You remember the salmon? That weird, stiff-bodied flop into the pool that became a whole thing?
Honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago. Back in 2019, Chris Taylor walked into the Love Island villa as a bombshell and basically refused to play the part of the "smoldering hunk." He was the guy with the quiff, the kimonos, and a sense of humor that felt a bit too self-aware for reality TV. Most people saw him as the class clown who couldn’t quite catch a break in the romance department.
But if you’ve only followed his villa stints, you’re missing the actual story. Since his second run on Love Island: All Stars in 2024, Chris has somehow transitioned from "that funny guy on ITV" to a Hollywood-adjacent figure with a surprisingly stable life in 2026. It’s a weird trajectory.
The Margot Robbie Connection Was Actually Real
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the whole Barbie movie thing was just a PR stunt or a five-second blur in the background. It wasn't. Chris actually had a speaking part as one of the Kens.
The story sounds like something a drunk guy makes up at 2:00 AM. He met Margot Robbie at a premiere after-party (she’s a massive Love Island fan, which is still wild to think about). They didn't talk about the industry or acting. No, they talked about—and this is a direct fact—a friend of his who had a particularly small... well, you know.
Margot found him so hilarious that she literally told her husband, producer Tom Ackerley, that they had to get him in the film. Fast forward a few months, and he's on a Hollywood set with Ryan Gosling, delivering the line: "And the Nobel prize for horses goes to Ken!"
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It’s probably the most "Chris Taylor" way to enter the film industry. No acting classes, just a conversation about anatomy with a superstar.
Why the All Stars Run Felt Different
When he went back for Love Island: All Stars, the vibe changed. People were used to the 2019 version of Chris—the guy who was basically a walking meme. But by 2024, he was 33. He was older, more cynical, and honestly, a bit more tired of the game.
He got "pied" six times in fifteen days during his first run. A world record? Maybe. But the second time around, his conflict with Arabella Chi showed a side of him that wasn't just jokes. It was messy. It was human. He ended up getting dumped after a series of awkward recouplings, but it served a purpose. It proved that the "goofy guy" archetype has a shelf life in a villa designed for 21-year-olds.
The Career Pivot: Skating and Podcasts
While some former Islanders disappear into a void of tooth-whitening ads and club appearances, Chris kept moving. By early 2025, he was lace-up for Dancing on Ice.
His partner, Vanessa Bauer, famously said he kept her laughing through the grueling training sessions. He’s always been a "showman" at heart, and the transition to mainstream entertainment shows like this—and his stint hosting the Love Island: Morning After podcast—shows he’s leaning into being a presenter rather than just a "personality."
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Who Is He Actually Dating Now?
This is where it gets interesting for 2026. For years, everyone focused on his relationship with Maura Higgins. They were "best mates" who tried to make it work, but it blew up after six months because, as Chris later admitted on Celebs Go Dating, he was way more into her than she was into him. It was painful to watch him talk about it, honestly.
As of early 2026, Chris has moved on to something much quieter. He’s been dating a woman from Brighton who—believe it or not—has never actually seen him on Love Island.
He’s been pretty cagey about her identity. After the public breakdown of the Maura era and the chaos of the villa, he seems to be protecting this one. He mentioned on the Not My Bagg podcast that he likes the fact that there are "no preconceptions." She just knows him as the guy with the dog and the bad jokes, not the "Ken" from the Barbie movie.
The Reality of the Reality TV Hangover
It’s easy to look at Chris and think it’s all fun and games. But he’s been vocal about the "ick" factor. He knows he’s turned people off with his on-screen antics.
He once said he felt like he shouldn't have been on the show in the first place because he wasn't a "typical" Islander. He didn't want to do the fitness and fashion stuff. He wanted to make weird TikTok sketches. That authenticity is why he still has over a million followers while other contestants from his season have faded into obscurity.
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What You Can Learn from the Chris Taylor Model
If you're looking at his career as a blueprint, it’s not about being the hottest person in the room. It’s about:
- Leaning into the "weird": The salmon dive and the kimonos weren't "cool," but they were memorable.
- Networking by being yourself: He didn't pitch Margot Robbie; he just talked to her like a normal person.
- Knowing when to pivot: He realized early on that "influencing" wasn't his long-term play.
He’s currently living in a house share with other former Islanders like Michael Griffiths and Jordan Hames. They’re basically the "elder statesmen" of the franchise now. They’ve seen the show change, seen the social media bans come in, and they’ve managed to stay relevant by just being... guys who make funny videos.
What's Next for Chris?
The "All Stars" chapter is firmly closed. He’s expressed that he’s done with the villa for good this time. With his history in basketball (he was quite the athlete before the fame hit) and his growing comfort in front of the camera as a presenter, don't be surprised if he ends up in more sports-related broadcasting or comedy-centric hosting roles.
He’s 35 now. He’s got the "ear hair" he joked about, he’s got a dog he treats like a child, and he’s finally in a relationship that isn't being filmed for E4.
To keep up with what he’s actually doing, skip the tabloids and check his TikTok. That’s where the real Chris lives—unfiltered, slightly chaotic, and still refusing to take himself seriously. If you’re looking for a lesson in how to survive the reality TV machine without losing your soul, he’s probably the best example we’ve got.
Your Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the 2026 British hosting circuit. Chris is tipped for more "roving reporter" roles on reality spin-offs. If you’re following his career, look for his name in credits for comedy pilots rather than dating show rosters. He’s officially aged out of the villa, and honestly, it’s the best thing that could have happened to him.