Gabby Allen walked into the Love Island villa on Day 7 of the 2017 series and basically changed the entire energy of the house. You remember that year? It was the summer of Chris and Kem, the year of "muggy" Mike, and honestly, arguably the best season the show has ever had. Gabby was the Scouse bombshell who didn't just come for a tan; she came in with a level of self-assuredness that felt refreshing until, well, the villa started doing what it does best—messing with people's heads.
The Marcel and Gabby Love Island Season 3 Era
Let’s be real: Marcel Somerville and Gabby Allen were the "parents" of the villa. While everyone else was screaming at each other or swapping partners every three days, they were the rock. Marcel, the former Blazin’ Squad member (did he mention he was in a band?), and Gabby, the professional dancer, hit it off almost instantly.
They were the only couple who stayed loyal from start to finish. That’s rare. Even in the current 2026 landscape of reality TV, you don't see that kind of commitment often. But it wasn't all sunshine and poolside chats.
One of the biggest moments of the season was the lie detector test.
It was brutal.
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The machine claimed Gabby was lying about loving Marcel. Watching her break down was tough because, at that point, the "loyal" tag became a weight around her neck. She felt she had to prove herself to a machine, to Marcel, and to a public that was starting to get a bit cynical. They eventually finished in fourth place, which felt a bit low considering they were the most stable pair, but the fans were obsessed with the chaotic energy of Kem and Amber that year.
Beyond the Villa: The Messy Reality
If you thought the drama ended when they flew back to Gatwick, you’ve got another thing coming. For about a year, they were the "success story." They did the red carpets, the sponsored posts, the whole nine yards.
Then Mexico happened.
In 2018, the news broke that Marcel had cheated on Gabby while they were literally on holiday together. It wasn't just a rumor; Marcel’s own rep confirmed it. Imagine being on a romantic getaway and finding out your partner is messaging other women. It was a massive betrayal of trust that left Gabby, in her own words, "in a bit of shock."
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Life After the Breakup
Gabby didn't just fade away into the background of "where are they now" articles. She leaned hard into her fitness career. Honestly, it was the smartest move she could have made.
- She launched the Shape Up with Gabby app.
- She became a legitimate fitness mogul.
- She did Celebrity Big Brother (the infamous Roxanne Pallett season).
- She even tackled The Challenge on MTV.
She’s built a brand that’s actually about something, rather than just selling teeth whitening strips.
The 2025 All Stars Twist
Fast forward to the recent Love Island: All Stars in 2025, and things got incredibly awkward. Producers decided to put Gabby and Marcel back in the same villa. Eight years after their original season.
Can you imagine?
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Marcel was coming off a very public divorce from Rebecca Vieira, and Gabby was entering as a seasoned business owner who had "seen it all." Watching them navigate that space was fascinating. Gabby was vocal about how different she felt at 32 compared to being 25. She won that series with Casey O'Gorman, proving that she still had the "main character" energy, even if that relationship didn't last more than a few months outside.
Why We Still Talk About Gabby
People relate to her because she’s been through the ringer. She’s dealt with the "least popular" label in the villa, the public cheating scandal, and the struggle of maintaining a career once the 15 minutes of fame should have been up.
She's also been incredibly open about her scoliosis and the loss of her father, which gave her a depth that many Islanders lack. It wasn't just about looking good in a bikini; it was about resilience.
Actionable Insights for the "Love Island" Obsessed:
- Watch the Season 3 Archives: If you haven't seen the original 2017 run, do it. It’s the blueprint for how the show should work.
- Follow the Fitness Journey: If you’re actually into training, Gabby’s Shape Up programs are widely respected in the industry for being high-intensity and legitimate, not just "influencer workouts."
- Look at the All Stars Arc: See how she handled the reunion with Marcel. It’s a masterclass in "moving on" while being forced to confront your past in front of millions.
Gabby Allen is more than just a season 3 contestant. She’s a survivor of the reality TV machine. Whether you loved her or found her "too much" back in the day, you can't deny that she’s one of the few who turned a summer of love into a decade of influence.