'Vanderpump Rules' Star Ariana Madix Announced as New 'Love Island' Host

Ariana Madix

Love Island is a show that encourages changing partners in the effort of finding the right one to couple up with. So it only makes sense that the hit Peacock reality series try its own hand at shopping around, as Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix has been announced as the new host for the upcoming sixth season.

The American version of British reality sensation Love Island arrived on CBS back in 2019. Hosted by comedian Arielle Vandenberg and featuring a group of young singles living in a villa, the contestants would attempt to partner up and survive recouplings, eliminations, and the always-anticipated "Casa Amor." In the end fans vote on which of the final couples they wish to win and receive a cash prize. Love Island moved to Peacock in 2022, where Modern Family star Sarah Hyland hosted two seasons before Madix was announced to take over.

Related: 'Vanderpump Rules' Star Ariana Madix Sues Ex Tom Sandoval

The villa seems like a natural fit for Madix, a self-proclaimed "superfan" of the series and all its iterations. She even made a cameo during the previous season in 2023, showing up on the Fijian set to surprise the singles. And this new role as emcee continues to shine a spotlight on her after an absolute whirlwind year. In 2023, she was at the center of the biggest story in pop culture: "Scandoval." The victim of an affair between her longtime boyfriend Tom Sandoval and her best friend and co-star Raquel Leviss, her relationship was aired out for the world to see, culminating in their breakup.

Since then, however, Madix has shown her post-Sandoval freedom across screen and stage. She's appeared on the cover of Us Weekly and Glamour, and has partnered with brands like Uber, T-Mobile, and Lay's. This past fall, she appeared on Dancing with the Stars, lighting up the dance floor the whole season and finishing in third place. And in January, she even made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago.

As a new cast of singles navigates the twists, turns, and heartbreak on Love Island, they should be in the hands of a caring host. Someone who has firsthand experience being in the harsh court of public opinion. Someone who knows both the excitement of building a relationship, and the devastation of it breaking down. With all that, we can't wait to see what Madix and Love Island season 6 have in store for us this summer on Peacock.

Next, find out which Love Island couples are still together from the show's first four seasons.