Let's be real: most people go on Love Island to land a PrettyLittleThing deal and a couple of million followers. They want the fast track to the influencer lifestyle, and honestly, who can blame them? But then there’s Camilla Thurlow. When Camilla Love Island season 3 first walked onto our screens back in 2017, she looked like she’d accidentally wandered into the wrong party. She was a bomb disposal expert. A literal humanitarian who spent her days in flak jackets clearing landmines in Afghanistan and Cambodia.
She was polite. She was posh. She was intensely shy.
Watching her navigate the hyper-tan, "100% my type on paper" world of the villa was, at first, kind of painful. We saw her get her heart broken by Jonny Mitchell over a debate about feminism—yes, really—and we all thought, "Get this girl out of there, she’s too good for this." But then Jamie Jewitt walked in. And suddenly, the show wasn't just about drama; it was about a genuine, soul-level connection that has actually outlasted almost every other couple in the franchise’s history.
The Slow Burn of Camilla Love Island Season 3
Camilla didn't have it easy. While other contestants were busy "cracking on," she was having deep conversations about social justice and reading books by the pool. Her journey was basically a masterclass in staying true to yourself when everyone else is trying to fit a specific mold.
The turning point for Camilla Love Island season 3 came when Jamie arrived. Unlike the guys who came before him, Jamie actually listened. He made her a birthday breakfast out of avocado toast that spelled out "28." It sounds cheesy now, but at the time? It was the most romantic thing the villa had ever seen. They bonded over their shared interests in literature and humanitarian work. They weren't just "coupling up" for the cameras; they were finding their person.
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What happened after the cameras stopped rolling?
Usually, the Love Island "curse" hits about six months after the finale. The red carpets dry up, the arguments start, and the "we've decided to remain friends" Instagram post goes live.
Camilla and Jamie did the exact opposite.
They didn't chase the typical celebrity circuit. Instead of hitting every D-list club opening in London, they went to Greece and Calais to volunteer in refugee camps. They used their massive new platform to talk about things that actually mattered, like landmine clearance with The HALO Trust.
- 2019: They moved into their first home together.
- 2020: They welcomed their first daughter, Nell Sophia.
- 2021: Jamie proposed with the help of baby Nell, who wore a onesie that said, "Mummy, will you marry my Daddy?"
- 2021: They officially tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in Essex.
- 2022: Their second daughter, Nora, arrived.
- 2024: They became a family of five with the birth of their son, Brodie.
Life in 2026: More Than Just Reality Stars
Fast forward to today, and the couple is still going strong, proving that Camilla Love Island season 3 was never just a fluke. They’ve built a life that feels authentic and remarkably grounded. Camilla has written a bestselling memoir, Not The Type, which dives into her struggles with anxiety and her unconventional career path. She’s become a powerful voice for mothers, often sharing the "unfiltered" side of parenting.
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In early 2025, Camilla and Jamie shared a very personal update regarding their middle daughter, Nora. They revealed that Nora had been diagnosed as autistic. The way they’ve handled this—with grace, openness, and a focus on empowering their child—has resonated with thousands of families going through similar journeys. It's a far cry from the shallow drama we usually associate with reality TV.
Dealing with the pressure of "The Perfect Couple"
It hasn't always been easy. Camilla has been vocal about the pressure of being a "celebrity mum" and the anxiety that comes with life in the spotlight. Even during her time on Camilla Love Island season 3, she struggled with feeling "not good enough" for Jamie during a notorious lie detector test.
That vulnerability is exactly why people still care about her nearly a decade later. She’s not a polished, robotic influencer. She’s someone who feels things deeply, who worries about the world, and who isn't afraid to show her flaws.
Why her legacy matters
Camilla changed the blueprint for what a Love Island contestant could be. She proved you don't have to shout to be heard. You don't have to change your values to find love. And most importantly, you can use a silly dating show as a springboard for genuine, long-term advocacy.
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If you're looking for the ultimate success story from the villa, look no further. While other stars from her season have faded into the background or moved from one reality show to the next, Camilla and Jamie have built a legacy based on substance.
What you can learn from Camilla’s journey:
If you’re a fan of the show or just someone looking for a bit of inspiration, there are a few "Camilla-isms" that actually work in the real world.
- Values are non-negotiable. Don't dim your light or hide your intellect to make someone else feel more comfortable. The right person will love you for your brain, not in spite of it.
- Use your platform for good. Whether you have 100 followers or 1.7 million, you can advocate for the things you care about.
- Vulnerability is a strength. Being open about mental health or parenting struggles isn't "weak"—it's how you build real connections with people.
- Take it slow. In a world of fast-fashion and "fast-love," building a solid foundation takes time.
If you want to keep up with their latest projects, Camilla is frequently active on Instagram sharing insights into her advocacy work and her life as a mum of three. You can also check out her book, Not The Type, for a deeper look into the mind of the woman who redefined reality TV.
Next Steps for You:
If you're interested in supporting the causes Camilla champions, consider looking into The HALO Trust or Help Refugees. These organizations were central to her life long before she ever stepped foot in the villa, and they remain a huge part of her and Jamie's world today. Supporting these charities is a great way to turn your interest in celebrity culture into something with real-world impact.