Is Ariana Madix Leaving ‘Love Island USA’? The Host Isn’t Escaping the Island Just Yet

Love Island has been known to shake things up with bombshells, recouplings, and surprise dates, but one thing that the dating show isn’t changing right now is the host. Despite what you may have heard about Love Island USA getting a new host, Ariana Madix says she will be back to host Love Island USA season 8. And I, for one, could not be more relieved.

The Vanderpump Rules alum casually put any rumors to rest on Sunday, July 13. Ariana dropped the news after a fan commented on a TikTok video predicting that Love Island USA had plans to “replace” her for season 8.

“I'm not leaving,” she responded. “I’ll see you guys really soon.”

And by “soon,” she means way before Love Island USA returns for season 8 in 2026. Not only is Ariana co-hosting the Love Island USA season 7 reunion—set to air August 25 on Peacock—she’s also been tapped to host Love Island Games season 2, taking over from previous host Maya Jama.

Love Island Games features fan-favorite contestants from previous seasons—including USA, UK, and Australian versions of the show. According to the official description, the show asks them to compete in challenges “while navigating dating, eliminations, recoupling, dramatic arrivals, and new competition twists and turns that help control the game like never before.”

Season 2 will premiere September 16 on Peacock.

Hopefully, hosting this season of Love Island Games won’t be quite as stressful as Love Island USA. After all, it’s not every season two contestants are asked to leave the Villa due to racism.

“It’s been a really tough season for a lot of reasons,” Ariana said during an interview with Maura Higgins on Love Island USA: Aftersun. “There’s been a lot of stuff that’s just been crazy. I just want them to know...how much I genuinely really love and appreciate them for putting themselves out there.”