Whitney Returns to Love Island All Stars 2026 After Dramatic Split from Lochan

Whitney Adebayo’s Return to the Villa

Whitney Adebayo is back for another taste of Love Island after originally debuting on the 2023 season, where she finished as a runner-up with her partner at the time, Lochan Nowacki. The 28-year-old rocketed to fame during series 10 of the original ITV series back in 2023, arriving as a bombshell and fast becoming a favourite among fans. Now, she’s ready for a fresh start in the Love Island All Stars villa in South Africa.

Why Whitney’s Return Matters

Whitney’s comeback to Love Island is particularly significant given the dramatic events of the past year. Her return to the villa comes less than a year after her split from ex Lochan Nowacki, with whom she reached the final with in 2023. The reality star’s journey has resonated with viewers who watched her fall in love on television, only to see the relationship end publicly and painfully.

Whitney explained: “Last year was something… so a fresh start in the place that started it all for new memories and experiences. I’ve been out in the dating scene… The streets are cold.” Her candid approach to discussing her past relationship has endeared her to fans who appreciate her authenticity.

The Split That Shocked Fans

In April 2025, Whitney Adebayo revealed that she and Lochan Nowacki, who met on Love Island series 10, had ended their two year relationship. Whitney confirmed that Lochan was the one who ended things in a TikTok addressing the split, appearing to suggest that Lochan had fallen out of love with her and called it off.

What followed was a highly publicized dispute between the former couple. In the months following their split, Whitney spoke out about their relationship and in August 2025 she alleged that Lochan had made racist remarks towards her while they were together. After completely denying her accusations, Lochan said he had set out to sue Whitney for defamation.

Legal Drama Resolved

The situation escalated into legal threats, but ultimately never reached court. The Sun reported in December 2025 that legal action between the pair had been settled, with a source stating: “Lochan and Whitney have quietly ended their dispute and are moving on.” When asked about her and Lochan’s legal battle ahead of her Love Island All Stars stint, Whitney told the tabloids plainly: “There was no court case.”

What to Expect from All Stars 2026

Love Island: All Stars has begun and this is everything to know about the 2026 cast. Whitney joins other familiar faces including fellow series 10 winner Jess Harding, season seven’s Millie Court, and numerous other beloved contestants from previous series. The show faced a brief delay due to wildfires in South Africa but has now launched.

For viewers, Whitney’s presence promises compelling television. She’s navigating single life after a very public relationship breakdown, and she’s doing it in the place where it all began. Her journey represents a second chance not just at love, but at writing a new chapter in her story—one where she’s firmly in control of the narrative. Whether she finds romance or simply closure, Whitney’s All Stars appearance is already one of the most talked-about storylines of the season.