Who Is Mackenzie on Love Island USA? Meet Returning Islander Mackenzie Dipman

When it comes to romance, sure, Love Island USA taketh away, but Love Island USA also giveth. That’s exactly what viewers saw in Tuesday night’s episode when five Islanders had their time in the villa cut short and one — Mackenzie Dipman — prepared to return for a second chance. Okay, that’s a 5-to-1 ratio of taketh and giveth but, like, there are a million Islanders right now and the season’s gotta start wrapping up!

But yeah — Mackenzie Dipman is coming back to Love Island! Her return was rather cryptically teased in last night’s episode. Right after Chazz, Bella, Chanse, and Jared were dumped for being the audience’s least favorites, and right after Kat voluntarily left the island to be with Jared, the show threw audiences a beach blonde curveball. Narrator Iain Sterling, in his usual slasher movie voiceover mode, asked, “Guess who’s back?” over footage of an washed-up teddy bear (hi Gus) and Mackenzie strolling on the beach. They didn’t even say her name, so you were kinda left in the dark if you’re new to Love Island USA. Let’s fix that!

Who is Mackenzie Dipman?

Mackenzie previously appeared on Love Island USA Season 2, back when the series aired on CBS. She was an OG Islander that season and she made it halfway through the season before being dumped from the island. At the time she was a student from Scottsdale, Arizona who loved millionaires, Matthew McConaughey, and sports. She was primarily partnered up with Connor Trott.

When did Mackenzie and Connor break up?

The former couple announced their breakup back in March 2021, around six months after they met in the villa on Season 2. They both said they realized that their careers were keeping them on different coasts and pulling their lives in different directions. With both of them being in their early 20s, neither of them were justifiably ready to make a huge commitment and upend their lives. Totally valid reason! Now Mackenzie’s back on the island and ready to try again, hopefully with someone who’s in her time zone.

Wasn’t Mackenzie dating Carl Radke from Bravo’s Summer House?

Yes, the two had a brief relationship during Season 6 of the Bravo reality series, but that’s completely in the past. Radke is now back with Lindsay Hubbard and Mackenzie’s back in the villa.

Fun fact: this is only the second time in the franchise’s history that a former cast member has returned to the show. The first time just happened a few weeks ago when Adam Collard returned to Love Island UK for Season 8.

You can follow Mackenzie on Instagram at @mackenziedipman. New episodes of Love Island USA premiere on Peacock Tuesday through Sunday night at 9 p.m. ET on

Stream Love Island USA on Peacock