Olivia Bowen
Love Island star Olivia Bowen on her festive plans and moving into her dream home
Olivia Bowen and her hubby alex are one of Love Island’s success stories, getting together on the show in 2016 and tying the knot in 2018. and in the new year, the loved-up couple will be getting the keys to their new home in the Essex countryside.
the 26-year-old tells us all about her January move, as well as the slightly inconvenient fact that 28-yearold alex has to undergo surgery in the midst of it all.
“He has to have a serious knee operation after christmas and must have two weeks’ bed rest,” she tells us.
Here, Liv reveals plans for a new addition to their family, how she’ll spend christmas Day and what’s in store for 2020…
Hi, Liv! What have you been up to?
We’ve been going to loads of events in the run-up to christmas, but the day itself will be quite chilled. I’m spending it with my dad. We haven’t spent it together in about 13 years. there will be lots of eating and drinking.
Do you love Christmas?
I never used to. I used to be a bit of a Scrooge. after my mum and dad broke up, I was like, “I don’t really care about it any more.” It was a difficult time for me, because I had to split my time. then I met alex and I had someone to share it with.
Will Alex’s parents be coming to visit?
they’re coming down here and staying for the weekend, and we’re going to have a christmas meal out in London. We’re going somewhere really old and cute.
What about presents?
We weren’t meant to be buying any. We’re moving house and I was like, “We can’t buy each other presents. We need to save our money and get things for the house!” then alex messaged me, saying, “I’m christmas shopping for you!” But we’re trying to rein it in a bit this year.
Is there anything special on your wish list?
I’ve asked for a pair of hot pink Louboutins!
Nice! You mentioned Alex is having a knee op. What happened?
It’s a football injury from four years ago. He went to a&e at the time but it was too busy so he left. then recently he got it checked out and they were like, “you need to have it done because it could give way at any point and you wouldn’t be able to walk.”
Are you going to be his nurse while he’s recuperating?
[Laughs] that’s what I’m thinking about. I’m going to have to be the one going up and down the stairs, looking after him.
Tell us about your new house…
It’s in Essex, in the countryside. We’ve got an acre of land at the new place, so we’re looking to get a much bigger dog. I’d feel safer with three dogs around me.
We’re sure your French Bulldogs Winnie and Reggie would love that! Is another dog your compromise with Alex instead of a baby?
Every time we talk about a baby, I’m like, “Let’s just get another dog!” We do talk about it, but I’m moving out of the country for a couple of months next year for a job. I can’t say what it is yet, but we can’t have a baby when I’ve got to work abroad. Maybe the year afterwards!
You’ve been the face of Cocoa Brown tans for three years. Why do you love the brand?
I’m a loyal person. It’s an affordable tan, I know it works and I love the colour and smell of it!
Olivia is the face of Cocoa Brown, available in Superdrug and Primark stores nationwide