Love Island Star Transforms Into Bodybuilder, Appears Unrecognizable After Having Two Children

Love Island Star Lavena Back’s Stunning Transformation: From Reality TV to Bodybuilding Mom
By Laura Parkin for MailOnline | Updated: 10:36 BST, 30 June 2025

[Image: Lavena posing in a turquoise sequined bikini at a bodybuilding competition.]

Former Love Island star Lavena Back has undergone a remarkable transformation since her brief stint on the ITV2 show in 2019. Now a mother of two and a dedicated bodybuilder, the 28-year-old recently showcased her fitness journey by competing in a bikini contest, proving how far she’s come since her reality TV days.

From Casa Amor to Champion
Lavena entered Love Island during the explosive Casa Amor twist, boldly declaring her intent to “steal the other girls’ men.” However, she was eliminated days later after failing to couple up. Fast-forward to 2025, and Lavena has swapped villa drama for weightlifting, sharing her rigorous fitness regime and meal plans with over 150k Instagram followers.

[Image: Lavena during her 2019 Love Island appearance.]

A New Chapter: Motherhood and Marriage
Since leaving the show, Lavena married her “soulmate” in April 2022—just two months after their engagement—and welcomed daughter Sage in August 2022 and son Bodhi in January 2024. Balancing parenting with passion, she credits her husband for unwavering support. “When you want something so bad, you’ve got to go for it,” she wrote after their whirlwind wedding.

[Image: Lavena with her husband and two children.]

Bodybuilding Breakthrough
Lavena’s recent competition photos reveal her sculpted physique, though she narrowly missed the trophy. “The lineup was insanely strong,” she admitted on Instagram. “But this journey lit a fire in me—I’ll be back better than ever.” Her coach, @jase_eliteresults, guided her through months of disciplined training and nutrition.

[Image: Lavena sharing a meal-prep idea on Instagram.]

Life Beyond Reality TV
Before Love Island, Lavena had a two-year on-off relationship with Crystal Palace footballer Wilfried Zaha. Today, she co-runs Peace of Mind, a company selling guided journals to help users “conquer each day.”

[Image: Lavena promoting her journal brand on social media.]

Fans applaud her evolution from reality star to empowered entrepreneur and athlete. As Lavena puts it: “Progress, not perfection.”

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Love Island star looks almost unrecognisable as she undergoes bodybuilder transformation after welcoming two children.

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