'HAVING A MINI VERSION OF THE TWO OF US IS SO BEAUTIFUL'

WITH LESS THAN THREE MONTHS TO GO BEFORE WELCOMING THEIR FIRST CHILD, FORMER LOVE ISLAND STARS OLIVIA BOWEN AND HUSBAND ALEX OPEN UP ABOUT THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF PREGNANCY AND CHOOSING BABY NAMES

- RHIANNA BENSON

REALITY CHECK

Reality royalty Olivia and Alex Bowen fell for each other on Love Island back in 2016 - and they have been inseparable ever since.

Over the years, we've watched them build an enviable empire, tie the knot in a stunning 2018 ceremony covered by OK!, renovate their Essex mansion and welcome French Bulldogs Winnie and Reggie into their lives.

And this year, Olivia, 28, and Alex, 30, are preparing for what could possibly be their biggest challenge yet - having a baby!

When we catch up with the couple, it's clear they couldn't be more excited about becoming parents. "We're just two peas in a pod. We always say that we're soulmates, so to have a mini version of the two of us on the way, it's so beautiful," Olivia tells us. Alex adds, "It's an emotion you can't even explain."

In our exclusive pictures, Olivia - who announced her pregnancy on New Year's Day - looks glowing as she proudly poses to show off her blossoming bump. "I'm shocked by how excited I am," she says. "I never envisioned myself as a mum."

Here, with less than three months to go before their little bundle is due, Olivia and Alex open up about keeping the gender a surprise, picking out names and their birth plan...

Congratulations, both! How have you found the pregnancy so far?

Olivia: The first few weeks were hard - you're either tired or nauseous all the time. But I have I have been quite lucky. I've been able to continue doing Pilates and I ride Dolly [her horse] every so often. I don't know about mood swings. What would you say, Alex?!

Alex: She hasn't been that bad... really! She's had a go at me a couple of times for little things, but her dad pulled me to the side early on and said, "Take it on the chin, son."