Alex and Olivia Bowen famously began their romance during the second season of “Love Island UK,” which premiered in 2016. The couple, who wed in 2018, welcomed their first child, Abel in 2022. In February 2025, the Bowens announced Abel will soon be a big brother.
In an exclusive email interview with EntertainmentNOW, the Bowens opened up about baby number two and shared their secrets to a successful marriage. The couple also revealed if they would return to reality television, their travel plans, and how they got into house-flipping.
Alex & Olivia Bowen Are Expecting Their Second Child
In the email interview, Alex and Olivia Bowen shared they are “so excited” that their family is expanding. The couple shared they are looking forward to experiencing “all those ‘firsts'” that come with having a baby. They also said the “idea of having two children running around fills [them] with so much happiness.”
“We know it’ll be a juggle at times, but we’re looking forward to the little moments—like seeing Abel interact with his new sibling, and watching them grow up together as best friends (hopefully!),” wrote the couple.
The Bowens also revealed that they are having a baby girl.
“We can’t wait to see Abel as a proud big brother to his baby sister,” said the couple.
According to Alex and Olivia Bowen, they have spoken to “Abel about being a big brother and he seems very interested by the idea of a baby in Mom’s tummy.”
“He sometimes tries to share his toys with the ‘baby,’ by patting the bump, which is heartwarming,” continued the former “Love Island UK” stars.
The Couple Shared Their Favorite Parts About Being Parents
Olivia Bowen and her husband shared what they love most about being parents.
“It’s got to be those everyday ‘wow’ moments—like the first time Abel giggled or when he started saying new words out of the blue. Little things can feel huge when you’re a parent,” wrote the couple. “There’s nothing quite like seeing the world through your child’s eyes, and parenthood has given us a new perspective on everything. It’s exhausting, yes, but ridiculously rewarding too.”
According to the couple, their everyday life as parents consists of “chaos and cuddles.”
“We do our best to keep some structure, but we also roll with whatever life throws at us,” said the couple.
The pair also make sure they navigate parenthood as a team.
“It’s such an exciting and busy time, but it’s important to roll with it! Parenthood has certainly caused our relationship to grow. We’ve had to learn how to prioritize spending 1:1 time together as a couple amidst all the responsibilities of being a parent,” shared the Bowens.
The couple, who partnered with Trainline, also shared they use “quick getaways or even a rail adventure, just to decompress and reconnect as a couple.”
They explained that they want to make sure they “spend quality time together,” whether that means “asking each other questions about the future” or going on a trip to “keep that sense of discovery alive.” The couple shared that they are “hoping to embark on a relaxing and scenic ride from London to Edinburgh via Trainline before the baby.”
“The train ride from London to Edinburgh is so beautiful and Trainline actually found that it was one of the most romantic train routes. The lush English countryside and rolling hills of Scotland are the perfect romantic backdrop for a weekend away and the uninterrupted time you’re able to spend time chatting with one another over is priceless,” wrote the Bowens.
The Bowens Shared Their Advice for a Successful Marriage
Besides spending quality time together, the Bowens shared that the secret to their successful marriage is “communication and laughter.” The couple explained that their time on “Love Island UK” taught them that “communication is key.”
“‘Love Island’ was such an intense way to start our relationship – basically with each other 24/7 from the start. As a result, we learned to communicate openly, effectively and honestly – it’s hard to hide when you’re on TV all day. Once you leave the villa, that foundation of always checking in with one another and knowing the importance of making time for one another is there,” said the Bowens.
According to Alex Bowen and his wife, they are “genuinely best friends who still have silly inside jokes and banter just like [they] did when [they] first met.”
“Life changes a lot—marriage, kids, work—but underneath it all, we’re still those two people who can make each other laugh in seconds. We’ve had our fair share of challenges, but at the end of the day, our friendship is what keeps us strong,” shared the couple.
The Bowens also shared that their “ideal date night is a trip to Paris.” They explained that since they are “based out of London, Paris is only 3 hours away and [they] love to book tickets on Trainline and head off a spontaneous adventure just [them] two!”
Alex & Olivia Bowen Shared if They Would Return to Reality Television
The Bowens had some advice for anyone interested in going on “Love Island.” The couple said while “‘Love Island’ is an incredible and intense way to start a relationship,” it’s important “to always remember that the real work happens once the filming stops and the season wraps.”
“Always talk to each other, be honest and open and remember that the little things matter,” advised the couple.
The pair also said their favorite part of filming the hit reality show was “bonding” with each other.
“You don’t normally get that much uninterrupted time to just get to know someone, so looking back, those genuine connections and silly moments were really special,” said the Bowens.
The couple also shared they would “never say never” if their children wanted to film a reality television show.
“We can’t really say no can we… We’d support them if it’s something they genuinely wanted to do, but we’d also make sure they knew the realities—both good and bad—that come with it,” said the Bowens.
The couple, who also starred in the series, “Olivia & Alex: Happily Ever After” and “Olivia And Alex Said Yes,” said they are “open-minded” to filming another reality television series.
“We’ve had such a positive experience with Love Island, so we wouldn’t rule out doing something else in the future if it felt like the right fit and timing. But we’re also protective of our family time, so it would have to be something that aligns with who we are and what we want to share,” said the Bowens.
The Bowens Shared How They Got Into Property Flipping
As fans are aware, the Bowens often do property flippings. According to the couple, they “decided to give property flipping a go” because they have “always loved interior design and transforming spaces.” They noted that they also ventured “into investments properties.”
“We quickly became hooked on the process—picking out every detail, seeing a space go from outdated to amazing, and then sharing those results. It’s become a creative outlet for us, and we love bringing our own personal style into each project. Plus, it’s a great way to invest in our future together,” shared Alex and Olivia Bowen.
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EXCLUSIVE: ‘Love Island UK’ Stars Alex & Olivia Bowen Open up About Baby Number 2 & Their Successful Marriage