The Marys and Magdalenes: The Divide of Women on Season 12 of Love Island
This is Love Island, definitely not Friend Island
Let’s Go Down Memory Lane
I have watched Love Island (the OG British Love Island, of course) for many years.
Since Season 4’s Lovable Fuck Boy Adam to the original Baddie Georgia who never let us forget that she's loyal babes.
To of course, my favourite Season of Love Island, Season 5 which had some sort of special sauce served with each episode that cannot be recreated and gave us the iconic win from the OG Baddie herself Amber Rose (Season 5 also featured Molly-Mae, who pivoted her Love Island fame to role play as Pretty Little Thing’s Creative Director after that season).
And who could forget Season 8’s iconic play of Ekin-Su who won Love Island by being real, holding people (men) accountable (Ekin-WHO? EKIN-SU). The same season that featured partially deaf Tash, representing that even hot people have disabilities (and a great fashion sense).
Many fond memories of which I could write on forever, but we can’t speak of this current season of Love Island without comparing it to last.
Season 11 was truly one of the worse received seasons by the public. It was called boring, unentertaining, featuring toxic men and women injected with silicon morphing them into some immortal range that could be 21 or 41. It also felt highly aware, and maybe in a Post-Covid world we weren’t socialised enough yet (at least some of us), that it felt like there was something missing. It’s partially why Love Island USA broke records last year, and as someone who loves Love Island I could see why.
Comparatively, Love Island USA doesn’t hold any name brand recognition to the average American, only the year prior were they still finding their footing, but after Season 6 in which a fully black couple won Love Island (shout out Kordell and Serena) did viewers of the UK come flocking to appreciate the USA version.
It was a season where men dated various women of colour, showed High School drama level of meltdowns (who can forget Rob in that pool?) And that general American budget that showed that money was of no cost.
Season 12: The Current Season
It seemed this year the producers of Love Island UK decided there was no bloody way the Americans were going to out Love Island them and seemed to have learned from their mistakes.
This season so far has given us surprises (including how each couple is initially paired off), new challenges, new Hideaway rules, and probably most controversially, no more iconic beanbags.
But it also comes down to the contestants, which in general, seemed to have taken a more loose approach on dating than the previous years. Dare I say an American style dating approach? We’re almost halfway though and there’s not one couple who isn’t ‘open’ (for better or for worse).
While there’s been some mixing up in the producers room, there’s also been something that I’ve never seen in my years of watching Love Island: Divided Women Groups
The Women Are Fighting
Now there’s always cliques in the villa, don’t get me wrong, but nothing on Love Island is comparative to what I’ve seen this season. As I’ve just proved, I’ve watched a lot of fucking Love Island.
In this season, I’ve literally turned to my husband and said ‘the producers need to step in right? This is straight up bullying’
Each group of girls is also, roughly, evenly divided, and as the villa is divided, so is the public. So who are these two groups of women? What values do they hold and what does this mean for the millions of women watching?
Early on, I’ve been describing them biblically to my husband (thank you Catholic School trauma) as the Marys and the Magdalenes. Let’s go through the basic evolution of each group and find out which one is truly a Girl’s Girl and truly shows ‘respect’ (which seems to be this season’s reoccurring theme).
Meet The Marys: Meg, Helena, Megan, & Emily
We’ll start with the Marys. Think of the basics of who the usual Fiat 500 type of Love Island fans would support. They’re Facebook mums, going on holiday to Magaluf. The basic bitches, if you will. They believe that they’re only 0.5ml of lip filler away from getting their ideal dude, who looks like they studied Bussiness something or other at Newcastle University (or Sheffield or Liverpool). They unironically would love to live their life like it was TOWIE and there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m simply painting a portrait.
I would say, in a not so distance past, they would have been unarguably the Alpha Girl Group in the Villa. In 2025? Not so much.
Their ethos is formed as a direct result of their men straying. They hold a ‘holier than thou’ mentality, thus their nickname: The Marys.
Meg: Makes Her Man Everyone’s Problem
There’s always that couple whose paired off from episode 1 first pairing and it’s Meg and Dejon. Of course we know racial preference is mainly touted by the men on Love Island so white Meg going with black Dejon is not so much the cultural wave, if anything its more of a splash.
Of course Meg has gotten pretty much zero attention from any of the other dudes on the show, probably because of her personality, which is abrasive and self-righteous. She’s horribly insecure which is highlighted by any girl who is so much as looking or chatting too long to Dejon, who of course, is never held half as accountable to his actions as the person actually paired up with Meg versus the women who are single and whose main job is to, well, chat to everyone (famously, this is Love Island not Friend Island).
After Dejon was picked for a date by one of the three new girls, which was broadcasted to the girls at the Villa showing how he blatantly flirted (again, Love Island) Meg kicked off (see Incident #1 below).
A lot of people argue online if Meg or Helena are the leader of the Marys, I would personally say it’s Meg, but please keep in mind I do think they’re in constant competition of that.
Helena: The Hypocrite
Every season needs an Air hostess and this season is 30 year old Helena. She’s from Devon and paints herself as someone who doesn’t take anything too seriously but, in reality, she gives hard pick-me energy.
Originally paired off with mixed race 25 year old Irish Rugby player Conner, whom with she said herself she dislikes Rugby players. From Day 1, she voiced interest in Harry (more on that later).
She has quite the journey being open on Love Island, which makes her sort of the biggest hypocrite of the Marys, as she more frequently partakes in ‘Magdalene’ behaviour but it seems those rules only apply when she’s not the one doing it.
The day after Shakira chose Harry, Helena took him to the Hideaway (for the first time) during the day for a chat where they schemed to come back there that night (a new rule in the show is that the Hideaway is always open, but you can only go there with someone you’re not coupled up with).
That night her and Harry very unsubtly snuck away, Shakira took it on the chin but later that night she heard from the girls after a game they played that Harry was touching Helena’s leg while touching her leg.
During this time Helena played the other woman who was definitely cooler and more chill than the old ball and chain.
Harry was ‘moving mad’ (not my words, Blu’s) between Shakira and Helena. In my opinion I think he saw that Shakira was getting attention from other guys like Blu and Ben (kissed by the former) and he simply didn’t want to compete and choose the easier option, i.e. Helena.
Insert another night of Helena sneaking away with Harry to the Hideaway. Neither of them told Shakira, and while it’s mainly on Harry to say something to Shakira (again as the person coupled up with her) he didn’t.
Helena did immediately pull Shakira after exiting the Hideaway with Harry (lol) so maybe she gets points for that, but by that time Shakira seemed pretty done with Harry, Helena and the whole situation.
Of course he wasn’t happy once he got what he supposedly wanted (when Helena picked him in the next recoupling)) he was constantly saying there was ‘unfinished business’ between him and Shakira. Then after the three new girls came in, Helena and him hit a bumpy road (‘respect’ and the lack of it was mentioned a lot from her end). That was soon the end of them, but it was not the end of Harry/Shakira whom ended up back in a couple together, after a fashion.
Was Helena ever a real option for Harry? It seems like he liked her for flirting but would say to other people constantly that there was more ‘substance’ with Shakira, then he admitted in front of the three new girls (Yasmin, Emily and Malisha) that she wasn’t even his type IRL (he prefers brunette).
Either way, Helena doesn’t seem to care about being mugged off by Harry if it’s at the expense of Shakira. After Harry got back with Shakira, Helena is trying it on with Harry again. I mean…girl stand up.
Megan: Physically Unable to Not Speak on Other People’s Relatonship (RIP: Dumped this Weekend)
Originally from Dublin, Megan paired off early with good boy half-Italian Tommy (let me tell you those Italian genes are working overtime in Tommy) who was rightfully obsessed with her. Now I personally never thought she was ever fully invested in Tommy, it gave the vibe that she was waiting for someone better to come in and choose a safe bet to hunker down with in the meantime.
Of course this play backfired on her because she eventually decided she wanted to get to know fellow Irishmen Connor (after he didn’t find his match in Helena, Toni and Emily). Of course there was some crossover with Emily/Megan/Conner.
During that time she found any reason to argue with lovable and good guy Tommy, which eventually led to her demise and public giving her the least amount of votes and ultimately getting dumped from the island.
Emily: The Follower
Every clique needs a good follower, the most recent addition to the Marys is Emily who came in the same time as Yasmin. Interestingly, usually when girls come in together they become their own little friend group. This was not the case.
The Marys took Emily, with her crackling Welsh voice that always sounds like she’s on the verge of tears, she was dubbed ‘so nice’ without fault (probably because she wasn’t coming for any of their men). Emily has had her own drama (see incident #3), but usually isn’t the one starting anything.
Qualities of a Mary: self-righteousness is essential, a Mary can never be in the wrong or admit defeat. They must think themselves better and be above criticism
Meet The Magdalenes: Shakira, Toni, Yasmin
Shakira: Bold, Confident and Always Wanted by Someone
We love a northern lass who knows her worth. Originally paired up with one-braincell sexist Ben (the shit he says about women, he truly tells on himself). Shakira was the first girl that ended up needing to graft off the bat this season after Bombshell Toni (and the first American on Love Island UK) made a splash and stole him on the first night (producers ate with this one).
This is where I believe the divide started in the Villa (this was as early as Episode 2). The producers gave her 24 hours to find a better connection with another boy, who would have to pick her instead of the girl they’re currently coupled up with (which was pretty random in fairness).
Now you would think her and Toni would be enemies after she ‘stole’ her man, but the opposite happened: because she couldn’t steal Ben back and had to chat with the other boys, she became the first official Magdelene.
She found solace in Toni’s reassuring conversations that she has to do what she needs to do (this is also DAY 2 OF LOVE ISLAND like, come on, NO couple is that serious). She stole Harry from Sophie which didn’t rock too many boats as Sophie was there for one day (and seemed to just want to talk about her life coach business).
Of course, we know Helena held a burning flame for Harry and in the next recoupling she stole him from Shakira.
Toni: Proud and Fair (until she’s made a mug of)
The first American, Toni came in as a breath of fresh air. Confident and secure and waiting for a dude who is definitely all about her. It was a quick choice to choose Ben, but choosing Irish Conner felt right until his head was turned by new girl Emily.
At first Toni and Emily were pretty chill seeing as Emily stole Conner’s eye. Later, it seemed like Toni knew she wanted to stir shit about Emily by telling known Mary, Meg (and D) about how her ‘little miss sunshine’ act was getting old (see Incident #3).
Toni has been in the middle of a few incidents with the Marys, most recently Helena succeeded in getting her man to look the other way (in her direction). Overall, I like her but I can’t see her staying longer without someone coming in with all eyes for her. Unfortunately, she’s just had some plain ol’ bad luck in the men department. She’s usually quite fair, but in situations she loses her cool when she feels embarrassed or made a fool of.
Yasmin: Unfazed and Unbothered
24 year old Londoner Yasmin was universally disliked by both groups of girlies for her comments questioning the boys relationship choices (I mean, a bombshell is going to bombshell). To be honest, she is the only one truly treating this like Love Island (and sometimes I believe this whole show is just a bit to her).
Her vibe gives vampire walking amongst us as she brushes off the other girls’ comments (insults) with more grace and less care than anyone I’ve ever seen, and without ever needing to back down from what she believes in.
Early on, her and Toni went toe-to-toe when she made comments that Conner and Toni would have a hard time working with the distance between the US and Ireland (I mean valid point…) and she stood her ground politely whilst never saying sorry (are we sure she’s British?)
It seems Yasmin is a sleeper build on Love Island, with fans loving her unnerving stare, perfect posture and ballsy comments and flirty attitude. Let’s have more Yasmin in the world (especially in the Villa).
Qualities of a Magdalenes: being open to chatting, not okay with being a man’s second pick, putting themselves first
Playing the Border: Alima
Now I fear for every dark-skinned baddie who enters the Villa in the UK, and for good reason. Historically on this show we’ve seen dark skinned women looked over, mugged off and just plain ol’ ignored completely by the men being thrown into the ‘good friend for advice’ role by the women.
Alima, is, unarguably, considered beautiful by everyone…except by the, then, first guy she was coupled up with, Blu, who in their first chat said to her ‘you’re not my type’ (we know what that means).
Luckily the producers sent in someone for her, unluckily he turned out to be a twat a couple episodes later and was dumped by the public (after he was dumped by Alima). I wish more men would give her the time of day because she’s absolutely lovely with the best Glaswegian accent.
Throughout her time in the Villa she’s been mates with both the Marys and Magdalenes, and isn’t afraid to stands up when she sees something she doesn’t agree with (see Incident #1 below).
Playing both sides seems to be working (for now). I do wonder when and what situation will push her to which side.
There’s some major incidents that really showcased the divide, let’s go through some:
Major Incident #1: Malisha vs Meg
Going to Tape is Boring/Asking D to go the Hideaway
When the three new girls came into the Villa, Meg didn’t like how, new girl, Malisha made it obvious that she wanted to get to know Dejon. As that isn’t a crime on its own, she decided to talk shit about her loudly in the kitchen whilst Dejon and Malisha were chatting, called going to a nightclub they both frequent in London (Tape) boring.
Malisha asked her to clarify, and she said ‘she’s saying it with her chest’ defending that she can talk about Tape and her and D talked about it earlier and how Malisha said she went there on a date. Meg said ‘that girl is fucking winding me up’ to the kitchen crew.
The next day Malisha pulled Meg to apologise about shouting across the kitchen. All seemed well until that night when D was pulled by Malisha to chat on the terrace, which Meg said ‘is this a fucking joke?’ like they aren’t all open.
Dejon said if Meg came with the same energy (heated) as last night, it was over for him. Meg then INTERRUPTS their chat to talk to D. After hearing that D is ready to end it with her, she flies off the handle and they respectively come to terms.
I wish it just ended here, but Meg could not say anything to Malisha after she heard that Malisha wanted to chat to D originally in the Hideaway (which he countered with the Terrace). She starts a whole fight with her demanding ‘respect’ from Malisha. Malisha rebuts that, saying she doesn’t need to ask for permission (she’s right) from Meg ending with Meg saying to her ‘and your place here is irrelevant’ and ‘don’t say you’re sorry and take my man to the Hideaway, you’re lucky you got rejected’ and ‘go back to Tape’.
Malisha responds by calling her an idiot and then Megan inserts herself saying ‘don’t call her an idiot’ from across the garden before going inside and crying to Alima.
Alima is the saviour of this story and comes out and holds the Marys accountable for ganging up on Malisha. Shakira ended up defending Alisha too in the conversation, agreeing that she doesn’t need to ask permission to speak to Dejon in the Terrace (or Hideaway), which is especially big of her seeing as that’s exactly what Harry and Helena did behind Shakira’s back.
Toni also went inside to check on Malisha. Seems like in this scenario the Marys are the mean girls.
Major Incident #2: Toni and Yasmin vs Meg
The Threesome/Casual Sex Talk by the Pool
So, while hanging out in the kitchen, Yasmin jokes about a threesome in the kitchen with Dejon and Toni. For some fucking reason Dejon thinks it’s a good idea to tell Meg this (right before bed).
Naturally Meg spirals and decided to talk to Toni and Yasmin herself. While the conversation ends fine, it’s brought up multiple times again. When Dejon decides to have a casual sex chat with Toni and Yasmin about preferences in bed literally the next day, the four of them again have a chat about, guess what? Yep you’re right ‘respect’. In Toni’s words: ‘are we going to do this everyday?’
The reality is that Meg needs to be having this conversation with one person: her man.
If you think Meg moved on, well you’re wrong. Later that night, during a game, Meg makes it clear she thinks Yasmin isn’t suited for her partner and throws more shade, yet again, about the threesome comment.
Major Incident #3: Emily vs Toni
Little Miss Sunshine/There is such as thing as Too Nice
Toni seemed to wake up this day and choose violence…with Emily. Seemingly annoyed by her ‘little miss sunshine’ attitude around the Villa, she chose to share this information with known Mary, Meg (and Dejon), which only makes me believe she wanted her to know.
Apparently, she has only been asking about the Magdalene’s situations to know what’s going on (according to Shakira and Toni) and it seems very disingenuous to them. On the other side, Emily says they share looks and whatever she says in the dressing room.
Either way, the Villa again divided.
Major Incident #4: Yasmin vs Helena
Deny, Deny, Deny a Hideaway Kiss (Then Admit)
The irony is completely lost on Helena that what she exactly did to Shakira, was done to her. Yasmin and Harry shared a kiss the night before, then the next day they go to the Hideaway and kiss again.
As soon as Yasmin leaves the Hideaway she’s bombarded by the Marys who demand to tell if her and Harry kissed. She said they just had a good chat, but it comes out later that night during a game that they did kiss (Harry said twice and Yasmin corrected him and said it was actually three times, which was utter perfection).
When Yasmin was telling Toni about the kiss later, she adeptly said ‘I don’t think I need to tell her about it, that’s his job’ and, again, she is absolutely correct.
This seems like the final straw for Helena (for now) and she breaks it off with him and seems to be done with being embarrassed by Harry (for now).
Major Incident #5: Toni vs Helena
Strawberry Pickings, Harrison and Hideaways
Boy does Helena love sneaking away to the Hideaway with other people’s mans.
This is the night after Toni and Harrison went on a date strawberry picking and excitedly told all the girls that she, in fact, likes him.
The Marys are close by the fire pit and essentially overheard the entire heated conversation between Harrison and Toni making snide comments the whole time like its okay for Helena to like Harrison, Meg literally saying ‘is she stupid’ whilst Toni called Helena a ‘sneak bitch’.
Shakira right after, has a conversation with Harrison, as they were just talking about his intentions with Toni and yet again the Marys have to spectate with rude comments.
I’m perplexed by this one because literally it’s against the Mary’s higher than thou morals but, of course, Hypocrite Helena is at the centre of it so it checks out.
Whose Island Is It?
Well, recently a Mary was voted out (Megan) but she was portraying Magdalene qualities, going to Yasmin, Toni and Shakira when she was exploring her connection with Connor. I do think the way she handled things with Tommy made her highly unlikeable, so its ultimately a blow to the Mary’s side, but I would have loved to see her in longer because I could absolutely see her switching sides.
That leaves the group 3-on-3, with Alima in the middle. To be honest I’m desperately rooting for the Magdalenes. I do believe editing makes this girl feud out as much worse than it is, but it seems the longer the show goes on the more these two groups become separated.
I actually believe it’s a good thing two distinct women groups have formed. Usually the Villa is separated by the sexes, but this spilt also represents a spilt in the women on the outside of the Villa. The Marys are the old way, not holding men accountable and fighting with other women over guys, where the Magdalenes value men the least, while putting themselves first. I don’t know if these two groups will ever see eye to eye because, while though their actions are similar at times (sometimes the same), the resentment towards each other is stronger, and really, how can you truly change someone’s way of thinking? And sometimes you simply just don’t like a bitch.
Each Magdalene, knows their own worth and doesn’t let herself get embarrassed by a man. Meanwhile, the Marys let it happen (again and again) and will shout and argue with their man (and others) but ultimately go back to their lovable mutt that bites them (but only sometimes as they’re training them)
I think the Marys want to act like the Magdalenes deep down, but can’t, so instead they repress their anger and redirect it at the other women instead of the boys. A tired plot line that needs to stop.
I would love to see them truly come together, but maybe we need to wait for a reunion, with some time and space, they can remember who the real enemy is (men).
Rebecca Rampersaud is an American writer, University guest Lecturer, Entrepreneur and Content Creator based in Birmingham, UK. She has her Masters in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship from the University of Leeds and a BA Honors in Fashion Design from Middlesex University. She enjoys craft beer (with the rogue vogue), writing thought pieces and keeping her taste palette guessing.
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