Olivia Bowen: ‘I love Alex but I need my girl time’

The former Love Islander, 27, shares her opinions… and her life

olivia alex bowen

by Daisy McLure |
Updated on

Lockdown really seems to have taken its toll on relationships, with a recent survey by UK charity Relate finding that nearly a quarter of people felt coronavirus restrictions had placed additional pressure on their love life.

I live with my husband Alex and our two gorgeous French bulldogs, Winnie and Reggie. Alex and I met on Love Island in 2016, and we’ve been married for two years now. Luckily, we haven’t had any big arguments during this lockdown, but we have bickered occasionally.

That’s obviously going to happen when you’re spending so much time together! I’m incredibly stubborn, whereas Alex is really good at saying sorry and moving on. It’s great that he’s like that, because our disagreements would last a lot longer otherwise.

I also think that when you live with someone, you almost become one entity, so it’s really important to have your own stuff going on and have your own space because then, when you do come back together, you have loads to talk about.

Check out: Love Island 2016 cast - where are they now?

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Love Island Series Two - Where are they now? - CLOSER SLIDER

Cara De La Hoyde1 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Cara De La Hoyde

Cara De La Hoyde was one of the original cast members of Love Island 2016 and before she entered she was a circus performer. Cara immediately hit it off with Nathan Massey and the pair coupled from the very beginning. Viewers loved watching their romance unfold and they were crowned winners of the series.

Cara De La Hoyde2 of 52
CREDIT: Getty Images

Cara De La Hoyde

Cara and Nathan moved in together shortly after the show ended and spent many loved up holidays together. The couple had a fiery relationship with several public spats and split rumours. They eventually broke up in April 2017, less than a year after the series ended.In May 2017, Cara announced she was pregnant with Nathan's child. The couple said they would not get back together just for the baby but in September 2017 they reunited much to the delight of fans.Cara and Nathan gave birth to their beautiful baby boy, Freddie George in December 2017 and announced their engagement in July 2018.Cara and Olivia Buckland stayed close friends after leaving the villa. But in 2018, Olivia dumped Cara as her bridesmaid.

Nathan Massey3 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Nathan Massey

Nathan Massey entered the villa on day one and went on to win the series with his girlfriend Cara De La Hoyde. They chose love and split the £50k prize money.

Nathan Massey4 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / nathanmassey_

Nathan Massey

Nathan and Cara left the villa together and despite an up and down relationship featuring a relatively lengthy split. The pair are now happier than ever with their son, Freddie.Nathan and Cara had a brief stint on TOWIE, making a few guest appearances. More recently, Nathan asked TOWIE fave Tommy Mallett to be the godfather to Freddie.Nathan also took part in a charity boxing match which was organised by Eastenders star Jake Wood. He won his fight, beating a London businessman.

Olivia Buckland5 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Olivia Buckland

Olivia Buckland was a member of the 2016 cast from day one. She coupled up with Daniel Lukakis, Rykard Jenkins and Adam Maxted before Alex Bowen entered.During the show she also had a brief fling with co-star Terry Walsh before he decided he preferred Malin Andersson.From day 20 onwards, Olivia stayed coupled up with Alex Bowen. The couple ended as runners up.

Olivia Buckland6 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / oliviadbuck

Olivia Buckland

Since leaving the villa, Alex and Olivia moved in together and they are the proud owners of two French bulldogs. In 2017, the couple got engaged and Olivia featured in an episode of Say Yes To The Dress. In 2018, Alex and Olivia became the first Love Island couple to tie the knot. They married at Gosfield Hall, in Olivia's home county of Essex in a lavish ceremony with hundreds of guests.Olivia has had several lucrative fashion deals including her own range of clothing with MissPap, has walked the catwalk during London Fashion Week as well as presenting on This Morning.

Alex Bowen7 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Alex Bowen

Alex Bowen, from Wolverhampton, entered the Love Island villa on day 18, alongside James Khan. Prior to starring on the reality show, Alex worked as a scaffolder and a fitness and fashion model.He was an immediate hit with the ladies but on day 20, Olivia chose to couple up with him and the couple stayed together until the end.

Alex Bowen8 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram /ab_bowen

Alex Bowen

Since leaving the villa, Alex Bowen and Olivia moved in together, got married and have built their dream home in Essex. Alex reportedly bought the ring eight weeks after leaving the villa because he was so certain Olivia was the one.Alex released his own debut fashion line MVMNTLondon and he and Olivia had their own reality TV series, Alex & Olivia Said Yes, on TLC.

Kady McDermott9 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Kady McDermott

Kady joined the Love Island cast pretty early on in the series, on day three. Kady entered with a bang, stealing Scott Thomas from fellow co-star Zara Holland. Despite some ups and downs, including a physical fight where Malia Arkian was removed from the villa, Kady and Scott were in it for the long haul and finished third.

Kady McDermott10 of 52
CREDIT: Getty Images

Kady McDermott

Scott and Kady moved in together when the show finished and dated for a year but subsequently split after assault allegations. Since Love Island, Kady has appeared on TOWIE with her current boyfriend Myles Barnett. The couple got together in August 2018 and went public in September 2018. The relationship caused tensions on TOWIE between Myles' ex-girlfriend Courtney Green. However, Myles and Kady were both axed from TOWIE in a recent shock cull of eight cast members.Kady set up several businesses after leaving the Love Island villa – a makeup line called By Kady and a fitness website called Body Goals By Kady. Kady has also started a renovations company called Our Village Project which sparked a feud between her and ex-TOWIE cast member, Maria Fowler, whose page is similarly titled Project In a Village.

Scott Thomas11 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Scott Thomas

Scott Thomas entered the Love Island villa on day one and originally paired up with Miss Great Britain winner, Zara Holland. Prior to Love Island, the Manchester born lad owned his own events company.On day three, Kady McDermott entered the villa and the pair got together at the next recoupling on day six. The couple stayed together throughout and came third.

Scott Thomas12 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / scottyspecial

Scott Thomas

After leaving the villa, Scott moved in with Kady and they stayed together for a year before splitting up.Scott has two brothers who have both starred in ITV soaps. Adam Thomas, Scott's twin starred in Emmerdale while Ryan Thomas their older brother was in Coronation street.In 2018, Ryan Thomas was accused of punching Roxanne Pallet while in the Big Brother house, sparking outrage by the public who could see that her claims had been exaggerated. Roxanne was forced to apologise, but Scott stood by his brother and said he could never forgive the ex-Emmerdale actress for what she put their family through.

Adam Maxted13 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Adam Maxted

Adam Maxted from Northern Ireland entered the Love Island villa on day 11. Before Love Island, Adam was a personal trainer, stripper and wrestler. Adam coupled up with a different girl at each recoupling - Olivia Buckland, Zara Holland, Liana Isadora Van Riel, Tina Stinnes and finally Katie Salmon.Adam was a controversial character, rubbing several co-stars up the wrong way, including a furious row with Liana Isadora Van Riel. He ended the show with Katie and the couple came in fourth place in the final of the series.

Adam Maxted14 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / adammaxted

Adam Maxted

Almost immediately after leaving the villa, Adam and Katie split up. Adam insisted he was definitely single and on Twitter likened Katie to a kebab: "It's like when you're eating a kebab after a night out and the first few bites taste good but then you realise that it really isn't nice at all!"Adam has continued with his wrestling career since leaving the villa. In 2018, it was announced that Adam would appear on ITV's World of Wrestling (WOS) under his wrestling name of Flex.

Katie Salmon15 of 52

Katie Salmon

Katie entered the villa a month into the show (34 days to be precise). During her time on Love Island she made history with Sophie Gradon when they coupled up and became the first same sex couple. However when Sophie decided to leave the show, Katie decided to recouple with Adam Maxted and the pair came fourth place.

Katie Salmon16 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / itskatiesalmon

Katie Salmon

It wasn't to last though because Katie and Adam ended up splitting two weeks after they returned to civilisation. Two years after leaving Love Island and Katie hinted she received a lot of criticism from the LGBT community because of her relationship with Sophie. At the time she said on BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme: "Why can't I be who I want to be? There's nothing to be ashamed of, there's nothing to feel bad about.""I felt like they all doubted [that I was bi], were criticising me."I was really upset to be honest that they'd not supported me – my own community who had probably felt those [same] nervous feelings of coming out."Katie has since dated Danielle Whittaker - but the pair split months later - and has launched a dance vlog Youtube channel. Katie is often seen partying in Ibiza and loves to flaunt her enviable figure in tiny bikinis on Instagram.

Emma-Jane Woodhams17 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Emma-Jane Woodhams

Emma-Jayne entered the villa during week 3, just two days after Malin Andersson was booted from the show, and instantly coupled up with Terry Walsh. Despite Malin warning Terry that Emma-Jayne was "mugging him off and playing a massive game", they had sex on TOP of the covers and they left the villa together in a relationship.

Emma-Jane Woodhams18 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / emmajwoodhams

Emma-Jane Woodhams

Eight months after their ITV stint and Emma-Jayne and Terry called it quits but Tez insisted they were "good friends". Five months after their breakup, Emma-Jayne reunited with her ex-boyfriend Jordan Bye and revealed they were expecting their first child together. Unfortunately thing were not to last and weeks after welcoming her baby boy Alfie into the world, Emma-Jayne announced she'd split from her baby daddy. Now, Emma-Jayne has a new beau, who she appears to be very loved-up with.

Terry Walsh19 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Terry Walsh

Terry joined the original Islanders on day three and hit it off with Malin. Despite their highs and lows, Malin thought they'd last but two days after she was booted from the villa he moved on to Emma-Jayne... rude!A couple of the girls called Terry out (Malin, who re-entered the villa to confront, also slammed him) but that didn't stop his budding new relationship. Before leaving the show, Terry and Emma had sex on TV and in front of their fellow Islanders who were awake.

Terry Walsh20 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / terry_walsh2

Terry Walsh

Terry and Emma-Jayne's relationship lasted eight months which is pretty long compared to some of the Love Island 2018 couples relationships.Following their breakup, Terry seems to have kept up with his fitness routine. Surprisingly though, Terry has taken himself completely off social media, and has no active Instagram or Twitter account.

Tom Powell21 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Tom Powell

Tom coupled up with Sophie earlier on in the villa but the pair hit a rough patch when his ex-girlfriend Emma-Jayne entered the villa. Things took another shock turn when the viewers voted Tom and fellow Islander Liana out of the villa. Bless him.

Tom Powell22 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / iamthomaspowell

Tom Powell

After being booted from the villa, Tom was left floored when he saw Sophie move on to Katie. He was then left over the moon when Sophie walked out of the villa to follow him - cute! However it wasn't to last because a few months after they both left the villa they announced their split, shortly before they accused each other of cheating.He then apparently started 'seeing' Malin Andersson and has since continued to work on his fitness journey. However in February 2019 he revealed he's been taking steroids for the last two years. He explained to Wales Online: "Everyone in South Wales is on them - it is rife here."The temptation to take them has always been there but I felt I didn't know enough about it. I was reading about steroids for years."After Love Island, I was mixing with some of my idols in the fitness industry and I found out they were all on steroids, so I decided to make the leap."

Sophie Gradon23 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Sophie Gradon

Sophie was one of the original Love Island 2016 cast members and fell for Tom despite their ups and downs. Even though she had a date with Katie and the pair shared a kiss, she proved just how much she was into Tom when she decided to walk out of the villa.

Sophie Gradon24 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / sophiegradon

Sophie Gradon

After walking out of the villa, Sophie fell into a relationship with Tom but things ended months later and she appeared to accuse him of cheating.Sophie then found love with Aaron Armstrong and the pair regularly posted loved-up photos on Instagram. The nation was devastated in June 2018 when it was revealed that the Love Island star sadly passed away. A few weeks later her boyfriend was also found dead.

Rachel Fenton25 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Rachel Fenton

Rachel joined the villa on day seven and fell for Rykard Jenkins but she was left devo when Caroline Flack revealed he got 'intimate' with Olivia Buckland the day AFTER they spent in the hideaway. Despite the slight hiccup in their relationship they made a go of things again but were dealt another setback when the viewers voted Rachel off the show.

Rachel Fenton26 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / rachelfenton1

Rachel Fenton

After she was booted from the island, Rachel was left in tears but luckily Rykard was quick to follow after her and the pair continued their relationship outside of the villa.Rachel and Rykard lasted almost a year and a half which is VERY long considering they met on a TV show. Rachel has since returned to her day job as a trauma and orthopaedic nurse. The blonde beauty is now in a loved-up relationship with Lewis Morgan.

Rykard Jenkins27 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Rykard Jenkins

During his time in the villa Rykard fell for Rachel and it was all very cute. UNTIL it came to light that he had slept with Olivia Buckland the day after he spent the night in the Hideaway with Rach. Rude.The pair worked through it but were dealt with another devastating blow when Rachel was booted from the island. In probably the most iconic moment from Love Island 2016, Rykard literally chased after her down the beach and left the show.

Rykard Jenkins28 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / rykardjenkins

Rykard Jenkins

After leaving the villa Rykard and Rachel managed to make their relationship work for almost 18 months. Despite splitting it seems that the pair are still on good terms. Following his Love Island stint Rykard has become pals with Katie Price's on/off boyfriend Kris Boyson, he appeared on Ibiza Weekender in 2017 and reportedlydated Love Island 2018 contestant Alexandra Cane.The series two Islander recently spoke out to give advice to the 2019 contestants. He tweeted, "DO NOT RUSH INTO ANYTHING. Don't rush with management, PA's, collaborations, interviews, tv appearances. Please take a week or two off with your family and friends."

love island series two Adam Jukes29 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Adam Jukes

Before going on Love Island waaaaay back in 2016 (it's not that long ago but there's been so many islanders since then, tbh) Adam Jukes was a recruitment consultant. He started the show on good terms because the viewers actually voted for him to go into the villa. While there he coupled up with Lauren Whiteside but things ended shortly after they left the show.

love island series two adam jukes30 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / adamjukes_

Adam Jukes

Just weeks after Adam left Love Island it was reported that he dated Liana Isadora Van Riel after they posted loved up snaps on Instagram. However anything that may have happened between those two didn't last because in December 2018 he celebrated his second anniversary with his new girlfriend Amy Wilson.

Lauren Whiteside31 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Lauren Whiteside

Lauren Whiteside joined the villa on day 37 - literally five weeks in - and she coupled up with Adam Jukes. Unfortunately things didn't last long between the pair and they split shortly after leaving the villa.

Lauren Whiteside love island 201632 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / lauren_portia

Lauren Whiteside

Following her stint on Love Island 2016, Lauren has travelled and shared tonnes of pictures from her time abroad on Instagram. She's also in a relationship and has shared snaps alongside her boyfriend on social media.

Malin Andersson33 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Malin Andersson

Malin Andersson definitely had a rocky relationship with Terry Walsh, remember when they rowed about cheese toasties???Throwback. Things got even worse after she left Love Island and she had to watch her "boyfriend" move on with Emma Woodhams. Luckily she was able to re-enter the villa and confront Terry and their reunion was pretty iconic to say the least.

Malin Andersson love island 201634 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / missmalinsara

Malin Andersson

Following her stint on the ITV show Malin started seeing Tom Powell, she spoke out about spending £7000 on cosmetic surgery and in January 2019 she heartbreakingly announced the death of her baby girl Consy.

Tina Stinnes35 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Tina Stinnes

Tina entered the villa and after she took Scott Thomas on a date, she instantly got on the wrong side of Kady McDermott who screamed at her (as she was heading out on her date): You're a c--t and your dress is SHIT!"Rude.Tina moved on to Adam Maxted but during a recoupling he choose Katie Salmon over her and it was the end of the road for Tina.

Tina Stinnes love island 201636 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / tinastinnes

Tina Stinnes

Since leaving Love Island, Tina returned to Made in Chelsea (she starred on the show in the seventh series and dated Spencer Matthews) and started seeing Alik Alfus. She then dated footballer Marouane Fellaini and is now in a relationship with Jackson Mawhinney.

Zara Holland37 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Zara Holland

Zara's time on Love Island was short but sweet? Kind of. She entered the villa and wouldn't stop bragging about being Miss GB, she then had sex with Alex Bowen and ended up in tears when she was stripped of her title. After hearing that her mum fell ill, Zara quit Love Island and returned to the UK.

zara holland38 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / zaraholland

Zara Holland

After leaving the villa Zara made it clear that she held a grudge following the Miss GB drama during an appearance on Loose Women, she opened up about her battle with endometriosis and admitted she was still 'haunted' by the show.She has now launched her own fashion boutique, Mimi's Boutique.

Daniel Lukakis39 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Daniel Lukakis

Daniel was an original Love Island cast member and at first he coupled up with Olivia Buckland but when that fizzled out he got together with Zara Holland. It wasn't to last and two weeks into the show he was booted from the island.

Daniel Lukakis love island 201640 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / daniellukakis

Daniel Lukakis

After leaving the villa Daniel went back to his regular job... as a model. Although he has since co-founded a clothing brand BAA Clothing. Go Daniel, tbh.

Troy Frith41 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Troy Frith

Troy - who previously dated Geordie Shore's Marnie Simpson - was definitely a blink and you'll miss it contestant. He didn't even get a chance to know Katie Salmon before he was kicked off the show by Lauren Whiteside. Bless him.

Troy Frith Love island 201642 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Troy Frith

Troy Frith is currently, well, God knows tbh. His Instagram is on private so who knows what he's up to nowadays...

Liana Isadora Van Riel43 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Liana Isadora Van Riel

Liana was a stripper before going into the villa and just days into her stint she slammed Adam Maxted for his out of date comments on how he would: "Bang her and the choose Tina."She later coupled up with Adam but they were separated when they were voted, by the rest of the contestants, as one of the weakest couples. Liana and Tom Powell then received the fewest votes from the public and left the island.

Liana Isadora Van Riel love island 201644 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / liana.isadora

Liana Isadora Van Riel

After leaving the villa, Liana has dyed her hair dark brown and regularly posts photos on her private Instagram account.

James Khan45 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

James Khan

James was only in the show for a few days but after Kady McDermott rejected him, his time on the ITV reality show was quickly up.

James Khan46 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / jamesatkhan

James Khan

He may have only been on the show for a week but James has over 100k followers on Instagram which is quite a lot considering he was on the show back in 2016. He regularly posts topless photos, he shares his fitness and diet plans and has an Only Fans page.

Malia Arkian47 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Malia Arkian

Malia was in the villa for literally a day. ONE DAY. She took Scott Thomas on a date but things kicked off when Kady McDermott "accidentally" split wine on her legs. The pair started a screaming match and it wasn't long before Malia shoved Kady. She was escorted out of the villa by security.

Malia Arkian48 of 52
CREDIT: Twitter / onlymalia

Malia Arkian

Two years after leaving the villa, Malia and Kady reignited their feud (yes, really... two years) on social media. After Kady was asked on her Instagram Story about her enemy, she replied: "Who?"Malia then took to Twitter and wrote: "'@kadymcdermottx oi u dumb little b--ch do not sit there & try cuss me out on your instastory you low life. "You don't know me & I hope u never bump into me again, u already snaked me once. U desperate little beg, ur neighbour even emailed me coz they hate you, giving me ur address".Kady reportedly called the police on Malia following their bitter feud. The series two star Malia Arkian has recently announced she's expecting her first child with her fiancé Hope Akpan, a midfielder for Bradford City FC.

Javi Shephard49 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Javi Shephard

Javi was the first contestant to leave the Love Island villa back in 2016 (bless him) after he failed to couple up with someone. Remember he begged Zara to choose him but she opted for Daniel instead?

Javi Shephard50 of 52
CREDIT: Instagram / javishepard

Javi Shephard

After leaving the villa, Javi threw shade at all the girls on the show by saying he was "too cultured" for them. Judging by his Instagram account he's found a lady who likes to travel and see the rest of the world. Good for him.

Oliver Maxwell Fernandez51 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Oliver Maxwell Fernandez

Poor Oliver was only in the villa for one day after he failed to couple up with someone.

Oliver Maxwell Fernandez52 of 52
CREDIT: ITV

Oliver Maxwell Fernandez

We barely got to know him during his time in the villa and we still don't really know much following his one day stint. His Instagram account is on private but according to his bio he's still modelling.

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I love Alex, but I need my girl time too – I need to get on a phone or video call with the girls every few days. We all joke about using Zoom and FaceTime, but it always makes me feel better when I can see their faces.

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‘Self-care and baths are getting me through lockdown’

It’s January and we’re in yet another lockdown. It’s a difficult time at the moment, so it’s really important that we look after ourselves. I’ve always been really into self-care and taking time for myself – whether it’s reading a book, cooking a nice meal, or putting on a face mask.

Long, hot baths are also my go-to, especially with it being so cold. I use that time to lose myself in my thoughts and calm myself down, especially if I’ve had a stressful day. Salons are all closed, which means there’s no chance of facials or other treatments,

so I’ve treated myself to some nice pampering products. I love using a body scrub, like the Superdrug Vitamin E Sugar Oil Body Scrub, and then some moisturiser, like the Vitamin E Intensive All Over Body Cream.

Olivia has partnered with Superdrug to share her favourite beauty products. All products are available to shop on Superdrug and can be delivered using a same-day courier service.

Get the best celeb interviews in Closer magazine each week.

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