You probably remember the "Honeybun" era. It was 2022, and Paige Thorne was the Welsh paramedic who seemed like the most "normal" person to ever step foot in the Love Island villa. She was sweet, she was composed, and she had that signature "wobble" when she got excited. But if you haven't kept up with her since she walked out of those villa doors in fifth place, you’ve missed a total transformation.
Honestly, the version of Paige we see on social media in 2026 is lightyears away from the girl who was torn between Jacques O’Neill and Adam Collard.
The transition from the NHS frontline to the chaotic world of "influencing" hasn't been a smooth ride for her. It's been messy. There have been public breakups, career heartbreaks, and a fair amount of controversy that honestly makes the villa drama look like a playground tiff.
The Paramedic Dream and the Bikini Photos
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Paige just ditched her paramedic career for the "easy" life of clothing deals and red carpets. That’s not what happened. After the show, she genuinely tried to go back. She missed her team. She missed the adrenaline.
But then things got weird.
In a series of candid podcast appearances, most notably on Not My Bagg, Paige revealed that her return to the ambulance service was essentially blocked. Why? Apparently, because of her Instagram presence. She claimed her employers "snubbed" her return because she posted pictures in bikinis. It’s a wild double standard when you think about it—a qualified medical professional being told their ability to save lives is somehow diminished because they wore swimwear on a reality show.
"I worked three years for that," she told listeners, clearly gutted. "Covid did it all, and they were like, 'Actually, thanks but no thanks.'" It was a massive blow. She had even tried to take unpaid leave or a career break just to do the show without losing her spot, but the red tape was too thick.
What Really Happened with Adam Collard?
We have to talk about the Adam of it all. When Adam Collard—the ultimate Love Island villain—returned as a bombshell in Season 8, everyone warned her. Her own mother famously said she "wasn't buying it" during the Meet the Parents episode.
Turns out, mums usually know.
The split was brutal. It wasn't just a "we drifted apart" situation. Videos started surfacing of Adam with his arm around other girls in a McDonald's, and then things got even more digital-age-messy. Paige later admitted on the Saving Grace podcast that there were other videos she’d seen that never even went public. She described being "ghosted" while he was in Bali and finding out he’d moved on via the internet.
It was a classic "I told you so" moment from the public, but for Paige, it was a genuine relationship that left her, in her own words, having a "shit time."
The "Punisher Days" and the Controversies
If you follow her on Snapchat or TikTok lately, you'll know she’s ruffled some feathers. Paige has been incredibly open about her fitness journey, but some of her advice has landed her in hot water with health experts.
She once went viral for talking about "punisher days." Basically, if she missed a workout, she’d "punish" herself with an extra-intense session the next day. Nutritionists and fans alike jumped on this, calling it a toxic mindset that promotes disordered habits.
She didn't exactly back down, though.
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She called the critics "Debbie Downers" and "Negative Nancies." It's this specific brand of Welsh bluntness that makes people either love her or find her totally "problematic." She’s also faced heat for her choice in partners and their political leanings, leading to some pretty heated debates in the Love Island subreddits about whether an influencer is a direct reflection of their boyfriend's views.
Where is Paige Thorne now in 2026?
So, what is she actually doing? She’s a full-time content creator now, but with a much sharper edge than her 2022 self.
- Brand Deals: She’s moved past that initial six-figure Forever Unique deal into more long-term partnerships, focusing heavily on fitness and "lifestyle" content.
- The All-Stars Rumors: Every time a new Love Island All Stars season is announced, her name is at the top of the list. She’s teased it constantly, once replying to a fan that she "needs some sunshine," but so far, she’s stayed on the outside.
- Mental Health Advocacy (Sorta): She’s been open about her struggles with anxiety and the pressures of the spotlight, though she’s also been criticized for stopping therapy because she felt it "ruined" a relationship she was in.
She’s also leaned into a "trad wife" aesthetic lately—think Nara Smith style cooking videos—which is a massive departure from her days in a paramedic uniform. It’s a pivot that’s kept her relevant in a sea of former Islanders who usually fade out after eighteen months.
Practical Takeaways for Fans
If you're following Paige Thorne or someone in a similar reality TV trajectory, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Don't take fitness advice from influencers at face value. "Punisher days" are not a recognized or healthy fitness strategy. Always consult a qualified PT or nutritionist if you're looking to change your routine.
- The "Influencer Edit" is real. The Paige you saw on TV was the "Sweetheart." The Paige on Snapchat is a business owner who knows how to keep people talking, even if it’s through controversy.
- Career paths after reality TV are fragile. Paige’s story is a cautionary tale about how a 6-week stint on a dating show can permanently alter a professional career in public service.
Keep an eye on her socials for the next big announcement—whether it’s a return to the villa for All Stars or a complete rebrand into the wellness space. She’s proven that even if the NHS wouldn't take her back, she’s more than capable of building her own platform.
To stay updated on Paige's current projects, check her official Instagram or her latest "Day in the Life" vlogs on TikTok, where she usually addresses the latest rumors directly.