Love Island USA is back with another season of messy contestants, steamy scenes and jaw-dropping betrayals. The hit reality dating show premiered its eighth season on June 2, debuting its latest line-up of “islanders”.The show has become a pop-culture sensation since the original UK version first aired in 2015. Clips of contestants back-stabbing their partners, awkward dates and hilarious exchanges go viral on the internet every year.Ariana Madix at the 2026 Vulture Reality Masterminds Celebration in May, in New York. Photo: Getty ImagesWhile the islanders change every year, host Ariana Madix has been a constant on the US show since she became its permanent frontwoman in 2024. She previously starred in Bravo’s reality TV series, Vanderpump Rules.As we gear up for the latest season of Love Island USA, here’s everything you need to know about host Ariana Madix.What is Ariana Madix’s background?Today, Ariana Madix’s main claim to fame is fronting Love Island USA. Photo: @afton/InstagramMadix was born in 1985 and grew up in Florida. Her father, who died in 2013, was a roofing contractor while her mother is a project manager mostly working with space-related companies.“We weren’t rich by any means, but we certainly had the best that they could have given,” Madix told Glamour about her upbringing.She was six when she was enrolled into horse riding and theatre classes. At school, she was a high-achieving student, excelling at maths and science.How did Ariana Madix get into showbiz?