm. Previous seasons of Love Island are available on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial.
Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide, or visit our Soaps hub.
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Authors
Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.
