Love Island All Stars has delivered plenty of drama. We’re talking tears in almost every episode. Plus fiery confrontations and intense online backlash playing out alongside the action in the villa. And according to former Islander Mitch Taylor, this series feels very different from anything that’s come before.
Watching closely from the outside, Mitch has been sharing his unfiltered reactions as the series unfolds. From questioning who’s genuinely there to find love, to calling out what he sees as tactical tears and the pressure-cooker environment of the All Stars villa, he doesn’t believe this season can be judged by the same standards as earlier series.
Is Anyone Actually There for Love?
One of Mitch’s biggest frustrations this series is the growing sense that not everyone has entered the villa with the same intentions.
He believes some Islanders are struggling to disguise the fact that they’re chasing airtime rather than romance, pointing in particular to Curtis and Lucinda. From his perspective, the connection simply isn’t convincing.
“You can just tell when something’s not real.
Some people are just kissing for the cameras. There’s no real tension there, it doesn’t feel natural.”
Curtis’ emotional reaction to Millie rejecting him early on also raised eyebrows.
“Crying after four days because someone doesn’t want you, it just didn’t make sense to me.
That’s when it starts to feel forced.”
That doesn’t mean Mitch thinks everyone is being disingenuous. In fact, he’s quick to praise Islanders who he believes are genuinely open to finding a real connection.
The Scott vs Sean Fallout
The most talked-about storyline of the series so far has been the clash between Scott and Sean and the fallout that followed both inside and outside the villa.
Mitch is clear that while emotions ran high, the situation has been misunderstood by viewers.
“Scott is not a bully.
Sean’s tears were real, but I don’t think they were all because of Scott.”
Having experienced the pressure of an All Stars environment himself, Mitch believes the villa intensifies everything.
“The All Stars villa is ten times harder than your first series. You’re not on holiday, it’s intense, everyone knows each other, and every moment is heightened.”
He acknowledges that Scott upset Sean and didn’t read the room correctly, but feels the label of bullying went too far.
“That kind of accusation can really damage someone. It’s not fair to throw that around.”
What frustrated him most was seeing the situation spill into the real world, particularly online.
“People forget this is a TV show. Families are getting dragged into it, people are getting abuse, and that’s when it stops being entertainment.”
“Everyone Is Crying This Year”
One thing Mitch can’t ignore is just how emotional this series has been.
“Everyone is crying this year. Every episode, someone’s in tears.”
Compared to earlier seasons, he feels the emotional reactions have reached a new level.
“When I was in there, people cried occasionally, sure. But not like this. Now it’s constant.”
He puts that down to a combination of pressure, expectation and the All Stars format itself.
“You’re coming back in, you’ve got a reputation, the public already have opinions on you, and social media is ruthless. It all piles on.”
Who Mitch Thinks Is Genuine
Despite his criticisms, Mitch does believe there are Islanders approaching the experience with the right mindset.
Scott and Leanne are one pairing he sees as authentic.
“Scott told me before he went in that he was going in for love. He wanted to close the chapter on Love Island properly and come out with someone.”
He also rates Sammy and Kieran as one of the strongest couples in the villa.
“They suit each other really well. If Kieran doesn’t mess it up, they could go all the way.”
Millie, too, earns praise for how she’s handled herself.
“She’s very real. She doesn’t play games and she addresses things head-on. You can tell she’s not there to fake anything.”
Is Love Island All Stars Losing Its Magic?
With some Islanders returning for their third or even fourth stint, Mitch questions whether the All Stars concept is starting to stretch thin.
“There’s a difference between being an All Star and just coming back for screen time,.
Some people deserve that label because they make great TV. Others… not so much.”
However, he does see potential in the show evolving, particularly with the introduction of US Islanders.
“Bringing in the Americans could change everything. It opens the show up to a bigger audience and makes it feel fresh again.”
Life Outside the Villa
Away from Love Island, Mitch says he’s in a very different place.
Now in a long-term relationship, he feels finished with dating shows.
“I’m really happy. I don’t need to go back in there.”
Looking back, he understands the temptation for some Islanders to return repeatedly, but for him, that chapter feels closed.
“If you find love, that should be the end goal.”
Final Predictions
As for who could take the crown this year, Mitch has a clear top three.
Scott and Leanne, Sammy and Kieran, and potentially Millie if a genuine connection develops.
“It’s still open. But if this series proves anything, it’s that love in the villa isn’t simple and it definitely isn’t tear-free.”
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