The Heart Rate Challenge is one of Love Island’s most iconic tasks, with viewers tuning in every year to watch the Islanders put on their sexiest performances.
Fun, fearless and flirty, the dances are always a series highlight, but some of the performances don’t always go to plan… with the aftermath also equally as explosive.
This year, the villa was rocked when it emerged Joey Essex and Grace Jackson hadn’t managed to raise each other’s pulses, while the love triangle between Harriett Blackmore, Jess White and Ronnie Fint reared again as Jess and Ronnie raised each other’s hearts the most.
Despite being tense at the time, the Islanders are always able to laugh off their efforts later on, with many crediting the task as being a villa highlight.
Now, MailOnline takes a look back at 10 of the most awkward – and iconic – Heart Rate Challenges to date.
Alex George – Season 4
While he may have been terrified at the prospect of stripping off, Dr Alex George still threw himself into the challenge with aplomb
The good-natured doctor proceeded to make his way down to the firepit and rip off his shirt to reveal his muscly – and slightly sunburnt – physique
The girls attempted to laugh off the awkward dance, as Alex gyrated up against each of them
While he may have been terrified at the prospect of stripping off, Dr Alex George still threw himself into the challenge with aplomb.
The good-natured doctor proceeded to make his way down to the firepit and rip off his shirt to reveal his muscly – and slightly sunburnt – physique.
The girls attempted to laugh off the awkward dance, as Alex gyrated up against each of them.
Speaking after the performance in the beach hut, Alex admitted: ‘I did a bit of smouldering, a few drops as well. That’s the first and last time you’ll ever see Doctor Alex stripping.’
Mal Nicol – Season 10
Probably the most relatable performance ever in the villa, Mal Nicol couldn’t contain her laughter when she took part in the challenge
Giggling throughout and attempting to bite her lip to stifle the sound, the boys were left in hysteric as Mal leant into her costume as a sexy cat and growled at them
The short and sweet performance may not have set any pulses racing but it definitely set off the boys’ funny bones
Probably the most relatable performance ever in the villa, Mal Nicol couldn’t contain her laughter when she took part in the challenge.
Giggling throughout and attempting to bite her lip to stifle the sound, the boys were left in hysteric as Mal leant into her costume as a sexy cat and growled at them.
The short and sweet performance may not have set any pulses racing but it definitely set off the boys’ funny bones.
After being dumped from the villa, Mal filmed herself watching the scenes back, grimacing as she witnessed the dancing.
Charlie Radnedge – Season 8
Charlie Radnedge went for a butler in the buff look as he showed off his physique in a pair of black trousers with a white collar and bow tie
However, everything fell apart when he decided to kick off his routine by performing the worm before being unable to rip off his trousers
Undeterred he went on to thrust himself at the giggling girls, waving his bottom in front of Danica Taylor’s face while she visibly recoiled
Within days of entering the villa, Charlie Radnedge was given the task of showing off his best moves and getting the girls’ hearts racing.
He went for a butler in the buff look for his routine as he showed off his physique in a pair of black trousers with a white collar and bow tie.
However, everything fell apart when he decided to kick off his routine by performing the worm before being unable to rip off his trousers.
Undeterred he went on to thrust himself at the giggling girls, waving his bottom in front of Danica Taylor’s face while she visibly recoiled.
Mike Boateng – Season 6
Pulses were certainly raised when Mike Boateng gave his best shot at the heart rate challenge
The policeman showed no signs of nerves as he twerked on all the girls and fashioned himself a thong out of tight briefs
Mike even brought his own props, clutching a can of squirty cream and encouraging the girls to lick it off him
Pulses were certainly raised when Mike Boateng gave his best shot at the heart rate challenge.
The policeman showed no signs of nerves as he twerked on all the girls and fashioned himself a thong out of tight briefs.
Mike even brought his own props, clutching a can of squirty cream and encouraging the girls to lick it off him.
Reflecting on the performance in the Beach Hut, Mike scored his efforts 7/10, adding: ‘I know some of these girls hearts were pumping!’
Mary Bedford – Season 7
Viewers were left in shock when Mary Bedford strutted out for her performance, but not by her routine, by her shocking ensemble
The blonde bombshell looked a far cry from her typical glamorous self with a frizzy red wig plonked on her head and cheap mermaid costume
Mary managed to get her own back that Halloween, however, as she shared an Instagram snap clad in a very sexy mermaid costume, captioned, ‘this is how it should have been done.’
Viewers were left in shock when Mary Bedford strutted out for her performance, but not by her routine.
The blonde bombshell looked a far cry from her typical glamorous self with a frizzy red wig plonked on her head and cheap mermaid costume.
Past Love Island champion Amber Gill got involved in the online debate, confirming that the Islanders had no say on their outfits, which were chosen by producers.
Mary managed to get her own back that Halloween, however, as she shared an Instagram snap clad in a very sexy mermaid costume, captioned: ‘this is how it should have been done.’
Curtis Pritchard – Season 5
As a professional dancer, Curtis Pritchard was keen to put his moves on the ladies of the villa
His iconic entrance flailing his arms and shaking his hips is one of the show’s most memorable moments and only got better from there
Curtis didn’t hold back as he put his moves on all the girls at the firepit
As a professional dancer, Curtis Pritchard was keen to put his moves on the ladies of the villa.
His iconic entrance flailing his arms and shaking his hips is one of the show’s most memorable moments and only got better from there.
He began by turning his attentions to a flustered Amber Gill, who said: ‘Curtis gets a 10 out of 10 from me!’
It was then Maura Higgins’ turn, with the dancer scooping her up in his arms and twirling her around.
Paige Thorne – Season 8
Dance: Model and dancer Tasha Ghouri, 23, is seen performing for Dami while wearing a hot pink swimsuit, looking very similar to a Barbie doll in a preview while Paige dressed in red
Baywatch: Paige donned a platinum blonde wig and a pair of white heels
Sizzling: Paige Thorne did her best Pamela Anderson impression in a Baywatch-style swimsuit for the steamy challenge
Another Islander let down by the producers was Paige Thorne.
The Welsh paramedic put on a very sexy performance and looked incredible in a high cut scarlet swimsuit.
Yet the attempt to mimic Pamela Anderson in Baywatch was let down by one key element, her wig.
Rather than turning her into a blonde bombshell, producers plonked a flat silver wig on her head, completely ruining the look.
Will Young – Season 9
Will Young was known for his flamboyance in the villa and that was certainly demonstrated in his epic performance
Jigging over to the girls dressed as a sexy pirate, he instantly showed off his impressive dance moves before turning his attention to the waiting ladies
Will’s performance was bizarrely staged to the Wellerman Sea Shanty Remix which only added to the comical nature of the routine
Will Young was known for his flamboyance in the villa and that was certainly demonstrated in his epic performance.
Jigging over to the girls dressed as a sexy pirate, he instantly showed off his impressive dance moves before turning his attention to the waiting ladies.
After being grinded on by the farmer, Samie Eilish was quick to quip: ‘No one will ever do it like Will!’ while his girlfriend Jessie Wynter squealed: ‘Oh my days, the hottest sailer I’ve ever seen. All these girls could see what they were missing out on.’
Will’s performance was bizarrely staged to the Wellerman Sea Shanty Remix which only added to the comical nature of the routine.
Chris Taylor – Season 5
Not many Islanders would consider kicking off their routine with a roly poly, but Chris Taylor took the move in his stride
Admitting he wanted to do some ‘high risk’ moves, Chris flung himself around the firepit, even finishing his routine with a cartwheel
It’s a routine that stuck in Joanna Chimonides’ head, as she remarked: ‘Is this meant to be sexy? No, he tried bless him. It was the best experience and we all laughed’
Not many Islanders would consider kicking off their routine with a roly poly, but Chris Taylor took the move in his stride.
Admitting he wanted to do some ‘high risk’ moves, Chris flung himself around the firepit, even finishing his routine with a cartwheel.
He didn’t neglect the girls, though, grinding up against them as they giggled.
It’s a routine that stuck in Joanna Chimonides’ head, as she remarked: ‘Is this meant to be sexy? No, he tried bless him. It was the best experience and we all laughed.’
Dani Dyer – Season 4
Dani Dyer made it impossible to get any of the boys’ hearts racing as she came out awkwardly flapping her pom poms
Dressed as a sexy cheerleader, Dani made a beeline for Jack Fincham and sat on his lap for roughly two seconds before flapping her pom poms at the others
Ensuring absolutely no one would enjoy her performance, Dani finished up by squealing ‘This is awful’ at the boys
Dani Dyer made it impossible to get any of the boys’ hearts racing as she came out awkwardly flapping her pom poms.
Dressed as a sexy cheerleader, Dani made a beeline for Jack Fincham and sat on his lap for roughly two seconds before flapping her pom poms at the others.
Her heart clearly wasn’t in it as she confessed in the beach hut she was scared, while Jack mused: ‘Dani’s not going to come out here and grind on all my mates is she, bless her.’
Ensuring absolutely no one would enjoy her performance, Dani finished up by squealing ‘This is awful’ at the boys.
LOVE ISLAND 2024: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
NAME: Mimii Ngulube
AGE: 24
FROM: Portsmouth
OCCUPATION: Mental Health Nurse
WHY LOVE ISLAND? The pool in Portsmouth is not giving. I’ve tried dating and speaking to people on social media and it just hasn’t been successful. Applying was a spontaneous thing, I didn’t expect to get here!
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? My girls are my rocks and I’m theirs, so I’ll be a good friend as well as going in there to find a man. I like dressing up, so I’ll bring style, and I’d like to think I’m quite funny so I’ll make people laugh. Bringing honesty as well – I’m good at picking up on people’s personality traits and side-eyeing those who might be liars.
NAME: Sean Stone
AGE: 24
FROM: Hertford
OCCUPATION: Sweets Salesman
WHY LOVE ISLAND? I’ve always been one for relationships, and when you have found someone you want to be with it’s the best feeling. Now is the perfect time, the one thing that is missing is my soulmate.
HOW WOULD FRIENDS/FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? Very loving, caring and thoughtful. I’m the kind of guy that, if you broke down on the motorway and needed your tyre changed, I’d be there at any time of night.
NAME: Ayo Odukoya
AGE: 25
FROM: Canning Town
OCCUPATION: Model
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I think I’d bring excitement and joy. I think people would have someone to come to and talk to and feel comfortable being around or to have a laugh with. I think I’m somebody everyone would take to.
WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I feel like the way I carry myself is very respectful and I think people take to that and once you show who you are to somebody you get it back tenfold. The way I am gives off a good enough energy for people to feel comfortable around me.
NAME: Nicole Samuel
AGE: 24
FROM: Aberdare, Wales
OCCUPATION: Accounts Manager
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I’ve been enjoying single life and the attention of different boys, it’s fun. I’ve enjoyed being able to go on holiday with the girls and not having to worry about someone back home. All the girls are there texting in their room and I’m out till 4 in the morning living my best life.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? I became a world champion dancer in 2011, not many people know that. I was a professional street dancer.
NAME: Jess White
AGE: 25
FROM: Stockport
OCCUPATION: Retail Manager
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I don’t underestimate the fact that I’m hard work. I know what I want, and I’m not easily pleased. When you’re a loud, outgoing woman, sometimes it can intimidate men – men don’t always want that.
WHAT’S YOUR TYPE ON PAPER? I love a set of white Turkey teeth but a good set of Turkey teeth. I would say, personality traits: you have to be family orientated. You have to be tall, you can’t be shorter than me, I can’t be having to question whether I can wear heels around you and what height of heels I can wear. If you’re vertically challenged, it’s not for me.
NAME: Ciaran Davies
AGE: 21
FROM: Pencoed, South Wales
OCCUPATION: Surveyor
WHAT’S YOUR TYPE ON PAPER? Obviously looks but humour is a big thing for me, I’m a bit of a wind up so I want a girl who can give it back. Loyalty is another one for me: I think that’s the most important thing to look for in a relationship.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? When I was in Malia on a boys holiday I pretended to be Liam Reardon from series 7 to get into a club because they wouldn’t let us in. It worked and we ended up getting a private booth and free drinks all night.
NAME: Uma Jammeh
AGE: 23
FROM: Islington, North London
OCCUPATION: VIP host / model
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I feel like I’ve been so unlucky in love! It’s all been underwhelming so far. I don’t know what the reason is, I think it’s them, as it can’t be me!
CLAIM TO FAME? I was born in a closet in the hospital! There were no rooms left, my poor mum!
NAME: Joey Essex
AGE: 33
FROM: Chigwell, Essex
OCCUPATION: Reality star
CLAIM TO FAME? The Only Way Is Essex
FAMOUS EXES: Joey was in a relationship with fellow TOWIE star Sam Faiers from 2011 to 2014 with the pair getting engaged before they split. He has also been spotted locking lips with former Love Island stars Ellie Brown and Maura Higgins. He also dated his Dancing On Ice pro partner Vanessa Bauer.
NAME: Grace Jackson
AGE: 25
FROM: Manchester
OCCUPATION: Model and social media marketing coordinator
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? No guys have good communication and it’s painful. I like someone who doesn’t take themselves and life too seriously. My lifestyle can put guys off a little bit, I like to go out and go abroad a lot. They can’t keep up with my lifestyle. It’s the life that I want, and it helps with my business.
NAME: Wil Anderson
AGE: 23
FROM: Whitley Bay, Tyne And Wear
OCCUPATION: Quantity surveyor
WHY DID YOU WANT TO GO ON LOVE ISLAND? I wanted to be single for the last year because I’ve been in two serious relationships from the age of 18 but, now I feel like it’s time to put myself back out there. I want to feel that love again
NAME: Matilda Draper
AGE: 24
FROM: Beckenham
OCCUPATION: Recruitmant Consultant
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL BRING? I want to bring sunshine to the Villa. I’m lighthearted and don’t take myself too seriously. If things get too serious in the Villa I’m going to throw in a little joke or a ‘would you rather’.
NAME: Konnor Ewudzi
AGE: 28
FROM: Cornwall
OCCUPATION: Barber
WHY LOVE ISLAND AND WHY NOW? I am ready to find somebody. I’ve been in a couple of relationships and now feels like the right time as I have learnt from past relationships. I’ll be able to pick out the red flags now.
NAME: Trey Norman
AGE: 24
FROM: Doncaster
OCCUPATION: Commercial Insurance Broker
WHAT KIND OF ISLANDER ARE YOU GOING TO BE? I’d say I’m charming and someone that goes after what they want, I’m not afraid to articulate my feelings. I’m going to the Villa to find the girl of my dreams so it may ruffle feathers with the boys.
NAME: Jessy Potts
AGE: 25
FROM: Leicester
OCCUPATION: Brand Partnerships Associate
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WILL BRING TO THE VILLA? I’m fun, I like to get involved, so I’d like to think I will get stuck in as soon as I arrive. I also have a very sarcastic sense of humour, so I’ll make everyone laugh, but I’m a Sagittarius, so I also have a fiery side and I’m not afraid to say what I think or stand my ground. I’m not very good at taking ‘no’ for an answer.
