It’s a running Love Island joke that Casey O’Gorman just can’t get enough of the villa after he appeared on the show three times in two years – winter Love Island 2023, All Stars 2024 and All Stars 2025 – but there’s another Islander giving him a run for his money.
We’re talking about Love Island 2021 bombshell Lucinda Strafford, who has just been announced as part of the Love Island Games season two line-up after also appearing on Love Island Australia.
Lucinda will appear on Love Island Games alongside Love Island 2023 finalist Tyrique Hyde and a whole host of Islanders from the USA, Australia and other international seasons. So, before the spin-off show starts, here’s everything you need to know about her…
Who is Lucinda Strafford?
Lucinda is a reality TV star and influencer who first became famous when she joined the cast of Love Island during the 2021 series. She entered the villa as a bombshell alongside eventual winner Millie Court and was dumped on day 28 alongside Aaron Francis.
How old is Lucinda Strafford?
Born on 4 November 2000, Lucinda is currently 24 years old.
Where is Lucinda Strafford from?
She’s from Brighton.
What is Lucinda Strafford’s job?
Before joining the villa, Lucinda worked as an online fashion boutique owner. Since leaving she has become something of an influencer amassing over 927k followers.
When was Lucinda Strafford on Love Island?
She was a contestant on Love Island 2021 where she was dumped on day 28 alongside Aaron.
Was Lucinda Strafford on Love Island Australia?
Lucinda headed back into the villa in 2023, but this time she joined the Aussie version of the dating show. She made it all the way to the final with Zac Nunn, but the pair just missed out on the win and finished as runners-up.
Is Lucinda Strafford going on Love Island Games?
Yep, Lucinda is in the starting line-up for the second season of Love Island Games.
Who did Lucinda Strafford date before Love Island?
Lucinda dated footballer Aaron Connolly for two years but their relationship came to an end when he allegedly broke Covid rules to romance another woman.
It’s claimed Aaron 'begged' Lucinda not to go on Love Island but she stuck to her guns and jetted out to Mallorca. While Aaron was left heartbroken after she joined the show, the two of them started dating again once she returned to the UK.
After dating on/off for three and a half years, they announced they had called it quits in 2022. A source told The Sun, 'Everyone thought Lucinda and Aaron would make a real go of things this time round.
'Aaron was pretty cut up when she decided to do Love Island but they moved on from it and seemed stronger than ever. In the end they just couldn't make it work and have decided it would be better for both of them if they remained single.'
Did Lucinda Strafford date Nathan Dawe?
Yep, it was revealed last year that Lucinda was dating DJ Nathan Dawe but they split just weeks after going public with their romance. Lucinda confirmed she had broken up with Nathan during an appearance on the White Fox After Hours podcast, where she revealed, 'So I am recently single. You've actually just got to laugh or you will literally cry.
'But to be honest, my ex boyfriend is like one of the best people ever, he is so lovely and so kind. A real gent. I feel like we will always be friends. He's a bit older as well. I feel like it's just way more mature which I love.'
Lucinda added, 'Neither of us have done anything, it's just more the fact that both of us are so busy. It's right person, wrong time.'
What happened with Lucinda Strafford and Zac Nunns?
Lucinda and Zac struck up a romance during her time on Love Island Australia and they dated for four months, with Zac even visiting Lucinda in the UK before Christmas. However, they split in February and Lucinda deleted all traces of their relationship from her Instagram profile. Classic.
At the time, Zac told his Instagram followers, 'Hey guys, just thought I'd let you know that Lucinda and I have decided to go our separate ways. I'm not feeling too good about the situation and appreciate all the support so far.'
Things turned sour when Lucinda moved on with Nathan, with Zac taking to Snapchat to share some cryptic remarks about his ex. He wrote, 'I’m ok guys – I find it crazy how I was told to stay quiet to protect someone’s career but they’ve done nothing to protect me. There is so much that I decided to stay quiet on but I feel like the truth always comes out.'
Zac later suggested that there could have been some crossover between his relationship with Lucinda ending and the start of her romance with Nathan and also shared screenshots of messages Lucinda had allegedly sent claiming that she wanted to go on All Stars to boost her career.
What happened with Lucinda Strafford and Brad McClelland?
Lucinda initially coupled up with Brad McClelland in the Love Island 2021 villa, however the producers put them in an impossible position - either one of them had to volunteer to leave the show or both of them had to.
Brad sacrificed himself, but this was not to be the end of their relationship. After leaving the villa it was clear Brad still had feelings for Lucinda, and after she was booted from the show they reportedly reunited. It clearly didn't amount to anything though, as Lucinda was soon back with footballer Aaron.
What happened with Lucinda Strafford and Aaron Francis?
After Brad left the villa, Lucinda struck up romance with co-star Aaron. However, love clearly wasn't in the air as she later revealed that outside of the show their relationship lasted less than 72 hours (oof).
Does Lucinda Strafford have Instagram?
She does, indeed. If you want to follow her, you can at @lucindastrafford.