Image Source: Getty / Karwai Tang
As a long-time Love Island fan, there are few contestants more iconic than Olivia Attwood. From coining the word “ick” in the villa to proving blondes are anything but dumb in her documentaries The Price of Perfection and Getting Filthy Rich, plus regular spots on ITV’s Loose Women and hitting the This Morning sofa as a host this summer, she’s come a long way from sun-lounger showdowns.
Now a presenter, documentary-maker, and outspoken advocate for women owning their financial independence, Olivia is proof that a reality TV stars can have longevity. So when I got the chance to sit down with her, I couldn’t wait for a good ol’ chat.
We met at Elstree Studios, where she was hosting the eBay x Love Island pre-loved sale. She greeted me mid-glam with a warm “Hello, doll”, and I knew she wouldn’t disappoint. Olivia was exactly what I hoped for: candid, funny, and refreshingly no-nonsense when it comes to fashion, money, and fame. From her ruthless decluttering rules (“If I wouldn’t wear it on TV, it’s out”) to her firm belief that women should never feel awkward about wanting to earn, Olivia’s message is clear: being successful and stylish doesn’t mean playing small.
And I am absolutely here for it.
Olivia’s relentless work ethic has paid off and her ability to not take herself too seriously has won her legions of loyal fans. From the moment she left the villa in 2017, we have followed her blossoming romance and subsequent marriage to footballer Bradley Dack, her warmth and genuine care for contestants on her reality show Bad Boyfriends and her unwavering love of Labubus.
It’s rare to find a celebrity who is as open as Olivia, so settle in and keep reading as have a chat that felt as natural as a catch up with mates (with added glam squad, naturally).
Image Source: James Robinson / eBay x Love Island
PS UK: How would you describe your Love Island style when you were on the show?
Olivia Attwood: Oh my gosh. It was girly and colourful, and I think it was quite sexy. I dressed for the role, really. But it was also very reflective of my real-life style. I packed like I was going on a girl’s holiday. We didn’t have a head sponsor back then, so what you saw was just our own clothes. Towards the end, we all ran out and were swapping outfits constantly.
How has your style evolved over the years?
Now, I wear things men hate – and I love it. Back then, I wanted to look hot. Now, I want to look cool. I dress for me, not the male gaze. My husband hates half my outfits, but I couldn’t care less. That’s confidence. That’s growth.
What was it like to come out of the villa and suddenly be famous?
It’s intense, but I was lucky. I’d done commercial modelling for years, so I was used to being critiqued. I also grew up in a very opinionated family, so I’ve always had thick skin. The social media side is wild though, I try not to look too much. If you go searching for negative comments, you’ll find them. But honestly? Some of them are so ridiculous, I just laugh.
How do you handle any negativity online?
I try not to take myself too seriously. I don’t have notifications turned on, and I only really interact with the stuff I see naturally. The mean stuff? I avoid it. And when I do see it, I often find it more funny than hurtful. You’ve got to detach, otherwise it’ll eat you alive.
Buying pre-loved clothing can save (and help to earn) money. How important do you think it is for women to have financial freedom?
It’s everything. Money is freedom. Everyone should have autonomy over their life, but it’s especially important for women. It affects the role you play in a relationship, your ability to come and go, and your options in life. EBay is amazing because it lets women – mums, side hustlers, small business owners – build something from their phone. We didn’t have that kind of access 50 years ago.
And I think it’s important we say it out loud: women are allowed to want money. We hear men say it all the time, and no one bats an eye. Why shouldn’t women aspire to be independently wealthy too?
What’s been your best pre-loved purchase, or is there anything you’ve sold on and later regretted?
Oh, definitely! I’ve caught myself rebuying things I sold or gave away. Now, I’m more tactful. If something holds a core memory or I could pass it on to future kids, I keep it. But otherwise? I’m all about getting the money in the bank. I hate clutter. I used to have a rule that if I wouldn’t wear it on a first date it goes, now I’m married that has changed to if I wouldn’t wear it on telly, it goes. I’m ruthless, every six weeks, I’m clearing stuff out.
Have you ever bought into a trend and realised it wasn’t for you-and ended up selling it on?
Oh, 100%. I used to buy loads of fast fashion, cheap bits in bulk, worn once, washed badly. Now I shop way more intuitively. I look for pieces that are good quality, interchangeable, and will last through seasons. If it’s thrifted and has a story? Even better.
Your career is going from strength to strength. What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned along the way?
Always be listening. Every job, even if it’s not your dream, is a learning opportunity. I learned so much TV training just from listening to producers, hosts, floor managers. People who took the time to give advice. Ask questions. Don’t be embarrassed. It’s something I’ve loved about being on Loose Women, getting to sit next to seasoned anchors, who are willing to help you and offer advice and I soak it all in.
What are your non-negotiable beauty must-haves?
SPF. That’s my number one. And good facials, especially laser facials. I started getting them before my wedding and people were literally touching my face asking if I had makeup on. I was like, no, this is skin barrier work!
When I was younger, I got Botox and fillers but didn’t look after my skin itself. And that’s what ages you fastest, poor skin quality. I don’t have a crazy 10-step routine. I double cleanse, serum, moisturiser, eye cream. I mix brands: ZO, SkinCeuticals, La Roche-Posay, Maybelline, Garnier. It’s about consistency, not complication. And always just use what works for you.
Lauren Ezekiel (she/her) is a former associate editor at PS UK, where she wrote about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism she began her career in 2008 at a leading Sunday supplement, where she climbed through the ranks to become beauty editor in 2012. Lauren is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and she’s often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. A mum of two, Lauren is an advocate for the benefits of beauty and self-care for your mental well-being, which inspired her award-winning charity initiative We C U 2020. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK!, Health & Beauty, The Sun, Asda, Dare and Metro.
