When you talk about the most polarizing figures to ever step foot in the villa, Olivia Hawkins—better known as Liv—is always at the top of the list. From her dramatic stint on Season 9 to her return for All Stars, she’s been the girl everyone loves to analyze. But the question that’s been blowing up everyone's feed lately is simple: who is liv dating from love island right now?
Honestly, keeping up with her love life is a full-time job. One minute she’s entangled in villa drama, and the next, she’s linked to a completely different reality universe. If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok trying to piece together the clues from her latest "soft launches," you’re not alone. The answer, however, involves a crossover that most fans didn’t see coming.
The Secret Relationship With Louis Russell
Liv’s recent appearance on Celebs Go Dating in late 2025 changed everything. While the show is technically about celebrities dating "civilians," Liv did exactly what producers hate: she fell for another celebrity. Specifically, she grew incredibly close to Louis Russell, the notorious breakout star from Netflix’s Too Hot To Handle.
They were spotted all over each other during filming in Ibiza. It wasn’t just for the cameras, either. Liv later confessed to her best friend and fellow Islander, Samie Elishi, that they had been meeting up secretly outside of the agency. She even admitted to staying at his place multiple times.
It’s messy. It’s classic Liv. But as of 2026, the status of this pair is a bit of a roller coaster. While the initial "secret romance" sparked huge headlines, Louis famously sent a "take a step back" text that left Liv in tears on national television. He claimed he couldn't give her what she wanted, preferring to keep things casual. This revelation shattered the hearts of fans who thought the two reality titans were the perfect match.
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Is She Seeing Kelechi Dyke?
Shortly after the Louis drama cooled off, new reports emerged linking Liv to another Netflix hunk: Kelechi "Kelz" Dyke. You might remember him as the "accountant" from Too Hot To Handle Season 1.
Sources from the set of Celebs Go Dating suggested that while the Louis thing was a flash in the pan, her connection with Kelz was much more grounded. They were seen on several dates, and insiders claimed the chemistry was actually genuine this time. Unlike the high-octane drama with Louis, Kelz seemed to offer a bit more stability—even if he does spend most of his time boxing in Bali these days.
The Other "Liv" Controversy: Liv Walker and the NBA
We have to clear something up because the internet loves a good name-mixup. If you’re searching for "who is liv dating" and seeing photos of a tall girl with a Los Angeles Lakers player, you’re likely looking at Liv Walker from Love Island USA Season 6.
Liv Walker has been much more "hard launch" with her dating life recently. In late 2025, she confirmed she is dating NBA star Dalton Knecht. She was spotted on the sidelines of Tennessee football games and has been very open about her "athlete type" on the spinoff Love Island: Beyond the Villa.
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So, if you’re looking for the British bombshell Olivia Hawkins, she’s the one navigating the Too Hot To Handle crossover. If you’re looking for the Australian firecracker from the US version, she’s currently a "WAG" in the making with the Lakers.
A History of Villa Near-Misses
To understand why Liv Hawkins’ current status matters so much, you have to look at the trail of "almosts" she left behind in the villa. She’s famously never been in a formal relationship before the show, which adds a layer of vulnerability to her search.
- Maxwell Samuda: This was her most "successful" pairing. They left Season 9 together after Casa Amor, but the relationship fizzled out within weeks. They cited "hectic schedules" and the classic "it’s different on the outside" excuse.
- Marcel Somerville: During All Stars, sparks flew between Liv and the Blazin' Squad legend. However, Liv later admitted that while they had chemistry, they decided to stay "just friends" because the connection wasn't deep enough to survive the real world.
- The Tom Clare Saga: Who could forget the terrace kiss and the endless drama involving Samie? That was peak entertainment, but it clearly wasn't built to last.
What's Next for Olivia Hawkins?
Liv is currently in a transitional phase. She’s been in talks for Love Island Games, which would be her third time entering the franchise. It seems like she’s determined to find "the one" on camera, even if her off-camera flings with Louis Russell and Kelz Dyke keep the tabloids busy in the meantime.
She’s also leaning heavily into her acting career. Between filming for Celebs Go Dating and landing minor roles in big franchises like Fast & Furious, she isn't just waiting by the phone for a boyfriend.
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If you want to keep up with her actual status, the best place isn't the news—it's her TikTok. She’s the queen of the "subtle hint" video. Usually, if she’s dating someone new, you’ll see a man’s hand in a dinner shot or a very specific song choice about "new beginnings."
Practical Steps for Fans:
- Check the Version: Ensure you aren't confusing Olivia Hawkins (UK) with Liv Walker (USA), as their dating lives are currently very different.
- Watch Celebs Go Dating: To see the full fallout between her and Louis Russell, watch the 2025 series on E4/Channel 4.
- Follow the Right Accounts: Liv’s Instagram (@livhawkinss) is mostly for professional shots, but her TikTok is where the real relationship tea usually drops first.
The reality is that Olivia Hawkins is still searching. Whether it's a Netflix star or a surprise bombshell, she’s proven that she won't settle for a "showmance" that doesn't feel right.