Olivia Hawkins Shares Life-Changing Lesson from Kerry Katona as She Transitions to Film

Olivia Hawkins has revealed the valuable life lesson Kerry Katona passed on to her as she moves on from reality TV with a new film role.

The pair, who met earlier this year on Celebs Go Dating, quickly formed a close friendship. 

Olivia, 30, rose to fame on the 2023 season of Love Island before returning for the All Stars spin-off in January. 

Now, she is preparing to make her return to acting in the independent British movie Tales From The Trap.

With filming already underway, Olivia shared the life lesson from Kerry, 45, that has stayed with her. 

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, she said: ‘Kerry is like my safe place. I feel like me and her have the same craic!’ 

‘We were at the Beauty Awards the other day because we presented an award, and she’s just so much fun. 

‘She taught me not to be a people pleaser, to stand my ground and be unapologetically myself. 

‘I may not have found love on Celebs Go Dating, but I found a really great friendship.’

Olivia is now focusing on her new film role, which sees her appear alongside Danniella Westbrook, producer and actor Terry Stone, Vas Blackwood, Frazer Clarke, Judith Shekoni and newcomer Grime MC Amzzino. 

Remaining tight-lipped about her character, she shared: ‘I’m playing a woman who is a bit of a honey trap. I know Danniella is playing some kind of gangster granny.’

The gritty urban drama explores south London’s county lines gang culture, the drill music scene and the violent realities of inner-city life  – marking what Stone calls his boldest project since his iconic crime films. 

When asked whether she would return to Love Island after appearing on both the original show and All Stars, Olivia explained that she has moved on from reality TV. 

She said: ‘No, I’d never do it again. I feel like I’ve completed it, and I’m at a different stage in my life.’

Olivia continued: ‘I can’t wait for fans to see me in Tales From The Trap because I don’t feel like they know this side of me. 

‘I know I touched base on it, but I’ve not done anything like this since before Love Island.’

She added: ‘I’m focusing on acting for the moment. I’m not saying it’s a no to reality tv but that door is slightly closed for now.’

Despite stepping back from reality shows, Olivia admitted she still dreams of taking part in Strictly Come Dancing. 

‘I’d love to Strictly. It’s my dream. Even though I’m a trained actress and dancer, it will be completely different. 

‘Like, I wouldn’t know what to do with ballroom.

‘I actually did a theatre production with Lewis Cope years ago, who is starring on it now, and I was thinking how crazy it would’ve been if we starred on Strictly together at the same time.’

As 2025 draws to a close, Olivia revealed her biggest achievements of the year. 

‘I’ve bought a house and am picking up my keys in the next few days, finishing 75 Days Hard on Friday (November 28), and filming this (Tales Of The Trap).’