olivia: “Caroline Flack will be at my wedding”
Love Island’s Olivia Buckland reveals her big day plans and why she’s in no rush to become a mum
Despite failing to win the Love Island crown last summer, Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen have emerged as the reality show’s most highprofile couple – and demonstrated their commitment to each other by announcing their engagement on New Year’s Eve.
Now Olivia, 23, is already planning her dream wedding with former co-star Cara de la Hoyde – who split with boyfriend and fellow Love Island star Nathan Massey last week – as her bridesmaid. She’s also sorted her guest-list, which includes the show’s host, Caroline Flack. Her choice may raise some eyebrows, especially after the presenter was accused by viewers of “flirting” with Alex, 24, on the night of the show’s finale. But Olivia insists there are no hard feelings, telling Closer: “Caroline Flack needs to come to the wedding! She’s a real party animal so we need her there. We’re inviting all the Love Island producers too, as they made it happen – and of course Cara is going to be my bridesmaid.”
SHOWMANCE ACCUSATIONS
It’s almost a year since the pair met on Love Island in Mallorca – although Alex sparked huge controversy by sleeping with former Miss Great Britain Zara Holland in front of the cameras, resulting in her losing her beauty queen crown. But he soon moved on to Olivia and, after one romantic date on the show, they’ve been inseparable ever since.
Olivia is thrilled she’s about to become Mrs Bowen and tells Closer: “Plans are going well! I’m the least organised person but I’m trying so hard to get everything going. The date is set for September 2018 and I’ve narrowed down the location options. We know we want it in England because we wouldn’t want any of our family or friends to miss out – but we’ll have a fab honeymoon abroad.
“Alex can’t wait to go suit shopping – he’s taking his friends and they’re going to make a day of it and head to the pub after. We’ve just finished filming Say Yes To The Dress – so you’ll see which wedding dress I end up with!”
Since leaving the show, the couple have gone from strength to strength. They moved in together after just two months, got matching tattoos and became engaged while on a romantic trip to New York in December. And despite facing accusations that their whirlwind relationship is a showmance and they are too young to get married, Olivia believes marriage will make them stronger. She says: “I can’t explain it – it’s honestly amazing how we’ve found each other. We’re so compatible – we’re like the same person!
BABY PLANS ON HOLD
“I’m loving being engaged and calling him my fiancé. I can’t believe we’re going to be husband and wife! I’m not worried it will change anything – we’re meant to be together.”
But Olivia admits she can’t see them having babies any time soon – as their fivemonth-old French bulldog puppy Reggie is more than enough for them at the moment.
“Reggie is definitely a handful!” she says. “We feel like we’re parents to him and he can be a nightmare – so no kids just yet.”