Merizel dos Santos, known on the show simply as Zel, is the Gold Coast model whose Love Island Australia Season 8 entrance made an instant splash. The 28-year-old arrived on Day 3 alongside fellow new boy Jordan and chose Phoebe, shaking up the villa’s first couples. Before reality television, Zel played football at a high level, including time in the West Ham development squad, a sporting past that sets her apart from most of the cast.
| Full Name | Merizel dos Santos |
| Known For | Love Island Australia Season 8 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 28 |
| Hometown | Gold Coast, Queensland |
| Occupation | Model |
| Partner / Status on the show | Entered Day 3; chose Phoebe; still participating in early Season 8 |
Who Is Merizel dos Santos?
Merizel dos Santos, known as Zel, is a 28-year-old model based on the Gold Coast who joined Love Island Australia Season 8 in 2026. She entered the villa on Day 3 as one of two new girls-and-boys twists, arriving with Jordan Kaho. Zel chose Phoebe in her first recoupling move, breaking up Phoebe’s Day 1 pairing with Jarrar. Her background as a former professional footballer, with time in the West Ham development squad before moving to Australia, gives her one of the most distinctive backstories in the cast.
Early Life & Background
Zel played football at a professional level before her modelling career, and she spent time in the West Ham development squad. She had originally been lined up for Love Island UK, but that opportunity did not work out, and she later moved to Australia and settled on the Gold Coast. Published profiles do not give a fuller verified childhood or family history, so this biography keeps to the facts that reporting confirms.
Love Island Australia 2026 Journey
Zel entered the villa on Day 3 of the season, which premiered on 9Now on October 26, 2026, hosted by Sophie Monk. As a new arrival she was able to steal a partner, and she chose Phoebe. The move instantly created a new couple and gave Zel a central role in the season’s early drama. As of the early episodes, she remained in the villa and in contention.
Career
Zel works as a model on the Gold Coast. Her earlier career in professional football, including the West Ham development squad, shows a disciplined, athletic background that preceded her move into fashion and modelling. That combination of sport and modelling helps explain her confident villa presence and her appeal to viewers who follow both the show and its cast’s pre-show lives.
Facts About Merizel dos Santos
- Merizel dos Santos, known as Zel, is a 28-year-old model from the Gold Coast.
- She played football professionally and spent time in the West Ham development squad.
- She was originally lined up for Love Island UK before that opportunity did not work out.
- She entered Love Island Australia Season 8 on Day 3 and chose Phoebe.
- She remains in the villa in the early episodes of Season 8.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Zel dos Santos?
Merizel dos Santos, known as Zel, is 28 years old as of 2026, according to Nine’s official cast hub.
Where is Zel dos Santos from?
Zel dos Santos is based on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
What does Zel dos Santos do for a living?
Zel dos Santos is a model and a former professional footballer.
Is Zel dos Santos still on Love Island Australia?
Yes, in the early episodes of Season 8 Zel remains in the villa after entering on Day 3 and choosing Phoebe.
What is Zel dos Santos’s Instagram?
No Instagram handle is listed on her official Nine profile.
See the full Love Island Australia 2026 Cast hub for every islander profile.
See also: Jordan Kaho and Phoebe Jamieson, plus the full Love Island Australia 2026 Cast hub. More Trending Profiles
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