Love Island: Is Admitting to Being a Cheater a Green Flag? An Expert Weighs in.

The return of Love Island means each evening at 9pm we subject ourselves to blossoming romance, cringey one-liners and dating tomfoolery that can only be expected from young singletons appearing on a reality TV show. As they work to find their match under the Mallorcan sun, there's no doubt there'll be some awkward conversations along the way and one of those already kicked off in the first episode.

As the new Islanders got busy getting to know one another, Mimii Ngulube, 24, asked the group if anyone had ever cheated before. Sam Taylor, 23, admitted to kissing someone else while dating another, but struggled to give a straight answer. But is fessing up to being a cheat in the past really the green flag some people think it is?

Viewers already know which of the few Islanders have been unfaithful before, as some admitted to their infidelity before heading into the villa. For example, 29-year-old Patsy Field, who is the first ever contestant with Erb's Palsy, confessed: "I have cheated, probably quite a few times. But I don't know, what do you class as cheating? I've never had sex with anyone else while I've been in a relationship but definitely, you know, some loose lips … a couple of snogs!" While online sweet salesman Sean Stone, 24, said he'd recently given "sweet D" to one of his customers, which fans quickly called out, with one writing: "His last relationship was four years long … he's been running his sweets business three years ... but one of his customers got the 'sweet D', this maths ain't mathing either my mans lying or he's just outed himself as a cheat."

Even former Islanders got involved in connecting the dots, as Andrew Le Page exposed newbie Harriet Blackmore, 24, writing underneath an Instagram post: "[Did] Harriet just say she's been single for four months? The application process is longer than that."

From cheating revelations to confusing crossovers, some may say there are already walking red flags in the villa, but psychotherapist Tasha Bailey believes that being honest and taking accountability for our past relationship faults can be a green flag. She tells PS UK: "As long as we are owning up to our mistake and being clear about how we have learnt from it, this level of honesty is a great way to show that we are maturing and growing towards being a better partner for our next relationship."

"It's a good idea to disclose any behaviour that contributed towards the downfall of your relationships, including cheating," Bailey adds. "Be honest about what happened and what underlying needs or issues led to you acting out in this way."

Bailey also supports second chances for those who have cheated in the past, and welcomes them into Love Island villa. She says: "If it's clear that it is something they don't agree with and are trying to change their behaviour, then people who have cheated deserve a second chance. There are so many reasons why people turn to infidelity. And though none of these reasons are an excuse, they do give context as to why we did what we did, so that we can avoid doing it again."

It seems like those whose heads are easily turned might have the odds against them this season, as it was revealed that The Hideaway is only for two people looking to explore a connection rather than official couples. There's also a note on the door that reads "No invitation needed", meaning people can come and go as they please.

Bailey tells us that this gives the Islanders permission to blur boundaries free from judgement or shame. "The publicness of the villa where everyone can see each other's conversations has often acted as a safeguard against infidelity," she says. "Previously, there were very few places to hide in the villa, leading gossip to reveal any flirting behaviour. However, the hideaway will now become a space where islanders will be free to explore new connections without the judgement, moral compass and eyes of the rest of the group."

If you're the judgemental type, it could be time to hang up your boots. After all, anyone can change, despite the age-old saying "A cheater never changes its spots." Instead, Bailey thinks the opposite, telling us: "Someone who speaks openly about their cheating behaviour without reflection on what they did wrong, or someone who blames their ex for their actions, lies or gaslights their ex after cheating on them is a red flag.

"But usually, when we do something that is immoral or hurts other people, it often triggers us to feel guilt. And this feeling of guilt can inspire us to change and do better for ourselves and our future. So yes, a cheater can definitely change its spots."

Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.