Olivia: “Alex would love us to have a baby!”

The Love Island star on why she adores “goofy” husband Alex Bowen and how she’s learned to appreciate her body

They got married in T a lavish wedding in September 2018 – and Olivia Buckland tells Closer her husband Alex Bowen is already feeling broodier than ever. The couple fell in love during their time on Love Island in 2016 – and the honeymoon period hasn’t worn off.

“If Alex got his own way, we’d probably have a baby right now!” laughs Olivia, 25 who shares pug Winnie and French bulldog Reggie with Alex, 26. “We’re both still so young and busy with work that our furry babies are enough for now, but they are definitely in our future.”

CRIPPLING ANXIETY

Speaking at the Carter Beauty UK launch, Olivia, who recently admitted she’d like to patch things up with former co-star Cara De La Hoyde after the pair fell out over Olivia’s wedding demands, admits she’s found her rock in Alex.

She adds, “He’s so kind and supportive of everything I do, and is just as goofy as I am! Just like any couple, we can bicker about little things, like who’s putting the bins out or what to have for dinner, but it is very rare and never anything serious.”

But Olivia admits life in the limelight can have its challenges. The star has been open about her crippling public battle with anxiety, which previously caused her to lose 2st – but now insists she’s feeling better than ever.

Olivia says, “It’s really about loving yourself and not listening to what other people think. I’m only human of course, and I have bad days, but Alex is great at making me smile again and I’m finding going to the gym more regularly is really helping me both mentally and physically.

“I’ve recently started mixing cardio and weights, and am starting to see changes in my body. It can take time to see the results you really want, so don’t get disheartened!

LIVING IN A BUBBLE

“I try to eat healthily, too – I tend to start the day with a smoothie, and porridge with protein powder if I’m working out. For lunch, I love a chicken salad sandwich, then dinner is really varied, but both Alex and I love going to the restaurant Miller & Carter and having steak, chips and veg as a treat.”

And Olivia says she loved catching up with fellow Love Islander Ellie Brown, who appeared in last year’s show, at the launch.

She says, “It’s always lovely to see a fellow Islander, as they’re the only ones who know what it’s like to be in that Love Island bubble. I know it was just her 21st, so wished her a happy birthday, too!”

● Carter Beauty is available at Carterbeauty cosmetics.com and select Primark stores