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Who is Ope Sowande? Meet Love Island 2026 contestant and performer
Can Ope find who he is looking for in the villa?
ITV
- Katelyn Mensah
Published: Tuesday, 9 June 2026 at 10:00 am
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Well, Ope has certainly found himself in hot water on Love Island 2026!
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Last night (8 June), as the boys returned to the villa to find out the girls had been watching their cocktail night with two new bombshells, Ope received a frosty reception from the Islanders, in particular Angelista who he is in a couple with.
As Angelista and Ope finally had a chat, she shared she felt embarrassed by Ope's behaviour, while he apologised for making her feel that way.
But will Ope be able to make it up to Angelista, or will be focus on cracking on with Victoria?
As we wait to find out, scroll on to learn more about Love Island 2026 contestant, Ope Sowande.
Ope Sowande – key facts
Ope. ITV
Age: 27
Job: West End performer
From: Lincolnshire
Instagram: @ope_sowande
Who is Ope Sowande?
Ope Sowande is a West End performer from Lincolnshire who, much like his fellow Islanders, is looking for love in the villa.
But if there is a spot of drama, he admits it could be rather funny to sit back and watch it unfold.
He said: "I love the ‘watching with a telescope, ooh what’s going on, sip the tea’ kind of vibe. I’m not here for the drama… but I’m here for the drama."
When dating on the outside world, he never plays it safe and always tries to make someone laugh.
"I think that’s the key to love and the key to getting girls," he said. "My ultimate thing in life is to make people feel comfortable around me, so as soon as that happens, I’m sweet. And I’ve got the best smile in Britain."
How old is Ope Sowande?
Ope Sowande is 27 years old.
Is Ope from Love Island 2026 on Instagram?
He sure is. You can follow Ope via the handle @ope_sowande. At the time of reporting, he has 14,500 followers.
What is Ope's 'type on paper'?
For Ope, he found it a little difficult pinning down his exact type, before noting he likes "shorter girls", as well as "hair, good teeth and a nice smile".
He added: "I prefer Northerners because they’ve got better craic. That’s just a fact. I haven’t really got a type, I honestly just go on energy, vibes and if you find my jokes funny."
What previous productions and TV shows has Ope been in?
Ope is a West End performer and has appeared in productions of Moulin Rouge, The Lion King and Disney's Hercules.
As a West End performer, Ope is a professional dancer and was formerly a Strictly Come Dancing backing dancer! He appeared on the show during the finale for the big dance numbers that are put on to wrap up the season.
Read more on the Love Island 2026 cast:
- Victoria
- Namibia
- Priya
- Kavan
- Yasmin
- George
- Aidan
- Jasmine
- Lola
- Samuel
- Angelista
- Samraj
- Ellie
- Sean
- Robyn
- Lorenzo
- Mica
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
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Authors
Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer
Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
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