Love Island star Mitch Eliot makes bid for the big screen as he lands a new role in unexpected project

Love Island Australia's Mitch Eliot is making a bold leap from reality TV heartthrob to serious actor - and his latest role may be his most unexpected yet.

The former villa favourite, 28, who split from long-term girlfriend Phoebe Spiller in 2024 and later opened up about his journey with fluid sexuality, has revealed he is set to star in the upcoming film Transitions opposite Home and Away star Axle Whitehead.

The project marks a dramatic new chapter for Mitch, who appears determined to reinvent himself both personally and professionally after a transformative few years in the spotlight.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, Mitch confirmed acting has always been his true calling.

'Even as a kid on the rugby field I'd be acting out movies and in my own world. My dad would be yelling at me to run for the ball,' he explained.

'But acting just wasn't something people did where I'm from.'

Mitch first found fame as one half of Love Island Australia's golden couple alongside Phoebe, with the pair finishing as runners-up in 2022 before announcing their split two years later.

Following the breakup, Mitch candidly revealed he was embracing a more open and fluid approach to his sexuality, describing the period as one of self-discovery and personal growth.

Now, his latest acting role appears to mirror that evolution.

'I play a very lost guy called Michael who's searching for the love his family never gave him,' he explained.

'Without saying much it kinda touches on the deeper transactions us humans make in life.'

The emotionally charged role is expected to see Mitch portray a deeply vulnerable character opposite seasoned actor Axle, in what insiders suggest could be one of his most daring performances yet.

While Mitch remained tight-lipped on specific plot details, the film is believed to explore themes of identity, intimacy, and emotional survival.

Despite the inevitable scrutiny that comes with transitioning from reality TV to film, Mitch insists he has nothing to prove. 

'I don't really think of it like that,' he said.

'The thing with acting is I'm not doing it to prove myself to anyone. I'm doing it because I love it.

'I think apart from my family and friends it's the only thing I've ever truly cared about.'

And as for whether he's intentionally selecting more provocative roles to challenge public assumptions, Mitch made his focus clear.

'The only person I want to challenge is myself,' he said.

'I don't care what people think of me. I'm doing this for myself and taking on roles/characters I feel have a meaningful story to tell.' 

Mitch rose to fame appearing on Love Island back in 2022. 

He and partner Phoebe stunned fans when they announced they had split after two years together. 

Speaking on the Sensory Overload podcast, Mitch explained that since the split, he's been embarking on a journey of 'figuring out how I am' and being more open and fluid with his sexuality.

'Sexuality is so beautiful, and I think it needs to be something that - people just need to loosen the f**k up,' he explained to podcast host Bill Barker.

'If you have these little thoughts, just explore different options. Even if that person is not your normal type, you could open a whole new world.'

Mitch admitted that the process was 'exciting,' but highlighted that so many people are scared to put labels on their sexuality when it didn't.

He went on: 'I get DMs from people now and people will be like, 'What's your sexuality?'

'I'm like - it's none of your business first of all, and second of all I don't believe we have to have a name for it.

'I don't believe we have to have a label. One day you can feel so straight, one day you can feel so queer.'

'After my break-up, this is when I decided I'm going to be more open. This is all new to me. I've known deep down I wanted to be a bit more open, a bit more fluid, a bit more this and that,' he continued.

'But I've never really acted on in too much, so this is just all about me figuring it out.

'Who gives a f**k who you f**k?'

Mitch said he's currently single, and said speaking on the topic feels 'freeing'.