Ex-Love Island contestant Olivia Attwood has urged this year’s islanders to just be themselves at the villa.
The reality star, who appeared in the third series of the ITV2 smash hit, has described it as a “scary and stressful experience” as well as rewarding and fun.
When asked what advice she’d give this year’s islanders, Olivia, 27, said: “It sounds a bit cliché but if I could give this year’s Love Island contestants any advice, it would be to be themselves.
“When you go into a strange environment it’s easy to end up acting in a way you don’t recognise, particularly when you can’t speak to your friends and family.”
Read more: Holly Willoughby begs Caroline Flack for Love Island cameo!
Olivia added: “Most importantly, I’d remind them to enjoy it and make the most of every moment.
“It’s a scary and stressful experience, particularly at the beginning, but before you even have time to blink it will all be over!”
Olivia found love with fellow contestant Chris Hughes, finishing in third place.
They left the villa as a couple and went on to film their own reality show, Chris and Olivia: Crackin’ On, which followed their lives after the show.
Unfortunately, their romance didn’t last and they split during filming.
However, Olivia has remained positive about what she gained from Love Island, saying that even if she didn’t find lasting love, she did find a best friend in fellow islander Amber Davies!
She said: “Amber, Montana, Georgia and I have all stayed super close. We have a group chat on WhatsApp which we speak on every day and I see them all the time.
“I see Amber every week without fail, she’s one of my best friends. At least I got a best friend out of Love Island if nothing else!”
Like millions of us, Olivia’s been watching the new series, admitting: “I was obsessed with Love Island long before I was on it and obviously even more so now.”
Love Island made Olivia a household name and has led to a slew of work offers, including her latest role as a brand ambassador for i heart Wines.
She described her ideal night in as having her best friends around with takeaway and wine to watch reality TV.
Sounds perfect to us!
“My idea of the perfect night in is a chilled night on the sofa with all my best girls,” she said. “We usually order in a takeaway (ideally a Chinese or Domino’s), crack open a couple of bottles of vino and either watch a movie or catch up on loads of mindless reality TV, like Keeping Up With The Kardashians or TOWIE.”
She added: “My favourite Kardashian was always Kim, but Kourtney has taken over in the style stakes recently. She is looking so flames!”
Olivia said she’s also partial to a good night out, though, explaining: “I think everyone knows I love a party, so when I’m not working I’m normally heading to the West End or Essex for a night out with the girls!”
Olivia added: “If not, you’ll find me chilling out with a glass of wine at home, catching up on Geordie Shore or TOWIE.
“If I have spare time, I try to go to the gym as well as I find it really helps to me to clear my head and switch off.”
As for her favourite tipple, Olivia said: “Pinot Grigio is my go-to drink – whether I’m having a chilled night in or a night out with the girls. My current fave is the i heart Pinot Grigio from i heart Wines.
“Some people think it’s strange but I’m partial to putting a couple of ice cubes in my wine – it keeps it nice and chilled.”
Meanwhile, she has her eye on another reality TV show: Celebs Go Dating!
“I would love to go on Celebs Go Dating as I’m obsessed with both Nadia and Tom,” she said. “I get a real kick out of dating, but I’ve never been on a blind date before and I’d be keen to give it a try. I think I would be a lot of fun on a date!”
Are you listening, E4?!
Olivia Attwood is a brand ambassador for i heart Wines (www.iheartwines.co.uk)
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