Long ago, back when Steps ruled the charts and Juicy Couture was considered an acceptable fashion choice, a select group of moderately famous celebrities gathered in Fiji for a brand new reality show.
Launching in 2005 and hosted by Kelly Brook and Patrick Kielty, Celebrity Love Island gave the dating show format a fresh makeover – and inadvertently created the template for its hugely popular namesake.
While the ITV2 juggernaut is famed for turning ordinary people into overnight celebrities, the original version relied on those already in the public eye to shape the narrative.
And shape it they did, from disastrous dates to televised meltdowns and bitter brawls, Celebrity Love Island became compulsive viewing across its seven chaotic episodes.
Forgotten by all but those of a certain age, the show found itself back in the spotlight on Thursday following the tragic news that actor Paul Danan – one of its more prominent contestants – has died at the age 44.
But what became of his co-stars? MailOnline has all the answers.

Long ago, back when Steps ruled the charts and Juicy Couture was considered an acceptable fashion choice, a select group of moderately famous celebrities gathered in Fiji for a brand new reality show called Celebrity Love Island

Forgotten by all but those of a certain age, the show found itself back in the spotlight on Thursday following the tragic news that actor Paul Danan – one of its more prominent contestants – has died at the age 44
1. ABI TITMUSS


Former nurse Abi became a lads mag favourite after her relationship with disgraced TV presenter John Leslie pushed her into the public eye

Abi embarked on an acting career after appearing on Celebrity Love Island in 2005 (pictured)
Former nurse Abi became a lads mag favourite after her relationship with disgraced TV presenter John Leslie pushed her into the public eye.
Indeed, at a time when they were flying off the shelves, she famously ranked seventh by FHM in their 2005 list of the 100 Sexiest Women in the World.
After meeting former Manchester United footballer Lee Sharpe on Love Island they dated for two years, but after their split she admitted her life spiraled out of control.
She later admitting to drug, shopping and sex addictions, and in 2012 narrowly avoided drug charges despite admitting she had given a friend $100 to buy cocaine.
Her spokesperson said at the time: ‘Abi is pleased the matter has been resolved.’
A year after Celebrity Love Island she made her theatre debut, playing a prostitute with multiple personality disorder in Two Way Mirror.
She would go on to star in BBC drama Casualty, while featuring in numerous other reality shows, among them Celebrity Come Dine With Me.
After a battle with depression, Abi moved to Los Angeles in 2013, where she furthered her acting career with a role in US soap Days Of Our Lives.
She married co-star Ari Welkim in 2017. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in 2017.
2. CALUM BEST


Before Celebrity Love Island Calum Best he was perhaps best known as the son of legendary Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer George Best

The ensuing years have seen him develop a womanizing reputation that wasn’t helped by the release of a sex tape in 2017, while he was appearing on Celebrity Big Brother
Before Celebrity Love Island he was perhaps best known as the son of legendary Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer George Best.
And after finding fame on the show he escaped his father’s tall shadow – only to return to Fiji for the second series of Celebrity Love Island in 2006.
Twelve months after his first appearance on the show, Best with the second series alongside Bianca Gascoigne – the adopted daughter of former England ace Paul Gascoigne.
The ensuing years have seen him develop a womanizing reputation that wasn’t helped by the release of a sex tape in 2017, while he was appearing on Celebrity Big Brother.
Now a self-confessed fitness fanatic, the heavily tattooed TV personality has also featured on Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity Ex On The Beach and SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Speaking in 2021, Best admitted he had finally found the one – after years of trying – but has never disclosed her identity.
3. REBECCA LOOS


Rebecca Loos was also among the contestants as Celebrity Love Island launched in 2005

It was her claim of an alleged affair with former footballer David Beckham during his time with Real Madrid that kickstarted Rebecca’s brief career in reality TV

Now happily married to doctor Sven Christjar Skaiaa, the couple live a quiet life in his native Norway, where they raise two children
It was her claim of an alleged affair with former footballer David Beckham during his time with Real Madrid that kickstarted Rebecca’s brief career in reality TV.
After appearing on Celebrity Love Island, the Spanish-born former PA announced she was bisexual and engaged in a fake lesbian wedding to model Jenny Shimizu while appearing on TV show show Power Lesbian UK.
The stunt was put together to protest America’s stance on same sex marriage at the time.
Her reality TV career also included appearances on The Farm and The X Factor: Battle Of The Stars before she finally retreated from the public eye.
Now happily married to doctor Sven Christjar Skaiaa, the couple live a quiet life in his native Norway, where they raise two children.
She currently works as a yoga teacher.
4. JAYNE MIDDLEMISS


Jayne Middlemiss was famously pied off by Lee Sharpe, who only had eyes for Abi Titmuss, before winning the show with Fran Cosgrove

After returning from Fiji she dated Irish model Alan Byrne from 2007 to 2008 and made periodic TV appearances, among them a triumphant stint on Celebrity MasterChef – which she won in 2009
Jayne was famously pied off by Lee Sharpe, who only had eyes for Abi Titmuss, before winning the show with Fran Cosgrove.
She’d already established a successful TV career before appearing on the show, having fronted music shows The O Zone and Top Of The Pops and worked as one of the original presenters on BBC Radio 6 Music.
After returning from Fiji she dated Irish model Alan Byrne from 2007 to 2008 and made periodic TV appearances, among them a triumphant stint on Celebrity MasterChef – which she won in 2009.
While she can still be heard on radio – notably Virgin Radio UK – her appearances onscreen have been less frequent over recent years.
Like fellow contestant Loos, the presenter has pursued a love of yoga and made numerous DVD’s about the holistic practice.
5. FRAN COSGRAVE


Not exactly a name that rolled off the tongue pre-Celebrity Love Island, Fran was perhaps better known for his work as a bodyguard for boyband Westlife.

The former TV personality is a parent to son Josh with his former girlfriend, Atomic Kitten singer Natasha Hamilton
Not exactly a name that rolled off the tongue pre-Celebrity Love Island, Fran was perhaps better known for his work as a bodyguard for boyband Westlife.
The Irish nightclub owner won the inaugural series of the show with Jayne Middlemiss, but their romance would prove to be short lived and they soon went their separate ways.
But he would reunite with fellow Islanders Callum Best and Paul Danan for short-lived car-crash reality show Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan in 2006.
His biography, Reality Check, was released that same year, with Fran eventually making a failed attempt at pop stardom after signing with Skint Records and releasing the single Jetsetter.
He also co-founded the DJ and house music production trio Futuristic Polar Bears.
The former TV personality is a parent to son Josh with his former girlfriend, Atomic Kitten singer Natasha Hamilton.
6. LADY ISABELLA HERVEY


Lady Isabella Hervey threw her hat intro the ring for the Fiji based dating show

Daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bristol and sister of socialite Lady Victoria Hervey, Lady Isabella had embarked on a modelling career before appearing on Celebrity Love Island

Her union with Belgian millionaire Christophe de Pauw heralded the beginning of a descent into appalling physical and psychological trauma
Daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bristol and sister of socialite Lady Victoria Hervey, Lady Isabella had embarked on a modelling career before appearing on Celebrity Love Island.
Following the show, Isabella claimed she had been left with ‘virtually nothing’ after her brother John allegedly squandered their family’s £35million fortune before his death.
Eventually withdrawing from the public eye, she worked in the fitness industry as a personal trainer before settling down with Belgian millionaire Christophe de Pauw.
The couple married Brussels in 2014 and raise three children.
But Lady Isabella separated from De Pauw after he was indicted for domestic abuse and now lives in Portugal with their children.
Speaking to MailOnline after a restraining order was granted in 2024, she said: ‘It is a big relief the restraining order is put into place, for me and for my kids because it means we can be in our garden.
‘Before we literally barricaded ourselves in our house when we’re alone. So now I don’t feel like we are prisoners in our own home.
‘However, I’m still scared. Restraining order or not, I don’t think that’s enough to stop the guy.
‘So in one way I’m relieved, but in another way I’m always still watching my back. I’m often still in fear and I don’t go outside with the kids after dark.’
7. NIKKI ZIERING


American model Nikki Ziering wowed Celebrity Love Island’s male contingent when she arrived late

Ziering had been married prior to her appearance on the show, having converted to Judaism before exchanging vows with 90210 actor Ian Andrew Ziering in 1997
The American model wowed Celebrity Love Island’s male contingent when she arrived late.
Ziering had been married prior to her appearance on the show, having converted to Judaism before exchanging vows with 90210 actor Ian Andrew Ziering in 1997.
But the marriage would prove to be short lived, with the couple divorcing in 2002.
Following her surprise appearance on Celebrity Love Island, Ziering featured on Celebrity Boot Camp, Celebrity Paranormal Project and the US version of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
8. MICHAEL GRECO


Michael was already a heartthrob thanks to his three year stint on BBC show EastEnders before he appeared on Celebrity Love Island

He welcomed his first child with girlfriend Helen Harris in 2023, but the newborn baby spent seven weeks at Great Ormond Street Hospital with gastroschisis
Michael was already a heartthrob thanks to his three year stint on BBC show EastEnders.
But he would win greater fame – and fortune – on the poker circuit, where he competes professionally and has raked in more than £1million in winnings.
He welcomed his first child with girlfriend Helen Harris in 2023, but the newborn baby spent seven weeks at Great Ormond Street Hospital with gastroschisis, a rare genetic disorder where the baby’s abdomen doesn’t develop fully in the womb.
The actor has also featured in Casualty in 2017.
9. LIZ MCLARNON


Atomic Kitten singer Liz McLarnon went on to win Celebrity MasterChef two years after appearing on the first series of Love Island

Atomic Kitten seen in 1999: Natasha Hamilton, Kerry Katona and Liz McLarnon
Atomic Kitten singer Liz went on to win Celebrity MasterChef two years after appearing on the first series of Love Island.
In 2010 Liz, 41, presented BBC Three reality show Hotter Than My Daughter before branching out into musical theatre as she landed a number of roles.
Liz took on the role of Paulette in the first UK tour of Legally Blonde in 2011 and later starred as Cinderella in pantomime in Liverpool.
In 2012, Liz reunited with Atomic Kitten bandmates Jenny Frost and Natasha Hamilton for The Big Reunion documentary series alongside other Noughties pop groups.
18 years following her Love Island stint, Liz has found love and tied the knot with husband Peter Cho.
The couple said I do in a lavish ceremony in June 2023 in the Lake District with guests including Liz’s former bandmate Natasha Hamilton.
She’s previously dated Lee Ryan from Blue and they were engaged at one point, but last year Liz announced she’s marrying a mystery boyfriend.
Before finding ‘the one’ Liz dated Harlequin’s rugby star, Ryan O’Neill and they were together for two years from 2012 to 2014.
10. LEE SHARPE


Former footballer Lee Sharpe was keen on Abi Titmuss while appearing on Celebrity Love Island

After retiring from football, the former Manchester United player Lee Sharpe had a successful TV stint becoming a pundit

Following the Island, Lee went on to appear on Celebrity Wrestling, before taking to the ice with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean in their hit ITV series Dancing On Ice in 2007
After retiring from football, the former Manchester United player Lee Sharpe had a successful TV stint becoming a pundit.
Following the Island, Lee went on to appear on Celebrity Wrestling, before taking to the ice with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean in their hit ITV series Dancing On Ice in 2007.
Taking a dip in the land of soaps, the ex footballer also made an appearance on the cobbles with a minor role on Coronation Street.
Following appearing on Corrie, Lee was pictured numerous times with actress Kym Marsh in 2008.
Keeping a close bond with ITV, Lee also made appearances on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway in 2008 and more recently in Harry Redknapp’s ITV series Harry’s Heroes.
Lee joined a number of other former England international players for a game against Germany legends in 2019 and 2020.
In 2021, the ex athlete started competing in professional golf tournaments and opened his own sports bar in Spain however a year later he closed the establishment as it ‘wasn’t working’ for his family amid claims of soaring rent of £3,000 a month.
He has since found love with wife Lucie Gardner with the pair tying the knot during an idyllic Amalfi Coast ceremony in 2019.
The couple, who share son Leo together, hit the headlines in 2017 after Lee popped the question on Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival, six years after they first started dating.
11. DU’AINE LADEJO


Du’aine failed at finding love in the villa despite his muscular frame and good looks
Du’aine failed at finding love in the villa despite his muscular frame and good looks.
Since his stint on the show, the former Olympic sprinter joined Sky One’s revival of Gladiators – competing under the name as ‘Predator’.
The athlete is now a doting father-of-two and was the creator of Australia’s Greatest Athlete which ran from 2009 until 2011.
He has won two Olympic medals in the 400m relay in 1992 and 1996. In 2004, Du’aine won the TV show Superstars.
12. JUDI SHEKONI


Judi was the first to leave the villa in 2005 after making the huge decision to venture away from acting and into the world of reality TV

The former model often shares sweet snaps of her daughter Lillie
Judi was the first to leave the villa in 2005 after making the huge decision to venture away from acting and into the world of reality TV.
Best known for starring in EastEnders as Marjorie ‘Precious’ Hudson, the Manchester-born actress rose to fame as the girlfriend of gangster Angel, played by Goldie.
Since her short-lived stint on Love Island, the 42-year-old actress has appeared in several films including Garfield 2, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.
The soap star has also appeared in TV roles such as NCIS: Los Angeles and Heroes Reborn.
Judi – who boasts 39,000 followers on Instagram – also documents her life on social media at glamorous events.
The former model often shares sweet snaps of her daughter Lillie.
13. PAUL DANAN


Paul died at the age of 46, his management sadly revealed on Wednesday.

In 2005, Paul also made headlines with his racy stint on Celebrity Love Island, later revealing that Playboy model Nikki Ziering performed a ‘two minute’ sex act on him during their time in the villa in Fiji (seen with Isabella Hervey)
Paul died at the age of 46, his management sadly revealed on Wednesday.
The actor was best known for his role as Sol Patrick on the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, before appearing on the reality series Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother.
Paul previously struggled with drug addiction, overdosing on heroin after returning from a stint in rehab, and in June he revealed that he was given CPR by his family after his ‘obsessive’ vape usage caused respiratory failure.
He also has a son named Deniro, who was born in September 2015.
In 2005, Paul also made headlines with his racy stint on Celebrity Love Island, later revealing that Playboy model Nikki Ziering performed a ‘two minute’ sex act on him during their time in the villa in Fiji.
He previously told Jamie East’s Reality Check of the tryst, saying: ‘Nikki Ziering… the Playboy model comes in and overtakes everything… 2 minutes 58 [seconds] blow***!’
‘They put the little time counter at the top of the screen. We went in the toilets, and then we were out…but a minute of it was spent taking off our microphones!’
Paul caused so many arguments during his first appearance on Love Island that producers invited him back the following year.
Housemates even said they didn’t feel safe with Danan sleeping beside them in the bedroom and he had to be removed by security guards.
Paul later admitted that it was time on the reality show that skyrocketed him to new levels of fame, even after spending four years on Hollyoaks.
He told The Dozen podcast: ‘I’ve never known fame like it. I’ve never seen people go so mental. Four years on a soap opera – that was nothing compared to these six weeks [in terms] of the stature of fame.’
‘It didn’t help with my acting career because suddenly people were like ”Oh, we don’t want to hire a reality star!” Casting directors were a bit snobby like that, they don’t people want to see me on a TV show thinking ”Isn’t that the guy from Love Island?”
‘It wasn’t good for my acting career and it took a long time to get that back. I don’t know if it’s even fully redeemed even all these years later.’
After meeting on Celebrity Love Island, Paul went onto star in a spin-off series with co-stars Calum Best and Fran Cosgrove, titled Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan.
The pair were famously involved in an alcohol-fuelled brawl, which showed Paul lashing out at Calum, repeatedly charging at him while shouting, ‘I’ll kill you!’.
The star certainly caused a stir with his past reality TV appearances, flipping out from cheerful to furious in a split second.