Lucie Donlan has become one of Britain’s most recognizable faces since her appearance on Love Island. But there’s so much more to this talented surfer and model than what we saw on reality TV. From riding waves in Cornwall to becoming one of the youngest surf judges in the UK, her journey is truly inspiring.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Lucie Rose Donlan – her early life, career achievements, relationships, and what she’s up to in 2025.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About Lucie Donlan
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lucie Rose Donlan |
| Date of Birth | February 22, 1998 |
| Age | 27 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Newquay, Cornwall, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 55 kg (121 lbs) |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Profession | Model, Surfer, TV Personality, Social Media Influencer |
| Famous For | Love Island Season 5 (2019) |
| Partner | Luke Mabbott (Engaged) |
| Net Worth | $2-3 million (2025 estimate) |
| @lucierosedonlan (1.7M+ followers) |
Who is Lucie Donlan?
Lucie Donlan is a British reality TV star, model, surfer, and social media personality who rose to fame after appearing on Love Island UK (2019). Known for her beachy aesthetic, adventurous lifestyle, and laid-back personality, Lucie quickly became one of the most recognizable contestants from her season.
Beyond reality TV, she has built a strong online presence, sharing travel content, ocean photography, fitness posts, and brand collaborations. With her growing influence and passion for surfing and coastal living, Lucie Donlan continues to stand out as a popular figure in the world of fashion, lifestyle, and digital media.

Early Life and Background
Lucie Donlan was born on February 22, 1998, in the beautiful coastal town of Newquay, Cornwall, England. Growing up in one of the UK’s premier surfing destinations shaped her passion for the ocean from a very young age.
Birth and Childhood in Newquay
Newquay isn’t just any town – it’s known as the surfing capital of Britain. For Lucie, growing up surrounded by beaches and waves meant that surfing wasn’t just a hobby; it became a way of life. The salty air, crashing waves, and vibrant surf culture of Cornwall influenced everything about her upbringing.
Her childhood was filled with beach days, surfing lessons, and a deep connection to nature. This early exposure to the ocean would later become the foundation of her professional career.
Family: Parents and Siblings
While Lucie tends to keep her parents out of the spotlight, we know they played a crucial role in supporting her dreams. Her mother, in particular, was instrumental in encouraging her surfing ambitions during her teenage years.
Lucie has two siblings – an older brother and a younger sister named Emily Grace Airton. She shares a close bond with both, often mentioning how important family is to her. Emily occasionally appears on Lucie’s social media, showing the strong sisterly connection they share.
The Donlan family has always been supportive of Lucie’s various career pursuits, from competitive surfing to modeling and television. Their encouragement gave her the confidence to pursue multiple passions simultaneously.
Lucie Donlan Age and Birthday
As of 2025, Lucie Donlan is 27 years old. She celebrates her birthday every year on February 22nd, making her a Pisces according to the zodiac calendar.
How Old is Lucie Donlan in 2025?
Born in 1998, Lucie entered her late twenties with an impressive career already under her belt. At just 27, she’s accomplished what many people dream of – building a successful career in multiple fields while maintaining authenticity and staying true to her roots.
Zodiac Sign and Personality Traits
As a Pisces, Lucie exhibits many traits typical of her water sign. Pisces individuals are known for being:
- Creative and artistic
- Compassionate and empathetic
- Intuitive and emotionally aware
- Adaptable like water itself
- Connected to nature and the ocean (which perfectly aligns with her surfing career)
Her Pisces nature likely contributes to her down-to-earth personality and her ability to connect with people authentically, both on reality TV and through social media.
Education: Schools and Academic Background
Lucie’s educational journey balanced traditional academics with her growing passion for surfing.
Wadebridge School Years (2009-2014)
Lucie attended Wadebridge School, a comprehensive secondary school in Cornwall, from 2009 to 2014. During these formative years, she juggled her studies with competitive surfing, showing early signs of her strong work ethic and time management skills.
Wadebridge School is located near the coast, which allowed Lucie to maintain her connection to surfing while receiving a solid education. These years were crucial in developing her discipline and determination.
Treviglas Surf Academy (2014-2016)
After completing her time at Wadebridge School, Lucie made a bold decision that would define her career path. From 2014 to 2016, she attended Treviglas Surf Academy, a specialized institution that combines education with professional surf training.
This wasn’t just any school – it’s a place where talented young surfers can develop their skills while completing their education. The academy has produced numerous professional surfers and industry professionals, and Lucie was no exception.
At Treviglas, she honed her surfing technique, learned about surf coaching and judging, and built connections within the surfing community that would serve her throughout her career.

Physical Appearance: Height, Weight, and Body Measurements
Lucie Donlan stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and maintains a healthy weight of approximately 55 kg (121 lbs). Her athletic build is the result of years of surfing, which provides an incredible full-body workout.
Lucie Donlan Height and Body Stats
Her body measurements are approximately 35-28-35 inches, and she wears a US size 6. Lucie has a naturally athletic and toned physique that she maintains through her active lifestyle.
One of her most distinctive features is her beautiful hazel eyes and long, blonde wavy hair. Her beachy waves became a signature look during her time on Love Island, with many fans wanting to know her hair secrets.
Weight Loss Transformation Journey
Lucie has been open about her weight loss journey, which has inspired many of her followers. Before signing with a modeling agency at age 17, she struggled with unhealthy eating habits that led to weight gain.
When she decided to pursue modeling seriously, Lucie lost approximately 2 stone (around 12 kg or 28 lbs). However, she’s emphasized that this wasn’t about crash dieting or extreme measures. Instead, it was about:
- Developing healthier eating habits
- Staying active through surfing and exercise
- Building a sustainable lifestyle
- Focusing on overall health rather than just appearance
Today, Lucie maintains her physique through her naturally active lifestyle. Surfing alone provides intense cardio and strength training, helping her stay in shape while doing what she loves.
Hair and Style Evolution
During her Love Island appearance, Lucie’s blonde, beachy waves became a hot topic. Some viewers loved the natural, sun-kissed look, while others speculated about whether she used hair extensions.
The truth? Lucie revealed she’s an ambassador for Peng Hair and secured a lucrative £200,000 deal with the brand. She uses their Beach Goddess sea salt spray to achieve her signature waves – no extensions needed!
Her style has evolved from casual surfer-chic to a more polished influencer aesthetic, though she never strays too far from her beachy roots. Whether she’s in a bikini on the beach or dressed up for an event, Lucie maintains her authentic, laid-back vibe.
Career Journey: From Surfing to Stardom
Lucie’s career is multifaceted, spanning surfing, modeling, reality television, and social media influence. Let’s explore each aspect of her impressive professional journey.
Professional Surfing Career
Lucie began surfing at the age of 13, and what started as a passion quickly became a serious career pursuit. By her teenage years, she was competing in surfing competitions and making a name for herself in the UK surf scene.
ISA Surf Judge Achievement
One of Lucie’s most impressive accomplishments is becoming one of the youngest ISA (International Surfing Association) Surf Judges in the United Kingdom. This achievement requires extensive knowledge of surfing techniques, competition rules, and the ability to fairly evaluate performance under pressure.
Judging isn’t just about watching surfers and giving scores – it requires:
- Deep understanding of surfing maneuvers and difficulty levels
- Objectivity and consistency
- Quick decision-making skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of competition regulations
Lucie’s achievement as a young female judge in a male-dominated field is particularly noteworthy. She’s broken barriers and inspired other young women to pursue careers in surf judging and coaching.

Surfing England and UK Pro Surf Tour
Lucie works as an ISA Surf Coach with Surfing England, the national governing body for surfing in England. She also has experience with the UK Pro Surf Tour, further establishing her credentials within the professional surfing community.
Her role involves teaching proper surfing techniques, safety protocols, and helping develop the next generation of British surfers. This work allows her to give back to the sport that gave her so much.
Modeling Career
At just 17 years old, Lucie signed with a London-based modeling agency, launching her second career path.
London Modeling Agency Signing
Signing with a London agency opened doors to high-profile modeling opportunities. Her athletic build, natural beauty, and unique surfer aesthetic made her stand out in the modeling world.
Unlike typical runway models, Lucie brought something different to the table – authenticity. She was a real surfer with a real athletic body, not just someone playing a part.
Magazine Features and Campaigns
Lucie has appeared in numerous publications and campaigns, including:
- High Tide Magazine – A perfect fit for her surfing background
- Coast Magazine – Celebrating coastal lifestyle and culture
- Wed Magazine – Showcasing her versatility beyond sports
She’s also worked as a brand ambassador for Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, one of Cornwall’s premier beachfront properties. This partnership aligns perfectly with her image and allows her to represent her home region.
Love Island: Reality TV Breakthrough
In 2019, Lucie’s life changed forever when she entered the Love Island villa as a contestant on Season 5.
Season 5 Experience (2019)
Love Island is Britain’s most popular reality dating show, and Season 5 was watched by millions. Lucie entered the villa with a unique perspective – she was open about preferring to hang out with guys rather than girls, which created both intrigue and occasional tension.
Her approach was refreshingly honest. Unlike some contestants who seemed to be playing a game, Lucie was genuinely herself – sometimes awkward, always authentic, and clearly there to find a real connection.
Relationships in the Villa
Lucie’s Love Island journey included several romantic connections:
Tommy Fury: Lucie initially coupled up with Tommy Fury (younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury). However, when Molly-Mae Hague entered the villa, Tommy’s attention shifted, leading to one of the season’s most memorable love triangles.
Joe Garratt: After recoupling, Lucie formed a strong connection with Joe Garratt. Their relationship had genuine chemistry, and they continued dating after leaving the villa. However, the relationship proved rocky, with the couple splitting up, reuniting, and eventually separating for good after “growing apart.”
Anton Danyluk: Lucie also briefly considered coupling with Anton, showing her openness to exploring different connections.
While Lucie didn’t win Love Island, she won something more valuable – a massive platform and fan base that would launch her social media career.
Life After Love Island
Post-Love Island, Lucie leveraged her newfound fame into a successful influencer career. Unlike some contestants who fade into obscurity, she’s built a sustainable personal brand based on her authentic interests – surfing, fitness, travel, and lifestyle content.
She’s been selective about the opportunities she pursues, ensuring they align with her values and interests. This authenticity has kept her relevant and respected years after her TV appearance.

Social Media Influence and Brand Deals
Today, Lucie boasts over 1.7 million followers on Instagram (@lucierosedonlan), making her one of the most successful Love Island alumni in terms of social media growth.
Instagram Growth and Engagement
Lucie’s Instagram strategy focuses on:
- Stunning beach and surf photography
- Bikini and swimwear content (she’s known for her beach body confidence)
- Relationship content with Luke Mabbott
- Travel and adventure posts
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life
- Authentic captions that connect with followers
Her engagement rate remains high because she’s maintained authenticity. Followers feel like they know the real Lucie, not just a curated persona.
Brand Ambassadorships
Beyond her Peng Hair deal worth £200,000, Lucie has secured numerous other brand partnerships:
- Peng Hair – Her signature £200,000 deal promotes their Beach Goddess sea salt spray
- Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa – Ambassador role representing the Cornwall hotel
- Various swimwear and beachwear brands
- Fitness and wellness products
- Travel and lifestyle brands
Each partnership makes sense for her brand, maintaining the cohesive surfer-model-influencer image she’s cultivated.
Acting and Other Ventures
Lucie has dipped her toes into acting, appearing in the film “Night Rose.” The film was featured at the London Surf Film Festival, where she played the character of young Rose.
While acting hasn’t become her primary focus, it demonstrates her willingness to explore different creative opportunities and expand her skill set beyond surfing and modeling.
Lucie Donlan Relationships and Dating History
Lucie’s love life has been a subject of public interest, especially given her Love Island appearance. Let’s explore her romantic journey.
Current Relationship: Luke Mabbott
Lucie is currently in a relationship with Luke Mabbott, a fellow Love Island alum who appeared on Season 6 (winter edition) in 2020.
How They Met
Interestingly, Luke and Lucie never appeared on Love Island together – he was on Season 6 while she was on Season 5. They connected through Instagram during the COVID-19 lockdown in July 2020, when many people were isolated and turning to social media for connection.
What started as friendly messages quickly developed into something more. Despite the pandemic restrictions, they found ways to connect and build a relationship.
Engagement Details (December 2021)
On December 12, 2021, Luke and Lucie announced their engagement through a heartfelt Instagram post, delighting fans who had followed their relationship journey.
The proposal was romantic and meaningful, and both shared their excitement with their millions of combined followers. The engagement marked a serious commitment after dating for about a year and a half.
Luke and Lucie moved in together just six months after they started dating, showing how quickly they knew they were right for each other. Their relationship has been characterized by:
- Mutual support of each other’s careers
- Shared love of fitness and active lifestyles
- Frequent travel adventures together
- Public displays of affection (they’re not shy about sharing their love)
- Strong communication and trust
Future Wedding Plans (2025 Update)
As of 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting news about their wedding. While specific dates haven’t been publicly announced, Lucie has hinted in interviews and social media that planning is underway.
Given Lucie’s Cornwall roots, many speculate the wedding might take place in her hometown of Newquay, possibly with a beach ceremony that reflects her love of the ocean.
Past Relationships
Before finding lasting love with Luke, Lucie had several notable relationships.
Joe Garratt (Love Island)
Joe and Lucie’s relationship during Love Island Season 5 was one of the show’s more genuine connections. After leaving the villa, they attempted to continue their relationship in the real world.
However, they faced challenges:
- The pressure of public scrutiny
- Different lifestyles and career paths
- Normal relationship issues magnified by fame
They split, briefly reunited, but ultimately decided they were better apart. Both have spoken respectfully about each other since their final breakup.
Charlie Frederick (Season 4 Contestant)
Before entering the Love Island villa herself, Lucie dated Charlie Frederick, who appeared on Season 4 of Love Island.
The two met through Instagram when Charlie visited Lucie’s hometown of Newquay. Despite the promising start, their relationship couldn’t withstand the challenges of dating in the public eye, and they eventually parted ways.
Love Island Connections
Beyond romantic relationships, Lucie has maintained friendships with various Love Island cast members from different seasons. The Love Island alumni community is tight-knit, and Lucie has been spotted at events and gatherings with other former contestants.

Lucie Donlan Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2025, Lucie Donlan’s estimated net worth is between $2 million and $3 million. This impressive figure comes from multiple income streams she’s carefully cultivated over the years.
Estimated Net Worth in 2025
While exact figures aren’t publicly disclosed, industry experts estimate Lucie’s net worth has grown significantly since her Love Island appearance. The $2-3 million estimate is based on:
- Her reported earnings from brand deals
- Social media sponsorship rates for her follower count
- Modeling contracts and appearances
- Her surfing career income
- Property and investments (likely)
She’s among the most financially successful Love Island alumni, particularly from Season 5.
Income Streams
Lucie has diversified her income, ensuring she’s not dependent on any single source. This smart financial approach provides stability and long-term security.
Modeling Contracts
Despite focusing heavily on social media in recent years, Lucie continues to take modeling jobs. These include:
- Magazine editorials
- Brand campaigns
- Catalog work
- Promotional appearances
- Fashion brand collaborations
Each modeling job can pay anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of pounds, depending on the client and usage rights.
Social Media Partnerships
With 1.7 million Instagram followers, Lucie can command significant fees for sponsored posts. Industry standards suggest influencers with her following can charge:
- £5,000-£15,000 per single Instagram post
- £10,000-£25,000+ for campaign packages
- Additional fees for Instagram Stories, Reels, and multi-platform campaigns
If Lucie does just 3-4 sponsored posts per month, that’s a six-figure annual income from Instagram alone.
Surfing Career Earnings
While surf judging and coaching don’t typically pay as much as modeling or influencer work, they provide:
- Steady, reliable income
- Professional credibility
- Networking opportunities within the surf industry
- Personal fulfillment (doing what she loves)
Her roles with Surfing England and as an ISA judge add both income and professional prestige to her portfolio.
Brand Ambassador Deals
Her long-term brand ambassadorships provide consistent income. The Peng Hair deal alone, reportedly worth £200,000, shows the level of brands she’s working with.
Ambassador deals typically include:
- Guaranteed payment over the contract period
- Commission on sales generated through her promotion
- Free products and perks
- Exclusive opportunities and first access to new releases
Her Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa ambassadorship likely includes complimentary stays, promotional fees, and event appearance payments.
Lifestyle and Assets
With her income, Lucie enjoys a comfortable lifestyle that includes:
- Regular travel (evident from her Instagram)
- Property ownership (she and Luke likely own property together)
- Designer clothing and accessories
- Professional fitness and wellness investments
- Financial security and savings
She appears to live well but not extravagantly, maintaining a relatively grounded lifestyle despite her fame and wealth.
Charity Work and Advocacy
Beyond her commercial success, Lucie uses her platform for good causes.
The Wave Project Ambassador
Lucie is an ambassador for The Wave Project, a surf therapy charity that helps young people struggling with anxiety and mental health issues. The organization uses surfing as a therapeutic tool to:
- Build confidence
- Reduce anxiety symptoms
- Provide physical activity in nature
- Create supportive community connections
- Teach coping strategies through surfing challenges
This partnership is deeply personal for Lucie, combining her passion for surfing with meaningful social impact.
Mental Health Advocacy
Though she keeps much of her personal struggles private, Lucie has spoken about the importance of mental health, particularly for young people in the public eye.
The pressure of reality TV, social media scrutiny, and public relationships can take a toll on mental wellbeing. By working with The Wave Project and occasionally discussing mental health, Lucie helps reduce stigma and encourages others to seek support when needed.
Social Media Presence and Online Influence
Lucie’s social media presence extends beyond Instagram, though that remains her primary platform.
Instagram: @lucierosedonlan
Her Instagram account (@lucierosedonlan) has grown to over 1.7 million followers since her Love Island appearance. Her content strategy includes:
- Beach and surf content (30%) – Her core brand identity
- Relationship posts with Luke (25%) – Fans love their couple content
- Fashion and lifestyle (20%) – Showcasing her style and daily life
- Travel adventures (15%) – Exotic destinations and UK getaways
- Behind-the-scenes and personal moments (10%) – Building authentic connection
Her engagement rate remains strong, with posts regularly receiving 50,000-100,000+ likes and thousands of comments. This level of engagement makes her attractive to brands seeking authentic influence.
Other Platforms
Twitter: @lucierosedonlan (~10,000 followers) – Less active but maintains presence
Facebook: ~7,000 followers – Primarily for reaching different demographics
TikTok: Growing presence with video content showing surfing clips, relationship moments, and lifestyle vlogs
YouTube: While not a major focus, she occasionally appears in vlogs and surf videos
Content Strategy and Engagement
What makes Lucie successful on social media is authenticity. She:
- Responds to comments (maintaining that personal connection)
- Shares both polished and candid moments
- Stays true to her interests rather than chasing trends
- Balances sponsored content with organic posts
- Shows her relationship authentically (the good and the real)
- Maintains privacy boundaries while being open
This balance keeps followers engaged without feeling like they’re just being sold to constantly.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Lucie Donlan
- Youngest ISA Judge: Lucie became one of the youngest ISA Surf Judges in the UK, breaking into a field typically dominated by older, male professionals
- Cornwall Pride: Despite fame and opportunities elsewhere, Lucie remains deeply connected to her Newquay roots and frequently returns home
- Love Island Coupling: She coupled up with Tommy Fury before he famously got together with Molly-Mae Hague (now one of the UK’s biggest influencers)
- Hair Deal: Her £200,000 Peng Hair ambassador deal was one of the most lucrative post-Love Island contracts from her season
- Started Surfing at 13: By starting relatively late for professional surfers, Lucie’s rapid skill development shows natural talent and dedication
- Prefers Guys’ Company: Her honest admission on Love Island that she typically gets along better with guys sparked both support and criticism
- Film Appearance: She’s appeared in at least one film (“Night Rose”), showing versatility beyond modeling and TV
- Multi-Talented: She balances being a professional surfer, model, TV personality, and influencer – a rare combination
- Two Stone Weight Loss: Lost approximately 28 lbs (12 kg) when she started modeling seriously at age 17
- Pisces Personality: Her February 22 birthday makes her a Pisces, fitting for someone so connected to water and the ocean
Latest Updates and Current Projects [2025]
As of November 2025, Lucie continues to thrive in multiple areas:
Relationship: Still engaged to Luke Mabbott with wedding planning underway (specific date not yet announced publicly)
Social Media: Maintaining her 1.7M+ Instagram following with consistent content focusing on lifestyle, fitness, and relationship moments
Brand Partnerships: Continuing existing ambassadorships and selectively taking on new brand collaborations that align with her image
Surfing: Remains active in the UK surf community through coaching and judging roles
Content Creation: Expanding into more video content, including potential YouTube ventures and TikTok growth
Business Ventures: Rumors suggest Lucie may be developing her own product line, though nothing has been officially announced
Charity Work: Ongoing involvement with The Wave Project and other causes supporting young people’s mental health
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Lucie Donlan married?
No, Lucie Donlan is not married yet, but she is engaged to Luke Mabbott. They got engaged on December 12, 2021, and as of 2025, are planning their wedding. Fans are eagerly awaiting their big day!
What is Lucie Donlan doing now?
In 2025, Lucie continues working as a professional model, social media influencer, and surf coach/judge. She maintains her role with Surfing England and creates content for her 1.7 million Instagram followers. She also works on various brand partnerships and ambassadorships while planning her wedding to Luke Mabbott.
How tall is Lucie Donlan?
Lucie Donlan stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm). She weighs approximately 55 kg (121 lbs) and maintains an athletic physique through her active lifestyle and surfing.
What is Lucie Donlan’s net worth?
As of 2025, Lucie Donlan’s estimated net worth is between $2 million and $3 million. Her wealth comes from modeling contracts, social media sponsorships, brand ambassador deals (including her £200,000 Peng Hair partnership), and her surfing career.
Where is Lucie Donlan from?
Lucie Donlan is from Newquay, Cornwall, England. Newquay is known as Britain’s surfing capital, and growing up there directly influenced her passion for surfing. She remains connected to her hometown despite her fame.
How did Lucie and Luke meet?
Lucie and Luke met through Instagram during the COVID-19 lockdown in July 2020. Though they appeared on different seasons of Love Island (Lucie on Season 5, Luke on Season 6), they connected online and their relationship quickly developed into a serious romance.
What season of Love Island was Lucie on?
Lucie Donlan appeared on Love Island Season 5 in 2019. This was the summer edition of the popular UK reality dating show, where she coupled with Tommy Fury and Joe Garratt during her time in the villa.
Does Lucie Donlan still surf?
Yes! Surfing remains one of Lucie’s primary passions. She works as an ISA Surf Coach and Judge with Surfing England and regularly shares surfing content on her social media. It’s not just what made her famous – it’s still a core part of her identity.
Final Thoughts
Lucie Donlan journey from a small-town surfer girl to a multi-faceted celebrity is genuinely inspiring. She’s managed to leverage her Love Island fame into sustainable career success without losing herself in the process.
What sets Lucie apart is her authenticity. In a world where reality TV stars often seem manufactured, she’s remained true to her roots – the beachy, outdoorsy, athletic girl from Cornwall who loves surfing and isn’t afraid to be herself.
Whether she’s riding waves in Cornwall, working on a modeling campaign, or sharing relationship moments with Luke, Lucie maintains the genuine, down-to-earth personality that first attracted fans during Love Island.
