There isn’t long to go before Love Island makes its return to screens – and we now have a closer look at the Islanders all looking for love.
Among the singles headed to Mallorca for a summer of love is Ope Sowande, who is confident in his abilities and doesn’t think any competition will phase him.
“I don’t get phased, I don’t get impersonated, I don’t get threatened,” he said. “It’s not even about them, it’s about me. I’m very confident in myself as a person. I love my beauty, I love my looks, I love my humour. If someone fancies someone else more than me, then that’s on them. I won’t take it personally.”
So, just who is Ope Sowande? Scroll on to learn more about the Love Island 2026 contestant.
Ope Sowande – key facts
Age: 27
Job: West End performer
From: Lincolnshire
Instagram: @ope_sowande
Who is Ope Sowande?
Ope Sowande is a West End performer from Lincolnshire who, much like his fellow Islanders, is looking for love in the villa.
But if there is a spot of drama, he admits it could be rather funny to sit back and watch it unfold.
He said: “I love the ‘watching with a telescope, ooh what’s going on, sip the tea’ kind of vibe. I’m not here for the drama… but I’m here for the drama.”
When dating on the outside world, he never plays it safe and always tries to make someone laugh.
“I think that’s the key to love and the key to getting girls,” he said. “My ultimate thing in life is to make people feel comfortable around me, so as soon as that happens, I’m sweet. And I’ve got the best smile in Britain.”
How old is Ope Sowande?
Ope Sowande is 27 years old.
Is Ope from Love Island 2026 on Instagram?
He sure is. You can follow Ope via the handle @ope_sowande. At the time of reporting, he just a little uner 10,000 followers.
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What is Ope’s ‘type on paper’?
For Ope, he found it a little difficult pinning down his exact type, before noting he likes “shorter girls”, as well as “hair, good teeth and a nice smile”.
He added: “I prefer Northerners because they’ve got better craic. That’s just a fact. I haven’t really got a type, I honestly just go on energy, vibes and if you find my jokes funny.”
Love Island returns on Monday 1 June at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
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