The Island of the Famous returns with the 2024 edition, a truly original edition that sees the management of Vladimir Luxuria with Sonia Bruganelli e Dario Maltese in the studio. This year, variety is the key word, with 18 participants including more or less famous people ready to compete on the island of Cayo Cochinos, an island in Honduras.
Who are the participants
This year the island welcomes:
- Joe Bastianich, well-known in the world of catering and former judge on MasterChef Italia.
- Francesca Bergesio, who brings with her the Miss Italia 2023 sash.
- Matilde Brandi, a life dedicated to dance and entertainment.
- Luce Caponegro, known as Selenium, a name that marked an era in adult cinema.
- Arthur Dainese, model with Ukrainian and Armenian roots, also known for his participation in Temptation Island VIP.
- Pepe of Naples, who as a tiktoker and fishmonger made himself known in the program 'Do you like Pesce?'.
- Pietro Fanelli, model
- Edward Franco, winner of MasterChef 12
- Khady Gueye, model
- Samuel Peron, dancer
- Tonia Romano, former firefighter,
- Aras Senol, Turkish actor
- Edward Stoppa, known for his work in Striscia la Notizia
- Marina Suma, attrice
- Alvina Verecondi Scortecci, lawyer
- Valentina Vezzali, Olympic fencer
- Maité Yanes
- Greta Zuccarello
Joe Bastianich
Joe Bastianich is a well-known restaurateur, entrepreneur and television personality, recognized primarily for his role as a judge on popular cooking shows. Of Italian origins, he was able to combine his love for cooking and business, becoming a point of reference in the restaurant sector at an international level.
Biographical information
- Full name: Joseph Bastianich
- Date of birth: 17 September 1968
- Place of birth: Astoria, Queens, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Training and: Boston College
- Career: He began in the restaurant business in the early 90s, opening his first restaurant, Becco, in New York with his mother, Lidia Bastianich.
- Expansion: Expands his empire by collaborating with chef Mario Batali, with whom he opened several restaurants in the United States.
- Television: Known for his role as a judge on the programs “MasterChef Italia” and “MasterChef USA”.
- Publications: Author of cookbooks and an autobiography.
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Family: Son of Felice and Lidia Bastianich, both immigrants from Istria, Italy. His mother, Lidia, is a famous chef and television personality.
- Personal life: He has three children and divorced his wife Deanna in 2019 after 31 years of marriage.
- Curiosity: He is passionate about music and has even formed a band called “The Ramps”, with which he performs occasionally.
- Wines: In addition to catering, Joe is also known for his passion for wine, owning vineyards in Italy and producing several successful labels.
- Entrepreneurship: In addition to restaurants, he also owns a food line and a television production company.
Francesca Bergesio
Francesca Bergesio has gained national and international attention thanks to her recent victory as Miss Italy 2023, proving that in addition to beauty, she has determination, ambition and a clear life goal.
Biographical information
- Born in Bra, she lives in Cervere, in the province of Cuneo.
- He is 19 years old.
- Graduated from the European Classical High School.
- Currently enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine at UniCamillus University in Rome with the ambition of specializing in cardiac surgery.
- She is 1,80 m tall and has brown eyes and hair (Miss Italy).
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Daughter of the senator of the League, Giorgio Maria Bergesio.
- He has a younger sister named Virginia.
- Juventus supporter.
- He lived for five years in a boarding school in Turin, an experience during which he had to face loneliness and episodes of bullying due to his height.
- As part of a road safety initiative, she won the title of “Miss Safe Driving”.
- After winning Miss Italy, she expressed the desire to combine her future medical profession with the world of fashion, acting and cinema
Matilde Brandi
Matilde Brandi, born in Rome on 27 February 1969, is a multifaceted figure in the world of Italian entertainment, known for her multiple appearances on television as a dancer, showgirl, presenter and theater actress. Her career began immediately after graduation, leading her to become one of the well-known faces of Italian television.
Biographical information
- Birth: Rome, 27 February 1969
- Profession: Dancer, Showgirl, TV presenter, Theater actress
- Height: 173 cm
- Weight: 55 kg
- No tattoos
- Instagram Profile: @matildebrandireal
Family, relationships and curiosity
Matilde Brandi experienced a long-standing relationship with the accountant Marco Costantini, with whom she had twin daughters in 2006, Aurora and Sofia. Her relationship with Costantini ended in 2020. Matilde, during her career, has participated in several important television programs such as "Big Brother VIP" and "Tale e Quale Show", always demonstrating great versatility and talent
Luce Caponegro, Selen
Luce Caponegro, known artistically as Selenium, is an emblematic figure in the Italian entertainment scene. From the limelight of cinema for adults, where he achieved fame, to experiences in more conventional contexts, his career has been marked by notable transformations and developments.
Biographical information
- Full name: Luce Caponegro
- Stage name: Selen
- Date of birth: 17 December 1966
- Place of birth: Rome Italy
- Beginning of career: Early 90s in adult cinema
- Career transition: Transition to roles in mainstream television and film productions
- International Prizes: He has received several awards in the adult entertainment industry
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Private life: He has kept much of his private life away from public attention but we know he has a son
- Curiosity: Throughout her career, she has expressed a desire to break away from her Selen character to pursue more traditional roles in the entertainment industry
- Social commitment: She is also known for her commitment to social and environmental causes
Arthur Dainese
Artur Dainese is a model and television personality known for his adventurous spirit and a passion for extreme sports. With a successful career in the world of fashion and television, Dainese has also made his name as a contestant on survival programs.
Biographical information
- Born in Kherson, Ukraine, in 1990, Dainese moved to Italy at the age of 16 together with his mother, with whom he shares close ties
- He began his modeling career in Milan in 2012, gaining international fame by working with important fashion brands
- He also stands out in the world of television, participating in programs such as "Temptation Island VIP" in Italy and "Supervivientes" in Spain, where he stood out for his skills as a castaway.
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Dainese's private life is shrouded in discretion, making information about his relationship status scarce.
- On his Instagram profile (@arturdainese), followed by over 51 thousand people, shares shots of his daily life, travels and professional moments, showing a strong interest in sports, including boxing and parkour.
- Dainese bears a striking resemblance to Stephen DeMartino, which often leads to confusion between the two. She describes herself as a simple, direct and decisive person, but also stubborn and prone to boredom.
Pepe of Naples
Peppe Di Napoli is a name that resonates with fame and curiosity in the world of social media and Italian television. Known for his lively presence on TikTok and for managing a fish shop and a restaurant in Campania, his entry into the Island of the Famous 2024 attracted public attention.
Biographical information:
- Born in 1973, in Naples.
- He runs a fish shop in Pianura, inherited from family tradition.
- He extended his presence in the culinary world by opening a restaurant, specializing in seafood dishes.
- He has become a well-known face on social media, especially on TikTok, where she shares tips, recipes and promotes her business using her signature “waterfall” style.
- He has participated in various television programs and has written a recipe book
Family, relationships and curiosities:
- Married to Brunella, he has two children: Aurora (born in 2003) and Alessandro (born in 2009).
- His fish shop suffered a bomb attack in 2022, but he managed to overcome the event with resilience.
- Peppe emphasizes the importance of simplicity and humility, values that he considers fundamental despite his success
Pietro Fanelli
Pietro Fanelli is an intriguing figure in the Italian reality TV scene, standing out for his bohemian approach to life and fame. Born in Turin and resident in Milan, this 23-year-old young man defines himself as a contemporary poet, eager to leave his mark on the world of art and entertainment. His previous experiences in reality TV, such as “Summer Job” on Netflix, have raised doubts and criticisms on his relationship with the world of entertainment. Fanelli stands out for his unique approach to life, challenging conventions and trying to convey his poetic vision through his television appearances and his future projects.
Biographical Information:
- Age: 23 years
- Birth place: Torino
- Residence: Milano
- Profession: Model and aspiring actor
- Participation reality: “The Island of the Famous 2024”, “Summer Job”
- Interests: Poetry, philosophy, art
- Projects: Publication of a book entitled “Mediocre contemporary writing”
Family, Relationships and Curiosities:
- Family origins: Extremely reserved about his private life, it is assumed that his parents are originally from Bari or Puglia.
- Relations: A post on Instagram together with the actress and dancer Alessandra Scarci suggested a possible romantic relationship, although there is no official confirmation.
- Curiosity: Despite his participation in reality shows, Fanelli has in the past expressed a certain reticence towards this type of entertainment, criticizing the superficiality and ephemeral success that often characterize the world of entertainment. His main ambition remains to be recognized in the field of art and literature
Edward Franco
Edoardo Franco is a fascinating figure in the Italian culinary scene, who he combined his passion for cooking with a personal and professional journey full of international experiences. His victory at MasterChef in 2023 it is not only a recognition of his culinary talent, but also a springboard that allows him to transform his passion into a profession.
Biographical information:
- Age: 28 years
- Training: Diploma from a hotel institute
- International experiences: Periods of living and working in Gotland, Sweden, and Hamburg, Germany, to explore different cultures and ways of life
- Career: Victory at MasterChef Italia in 2023; publication of the first book “Daje”
- Art: Musical production under the pseudonym of Franco Carisma
Family, relationships and curiosities:
- Style: Defined as eccentric and creative, Edoardo loves to express his unique character through his personal style
- Music: In addition to cooking, he has a strong passion for music, which he explores through the production of original pieces
- Professional approach: Known for his indomitable spirit, he is not afraid of confrontation and values authenticity in his work and personal relationships
- Next steps: He will take on the role of chef at Isola, promising to bring his distinctive culinary vision and charisma to this new role
Khady Gueye
Khady Gueye is an emerging figure in the fashion world and Italian television, known for its adventurous spirit and competitiveness. Originally from Senegal, Khady moved to Italy at the age of six and pursued a modeling career after being spotted on the streets by a talent scout. Her participation in television programs such as “Ex on the Beach” and her connection with the world of fashion make her an interesting and multifaceted personality.
Biographical information
- Born in Senegal, she moved to Italy at the age of 6.
- She began her modeling career at a young age, but interrupted it to focus on her studies at her father's request.
- He graduated from the technical institute for tourism.
- She resumed her modeling career at 22, working for various fashion brands and supporting herself independently in Milan.
- Participates in the 2021 edition of "Ex on the Beach", where she reunites with her ex-boyfriend, Dario
Family, relationships and curiosity
- He arrives in Italy together with his mother and one of his younger brothers to reunite with his father.
- She has been at the center of media speculation for an alleged relationship with the singer irama, which he subsequently denied.
- She is known for her competitive and adventurous spirit, characteristics that have pushed her to dream of participating in programs such as "The Island of the Famous".
Samuel Peron
Samuel Peron, born on 21 April 1982 in Marostica, in the province of Vicenza, stands out in the world of dance and Italian television entertainment for his talent and passion. From a very young age, he showed an inclination for dance, embarking on his artistic journey at the age of just four. His career is marked by numerous participations in Dancing with the Stars, a program in which he shone, winning the 2007 edition paired with Simona Ventura.
Biographical information
- Place of birth: Marostica, Vicenza, Italy
- Date of birth: 21 April 1982
- Training: Various dance disciplines, including ballroom, standard, Latin American and funky
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Partner: Tania Bambaci, actress and model, finalist in Miss Italia 2010, with whom he has been in a relationship since 2013
- Son: Leonardo, born 21 October 2022
- His parents encouraged him from an early age to follow his passion for dance, contributing to his artistic education
- In 2020, he faced COVID-19, sharing his experience during the Rai program Italian stories
Tonia Romano
Tonia Romano emerges as a figure of great strength and determination, whose life path is characterized by the ability to overcome stereotypes and challenges with courage and dedication. Her story is a source of inspiration and testifies to a resilient and multifaceted personality.
Biographical information
- Place of birth: Avellino, with family roots in Naples
- Move: Moves from a small town at the age of 5
- Career turning point: At 18 he joined the army and later became a firefighter
- Overcoming stereotypes: Challenge gender stereotypes in typically male professions
- Moment of reflection: Consider the island an opportunity to find yourself and reaffirm yourself as a woman
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Family role: Loving and dedicated mother of two children, caring for them full time
- Private life: Motherhood and profession occupy a central place in her life
- Character: Described as a determined, courageous and "wild" woman
- Curiosity: His story is exemplary for those seeking inspiration in overcoming difficulties and stereotypes
Aras Senol
Aras Senol he is a fascinating figure in the entertainment and sports landscape. He was born as a Turkish athlete and then become an actor he left an indelible mark in the hearts of the Italian public through his participation in the “Terra amara” series. His transition from swimming to acting reveals a singular and nuanced life trajectory, bringing to light a story of talent, determination and love for Italy.
Biographical information
- Age: 30 years
- Nationality: Turkish
- Professions: Actor, former athlete
- Known role: Çetin in the series “Bitter Land”
- Sports career: Former swimming champion of the Turkish national team
- Training and: He studied acting to cultivate his passion for stage art
- Connection with Italy: He expressed his desire to live in Italy, a country he loves deeply
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Participation in "L'Isola" represents a key moment for Aras to share his personal and professional story with the Italian public.
- His love for Italy is not limited to his profession; Aras has repeatedly expressed his desire to move and live in the country, highlighting a deep connection with Italian culture.
Edward Stoppa
Edoardo Stoppa has distinguished himself as an authoritative voice in the world of television and sustainability for his deep love for animals and the environment, his career is an example of dedication and passion.
Biographical information
- Age: 54 years
- Profession: TV host
- Passions: Lover of the planet, animals, sustainability
- TV career: Notoriety thanks to National Geographic and Striscia la Notizia
- Current Commitment: Submission for the Every Morning program, with a focus on animals and the environment, and projects with Avenir Factory on sustainability
- Acknowledgments: Medal of valor from the Ministry of Health, awarded by the President of the Republic
- Publications: Author of "Fortunately you're there" and "Four legs and a love"
- Personal interests: Passionate about extreme sports and martial arts
- Curiosity: Fascinated by the Island experience due to the constant need for new stimuli
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Mate: Juliana Moreira, Brazilian model and showgirl
- Children: Lua and Sol
- Personal Curiosities: Stoppa's life is characterized by an incessant need for stimulation and challenges, which has led him to explore different areas, from environmental protection to extreme sports, demonstrating a versatility that is reflected in his work and personal life.
Marina Suma
Marina Suma is an icon of Italian cinema, a well-known face of the 80s, who left an indelible mark thanks to her talent and charismatic presence. Born in the heart of Naples, in Vomero, she was able to combine her southern roots, inherited from a Neapolitan mother and a Sicilian father, with her great passion for cinema, making acting not just a profession but a true form of art.
Biographical information
- Birth: Vomero, Naples
- Age: 64 years
- Film debut: 1981, with the film “Rosa's Opportunities”
- International Prizes: Winner of numerous awards since its debut
- Significant roles: Known to the general public for the film “Sapore di mare” by Carlo Vanzina, she has also worked with famous directors and actors such as Verdone, Calà, Pozzetto, and Greggio
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Family origins: Neapolitan mother and Sicilian father
- Passioni: Passionate about cinema from a young age
- Lifestyle: Lover of island life, she has always frequented the island of Salina where she learned, since she was a child, the art of fishing and the pleasure of time spent alone immersed in nature
- Curiosity: Marina has a "gypsy" soul, which has always helped her overcome life's challenges with courage and determination
Alvina Verecondi Scortecci
Alvina Verecondi Scortecci, 34 years old, embodies the archetype of the modern woman: ironic, enterprising and sunny. Countess by birth and criminal lawyer by profession, Alvina leads a dynamic life within the walls of an ancient noble villa in Colle Umberto, transformed into a family accommodation facility, and the frenzy of Milanese fashion. Her story is a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity.
Biographical information
- Age: 34 years
- Profession: Criminal lawyer
- Education: Degree in Law from the University of Padua
- International experiences: Lived in New York after graduation
- Current residence: Colle Umberto, where he manages an accommodation facility in the family villa
- Collaborations: Work with a fashion brand in Milan
- Lifestyle: She loves comfort but is always ready to challenge her comfort zone
- Travel: Has extensive travel experience, from luxury yacht vacations to backpacking adventures
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Family: Manages the family's noble villa in Colle Umberto together with his mother
- Assignments - Dissertation sessions - Attendance : No specific information about personal relationships is provided
- Curiosity:
- Despite her connection to tradition and noble title, Alvina has an adventurous and multifaceted nature
- His life is a balance between respecting family roots and exploring new horizons, both professional and personal
- His passion for travel reflects his personality: a mix of luxury and simplicity, the search for comfort and the desire for adventure
Valentina Vezzali
Valentina Vezzali, nicknamed the "Steel Flower" of Italian fencing, embodies perfection in the art of foil. With a career dotted with unprecedented successes, Vezzali is not only a symbol of sporting excellence, but also an example of determination and passion.
Biography
- Birth: Valentina Vezzali was born on 14 February 1974, immediately leaving her mark on the world of sport.
- Career: With 56 international medals, she confirms herself as the most decorated Italian athlete ever.
- Olympics: Participates in 5 Olympics, bringing home 9 medals: 6 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze, becoming an icon of the Italian Olympic movement.
- World Cup: Absolute dominator with 11 victories in the foil World Cup and 79 individual successes.
- Italian titles: He boasts 30 Italian titles, an absolute record in the national fencing scene.
- Uniqueness: She is the only fencer globally to have won every possible foil trophy.
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Family: Valentina has built an equally solid private life, with a family that supports her every step.
- Assignments - Dissertation sessions - Attendance : Vezzali's love life is intertwined with the world of sport, where passion and dedication go hand in hand.
- Curiosity: In addition to fencing, Valentina also showed her talent in “Dancing with the Stars”, demonstrating that grace and elegance accompany her in every challenge.
- leaders: Known for her leadership spirit, Vezzali has always stood out for her tenacity and competitiveness, elements that make her a true model to follow.
- Sensitivity: Despite his fame and successes, Vezzali has never hidden his more sensitive side, showing that behind the champion there is always a real person.
Maite' Yanes
Maite' Yanes emerges as a multifaceted and talented artist, whose passion for art is expressed through dance, acting and modeling. With Spanish and Cuban roots, Maite' embodies the fusion of different cultures, enriching his artistic path. Her career is full of successes, from dance to the cinema stage, demonstrating a versatility and inner strength that make her an inspiration.
Biographical information
- Age: 34 years
- Nationality: Spanish of Cuban origins
- Beginnings in show business: He joined the first dance troupe in Spain at just 8 years old
- Artistic journey in adolescence: Take part in hugely successful musicals such as Grease, Flash Dance and tributes to the Beatles
- Transfer and training: At 17 she moved to Milan, where she dedicated herself to modeling and continued her training as a dancer, attending prestigious schools in Milan and New York (Peridance and Broadway Dance Center)
- Collaborations: He has danced for internationally renowned artists such as Aluna, George and Skin (Skunk Anansie), and nationally known artists such as Gue Pequeño
- Film and television career: He appears in important series such as 1994 and in the cinema with the film “Il Sesso degli Angeli” by Leonardo Pieraccioni
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Family origins: Cuban and Spanish, a rich cultural background that influences her art
- Private life: There is not much information about his private life, maintaining a certain degree of mystery around his figure
- Curiosity: Her sensuality, often evident in her performances, hides a fighting and resilient spirit. A warrior side of her that makes her an important figure in competitive contexts, where she should never be underestimated
Greta Zuccarello
Greta Zuccarello, an internationally renowned dancer, stands out for her professional career full of successes and prestigious collaborations. From a young age, she showed an exceptional talent for contemporary dance, which led her to tread the most coveted stages and collaborate with high-profile brands.
Biographical information
- Age: 28 years
- Origins: He began his journey in contemporary dance at 14 years old after winning a competition at the Opus Ballet in Florence.
- Training: Having obtained a scholarship at the Opus Ballet, she moved to New York to further her studies in dance.
- Career: She became a principal dancer for Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, quickly demonstrating her talent.
- Collaborations: She worked with Victoria's Secret at 18, promoting a sports underwear line.
- Television: She participates as a dancer in Italian entertainment programs known as Hi Darwin and Such and such.
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Ambition: Known for her competitive spirit, Greta always works hard, aiming to excel in every challenge, as demonstrated by her determination on the Island of the Famous.
- Relations: Detailed information on his personal relationships is not available, a sign of his ability to maintain a certain confidentiality about his private life.
- Curiosity: Her passion for dance and her ability to compete make her a leading figure in the world of entertainment, where her commitment and determination lead her to excel in every context in which she finds herself.
Who are the commentators
Sonia Bruganelli
Sonia Bruganelli establishes herself as a charismatic presence in the Italian television landscape, now known as the commentator of the 2024 edition of L'Isola dei Famosi.
Biographical information
- Date of birth: 20 February 1974, Rome.
- Professional path: Starts in the world of fashion and subsequent degree in Communication Sciences.
- Significant meeting: He knows Paul Bonolis during the “Tira e Molla” program, marking the beginning of a professional and personal partnership.
- Entrepreneurial turning point: Founder of the children's brand “Adele Virgy” and the SDL agency 2005, with a digital appendage, SDL TV.
- Television career: From entrepreneur to prominent commentator, first on Big Brother VIP and then on Isola dei Famosi.
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Marriage and children: Union with Paul Bonolis culminating in three children: Silvia, Davide and Adele, as well as Paolo's two children from a previous marriage.
- Silvia's test: The eldest daughter, Silvia, has faced a serious heart disease since birth, a challenge that has profoundly defined the family's resilience.
- Davide, the footballer: Among his sons, Davide stands out, involved in the world of football with the Primavera della Triestina.
- Separation and new beginnings: After years of sharing, Sonia and Paolo embark on separate paths, announcing their divorce in June 2023 and opening new chapters in their lives.
- Gossip and clarifications: Sonia addresses and denies rumors regarding new romantic relationships, maintaining an open and frank approach.
- Four-legged companion: In Sonia's emotional panorama, Beppe, the dachshund, stands out, a sign of her great passion for animals.
- Expressions of art: Sonia's tattoos tell deep personal stories, including the face of Padre Pio, symbol of protection and gratitude for the health of his daughter Silvia.
- Digital presence: With a following of almost 900 thousand followers, Sonia stands out on Instagram for her luxurious lifestyle and irreverent verve, stimulating debate and curiosity.
Dario Maltese
Dario Maltese emerges as a leading figure in Italian journalism, known for his in-depth work in the field of information and television hosting. With a career that began in the editorial offices of important newspapers and evolved to participation in highly relevant programs, Maltese stands out for his competence and his contribution to the national media panorama.
Biographical information
- Date and place of birth: 13 February 1977, Erice.
- Training and: Classical high school diploma followed by a degree in Political Science at Luiss Guido Carli in Rome.
- Professional path: He began his career at Mediaset in 2001, contributing to Mediasetonline and TGcom before joining the political and foreign editorial staff of TG5.
- International Prizes: Winner of the Ischia prize for journalists under 35 in the online newspapers category in 2003, in memory of Angelo Rizzoli.
Family, relationships and curiosity
- Television hosting: Known presence in the night and 13pm editions of TG5, he later becomes one of the faces of the 20pm edition and in-depth specials.
- Author: In 2023 he published “Les italiens. Stories and meetings with Italian talents who have conquered France", published by Rizzoli, testifying to his interest in Italian success stories abroad.
- New horizons: In 2024 he joins the cast of L'Isola dei Famosi as a commentator, further expanding his field of action in the world of television entertainment.
