Iris Kendall Almost Starred on The Valley Instead of Love Island USA

In another world, Iris Kendall stayed landlocked.

On “Love Island USA”, she charmed everyone – both on the island and away from it. However, little did we know that this 25-year-old could have made her television debut much nearer to her home in Los Angeles. Iris herself has shared that Bravo’s “The Valley” had sought her for their cast, but she chose not to participate.

She told The Rundown’s Erin Lim Rhodes that she was certain about joining ‘Love Island’. She described herself as a romantic person who was eager to search for love instead of remaining in a loveless state.

In fact, she had a few choice words for the dating scene in that neck of the LA woods.

“The guys in the valley,” Iris explained, “they take you to run their errands with them.”

However exciting it might be for her to be part of the Bravo series, which includes former Vanderpump Rules stars like Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright, and Kristen Doute in its upcoming season, there’s a major hurdle she faces.

She mentioned that she no longer resides at that location, yet expressed a possibility that as a native, she might return to the valley someday.

But no matter what happens, Iris is already becoming a pro at navigating a life in the spotlight.

In my own words, I strive to ensure that everything I engage in genuinely resonates with who I am. If others happen to observe or pass judgment on any given circumstance, that’s simply part of life. My primary goal is to find joy within myself and bring happiness to those around me. Regardless of the situation, I wholeheartedly embrace it.

Despite not finding permanent love during her time in Fiji, as her relationship with co-star Pepe García-Gonzalez ended in August, she harbors no regrets and would happily make the same choices all over again.

As a thrill-seeker at heart, I couldn’t help but be drawn to adventure. It was this insatiable passion that propelled me into action. I was captivated by the social experiment angle of it all, and the fact that they handpicked these individuals for me made it even more intriguing. I found it absolutely fascinating!

Iris added, “So yeah, I think it’s great.”

For more on where your favorite Love Island alums are today, keep reading.

In 2018, the participants from Love Island UK’s fourth season departed the villa as a couple, but their relationship didn’t last much longer after their return from Mallorca. Since then, they’ve each taken separate paths.

In July 2025, Ellie revealed that she was engaged to her unnamed boyfriend, who they started dating with a year prior and made public in June 2024.

In the eleventh season of “Love Island UK,” the pair initially crossed paths. However, Uma departed along with Wil on day 37, as he was eliminated from the show following Uma’s selection by Reuben Collins.

By July 2025, exactly a year after their departure, Uma made it official – she and Wil were engaged. On Instagram, she playfully shared the news, stating, “We’ve been keeping a secret that’s definitely worth shouting about!

For the reality star, staying on Love Island after Wil’s exit didn’t seem like an option.

Without a doubt, her choice was clear. It didn’t require any contemplation,” she expressed on the Not My Bagg podcast, “For me, being with Wil was the way forward.

She shared with Lisa and Joe that she had formed a connection with someone new. It usually takes her quite some time to feel as close to someone as she did with Wil, but since only two weeks remained, she didn’t want to pretend to have a new bond. Instead, she decided to be truthful about the situation.

In August 2025, just hours before the season seven reunion was set to air, Amaya and Bryan fueled split speculations by unfollowing each other on Instagram. Regrettably, two days later, the artist who identifies herself as a sensitive gangster made it official, confirming that they had ended their relationship.

Following our departure from the villa, it became apparent that our paths were diverging. Our perspectives weren’t in sync, and a relationship should be more like a team game – you don’t need to taste all the ocean water to know it’s salty.

In the realm of this reality show, my journey alongside Olandria started on day one, and as fate would have it, we both made it to the grand finale. Yet, our story wasn’t straightforward; we kept viewers in suspense as we navigated our relationship, teetering between friendship and romance.

During the finale, Olandria shared her perspective, “True relationships seem to thrive when they’re built on a foundation of friendship – no expectations or pressure, just two individuals learning about each other over time.” She continued, “As I look back, I see that the person who stood by my side through it all might just be the one I was destined to find.”

Meanwhile, Nic couldn’t help but reflect on our relationship, pondering if we were meant for each other from the beginning. He added, “Our beautiful connection evolved from overlooking subtle signs in the beginning. We both became entangled in other relationships, yet I always harbored feelings for you that I didn’t even realize myself. Over the course of our journey, we encountered obstacles and heartaches that none of us could have foreseen. Feeling lost and confused, we were separated from the villa, but destiny had something else in store for us.”

“As I left the villa, a sign appeared on the highway we call life,” Nic continued. “We were given the chance to reconnect and cultivate a bond between us that neither of us knew existed before.”

With regards to what lies ahead for #NicOlandria? Well, only time will tell…

At the reunion, I shared that we’ve always valued taking things slowly and never letting external pressures influence our bond. To illustrate this, I mentioned that we’ve been embarking on trips together and have even scheduled more dates in the future.

The romantic bond between Iris and Pepe didn’t develop until late in the season, leading them to establish a relationship based on friendship first. During the finale, Iris shared her delight about this unique journey on ‘Love Island’, stating, “My experience here has been remarkable because it began with you as my best friend, and now I’m leaving with you as someone I’m eager to know better in real life.” The fourth-place finishers were optimistic about their future together, expressing their exclusivity during the reunion. However, rumors of a potential split arose prior to the episode due to fans noticing that Iris and Pepe had unfollowed each other on Instagram.

He confirmed their breakup on Aug. 28. 

Among Kordell and Serena’s many long-term goals? Sticking together.

And the Love Island USA season six winners are still very much in love.

On Kordell’s birthday in May 2025, Serena posted on Instagram: ‘Here’s wishing a very joyous birthday to the man who embodies my ideal! A year has passed, yet I find myself still captivated by you. Your journey of growth and realizing your dreams is nothing short of amazing, and I am incredibly proud of the person you are becoming day by day. I eagerly look forward to celebrating more birthdays with you! Thank you for being an exceptional boyfriend, partner, friend, and making me the happiest girl possible.’

The long-lasting duo from Love Island USA’s sixth season, Leah and Miguel, continue their love story with each day becoming even sweeter, a sentiment expressed by Miguel himself. Naturally, Leah concurs.

Leah posted on Instagram for Miguel’s birthday in March 2025, saying he’s always radiated sunshine. She’ll forever be thankful for entering her life, filling it solely with love, tranquility, happiness, security, and unadulterated joy. Even making watching paint dry enjoyable. She couldn’t have imagined a better man herself, thinking only men like him existed in fairy tales or movies. His soul is untainted, with good intentions towards all things and people.

In the summer of 2025, a year after they placed third on Love Island USA’s sixth season in 2024, sources revealed that JaNa and Kenny had decided to part ways following their relationship. This information was reported by TopMob News.

The news came as a shock to fans, who adored their sweet tributes to one another online.

He wrote on Instagram for her birthday in December 2024, expressing his affection as follows: “My dear Pookie Bear, my love, my heart, my Nay Nay. It’s been a privilege to stand by your side these past few months and witness you conquering the world.

Whenever you enter a room, it brightens up as if sunlight followed you. You have this remarkable ability to make everyone around you feel cherished, valued, and loved, no matter the situation or spotlight. Your inner radiance is just as stunning as your outer beauty, which leaves me often speechless. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have you in my life.

In February 2025, I added Jana as a birthday gift for Kenny. Here’s what I wrote: “You aren’t just my best friend, but my sanctuary. Sharing life with you is a joy. Your love empowers me to be authentic around you, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Initially, Josh and Sophie each sought their perfect partners on “Love Island” separately. In fact, Josh reached the final three with Lauren Richardson back in 2015. Later, after a gap of five years, Sophie made her entrance into the villa. However, destiny seemed to bring them together when they both participated in “Love Island: All Stars” in 2024, ending up in third place together.

She posted on Instagram in February, saying, “This is only the start.” Her gratitude goes out to all who have been with us through our adventure – your support truly makes a world of difference to us.

And she was correct that it was only the start of their forever journey.

In March 2025, Josh posted on Instagram: “Happy first anniversary to us! I can’t believe I’ve managed to stick around for this long. I guess it’s a lifetime commitment now, so I hope you know what you’re in for. Love you forever.

2021 winners of “Love Island UK” took their romantic journey from the TV show villa to reality in August 2021. This transition happened following a period where their devotion was challenged during the seventh season, while they were staying at Casa Amor.

Back in the sweltering summer of 2022, they shattered our hearts with the news of their split on social media. Yet, miraculously, fate seemed to have other plans for this dynamic duo. Fast forward nearly a year and here we are, still giddy as ever, witnessing the magic that is Millie and Liam’s love story unfold daily-from their globetrotting adventures to their intense workout routines and romantic escapades-all playfully chronicled across various social media platforms, not to mention their captivating podcast, a testament to their enduring bond.

 
 

During season two of Love Island USA, broadcasted in summer 2020, these two fell in love. However, they revealed their separation the ensuing January.

In the first season of ‘Love Island USA’, the winning couple who were together from day one, remained in a relationship for several months. However, they decided to end their relationship towards the end of 2019. On his Instagram Stories, Zac announced that the split was mutual and both parties parted ways amicably. He explained that they had different visions for their future.

In her own words, Elizabeth expressed, “Regrettably, life didn’t unfold as I had envisioned; it often fails to meet our expectations.

However, she found love again—getting engaged to Gianni Settino in December 2024.

In her July 2024 Instagram post, she wrote, “If you’re tuning in to ‘Love Island USA’ at this moment, yes, five years on, I’ve found my match again.

In a turn of events, the second-place couple from Love Island USA remained an item for some time until they parted ways towards the end of November 2019. Each chose to announce their split on their individual Instagram Stories. The lacrosse coach voiced their decision, “Alex and I have decided to move on separately.” Indicating that sometimes relationships don’t work out despite best efforts.

Alex expressed that “going through heartbreak can be tough.” He further shared, “For me, our relationship felt like a fairy-tale romance. However, sometimes circumstances just don’t align perfectly.

Despite not winning, the much-loved couple from Love Island USA made an effort to maintain their relationship despite distance, traveling to spend holidays together. However, Caro officially declared the end of their relationship in a YouTube video uploaded in July 2020. In her words, “He didn’t seem as committed to the relationship as I was, and that’s why I chose to end it.

In October 2023, Caro made an exciting announcement: she had married Rene Lacad the previous month. Then, in December, she shared that she and her new spouse were expecting a baby girl. Their daughter, named Amina, was born in April 2024.

In her Mother’s Day 2025 Instagram post, it was expressed as a message to Amina: ‘Thank you for considering me as your mother.’ Such joy is unparalleled in my life.

As a devoted fan, I was taken aback by one of the most unforeseen pairings on the American version, where Kyra decided to exit the show, hoping for another chance with Cashel after sending him away earlier. Unfortunately, fate had other plans as I learned he’d already returned. Regretfully, this musically gifted duo parted ways in October 2019.

It appears that by the end of November, Kyra and Cashel were back on friendly terms. However, they decided to part ways permanently in February 2020.

He expressed that they made an effort but things didn’t work out, as he mentioned during the #NoFilter podcast. In essence, it seems like they are at different stages in their lives…He admitted that she appears to have blocked his phone number.

I simply couldn’t contain my excitement as Kyra continued to captivate audiences on various shows. In 2021, she graced our screens on the delightful Match Me If You Can, followed by The Challenge: USA in 2022 – a show where I also found myself competing! The year 2023 brought her to Love Island Games, but fate had something more magical in store. In 2024, she found her perfect match off-camera with Tal Sahar, a charming dental student and ex-basketball player. Truly, it was a moment worthy of my fandom!

By May 2025, records indicate that Cashel was imprisoned in Utah due to accusations of domestic violence and assault. Just a month later, additional allegations of assault and domestic violence were brought against him.

As reported by NBC News, Cashel has refuted the accusations against him. His lawyer, Andrew K. Deesing, shared with the media that “My client and his family are going through a highly challenging period, and we request their privacy be upheld as we strive to protect his name and reputation. At this point in time, we are just beginning our investigation and have no additional comments to make.

As a lifestyle aficionado, I must share an intriguing tale from the realm of reality television. Contrary to popular belief among fellow villa-dwellers and a significant portion of America, the season one USA pair, Weston and Emily, dared to challenge the odds. They bravely stepped beyond the confines of the show and gave dating in real life a try, albeit for a brief spell, before ultimately parting ways. Their story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of relationships, even within the colorful world of reality TV.

In a heartfelt confession during a YouTube video last May, I shared the news that Weston and I have parted ways. Today, I find myself taking on the world as a single woman. Our relationship was like a roller coaster ride, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns – especially since he was far away and I was navigating college life. The distance made it particularly tough.

In the tenth season of Love Island UK, the winning couple exited the villa triumphant, only to announce their separation two months later in October 2023.

According to Sammy, the breakup came as a “total shock.”

He mentioned that they previously discussed something privately, but since Jess is still absent, they haven’t been able to follow up in person. In his Instagram Story, he expressed that he hoped for a chance to salvage their relationship and believed taking this approach would be the most considerate course of action.

Sammy said, “Even though things didn’t go as planned today, I believe Jess is a truly outstanding person, and I sincerely hope she thrives and prospers.

In the beginning of 2025, Sammy made an appearance on “Love Island: All Stars,” and there he developed a romantic bond with Elma Pazar. However, by June 2025, speculations about a potential separation between them started to circulate.

In the inaugural winter edition of “Love Island”, the winning pair quickly formed a connection, standing strong against all challenges that the villa threw their way.

They moved in together in 2020, but called it quits three years later. 

Paige expressed during an interview on ‘Love Island: After Sun’ in June 2023 that despite drifting apart, she and Finley remain close friends. However, by August 2024, Finley publicly unveiled a new relationship on Instagram. Initially, the identity of his partner was kept secret, but it was confirmed in June 2025 that he is dating Jess Hale, as reported by ‘The Sun’.

In 2020, the second-place contestants of “Love Island during Winter,” Siânnise and Luke, fell in love within the villa. Their relationship lasted approximately a year until they parted ways in November 2021.

Yet, after some time, he discovered love anew and became engaged to Chelsea Menna just under a year afterward in the year 2022.

As a devoted admirer, I found myself on the receiving end of significant disapproval in the U.K., largely due to my actions during my time at Casa Amor. In this particular instance, I chose to end things with Shaughna Phillips and pursue Molly instead, a decision that did not sit well with the public. Ultimately, the pair of us found ourselves leaving the villa following the public vote.

During that span of three years away from the island, they continued as a pair, but eventually parted ways in the year 2023.

The next year, they both appeared on Love Island: All Stars. Molly paired up with Tom Clare and won the season together. At the same time, Callum developed a relationship with Jess Gale and finished as runners-up. However, Callum and Jess broke up in 2024 (with him now dating Yasmin Deplidge), whereas Molly and Tom continue to be together.

Initially, Nas enjoyed widespread favor at the start of season six. However, his popularity waned following his decision to leave Demi Jones for Eva after Casa Amor.

Despite being eliminated from the program, Nas and Eva continued their relationship and officially confirmed it as a couple in July 2020.

As a lifestyle aficionado, I must share an update on the love story between Eva and Nas: Though there were whispers of engagement back in August 2023 after she was seen adorning a ring on the finger in question, it wasn’t until March 2024 that Nas confirmed they had chosen separate paths.

Sadly, Eva and I have chosen to part ways. There’s no animosity or fault involved – it was a mutual and entirely peaceful decision we both agreed upon.

He remarked, “For the last couple of months, we’ve been trying to find a solution, but ultimately concluded that this was the most suitable choice. We’re comfortable with how things stand now.

Nas went on to appear on Love Island: All Stars in early 2025, but ultimately left the villas solo.

An unexpected pairing that emerged during winter’s run finished in third position, but they parted ways a few months later following their departure from the villa.

Demi stated to MailOnline in June 2020 that the relationship is over completely. He attributes this more to his actions than hers, but they remain on good terms. With lockdown keeping them apart and living far from each other, lack of communication was a factor that caused them to grow apart.

Luke has formed a relationship with Lucie Donlan, who was introduced during season five, and they publicly confirmed their romantic involvement in July 2020. The couple became engaged the next year.

In the year 2024, Demi made an appearance on “Love Island: All Stars.” It was during this stint that she crossed paths with Luis Morrison. Regrettably, their relationship did not last throughout the year.

In the sixth season, the understated couple finished in fourth position. They dated for a few months afterward, but ultimately split up in June 2020.

Just wanted to let everyone know that Ched and I have parted ways, but remain close friends. We appreciate the kindness and support you’ve shown us during our time in the villa.” – Jess shared on Instagram.

Ugh, that was a tough one! Isn’t it frustrating when the victorious couple is among the first to separate? It’s disheartening to see Greg and his loved one, who had only been together for a short while before the final episode of season five, take the winning title. Yet, they parted ways only a few weeks after.

Following some disagreements and discussions between the couple regarding the specifics of their separation (it appears Greg, a rugby player residing in Ireland, ended it through a text message), Amber stated on Loose Women, “I believe that our careers and distance were always a concern. It was something we were aware of, so I’m not sure what changed. I wanted to keep things going, but it is what it is, essentially.

In reference to Greg, he asserted on RTE’s The Late Late Show, “Given that she resides in the UK and is sought after by every brand for collaboration and every event to attend, naturally, she deserves all of it. That being said, I chose to return to Ireland to pursue my own endeavors here.

However, he found a new connection and kicked off 2025 by proposing to his love Jeanni Mulder.

Following an exciting commencement of their relationship, the Instagram influencer and the boxer solidified themselves as the strongest couple during season five. Consequently, it came as a shock when they placed second instead.

In July 2024, exactly six months after the birth of their daughter named Bambi, they became engaged. However, in August 2024, Molly-Mae unexpectedly announced their separation.

With a heavy heart, I’m sharing that Tommy and I have parted ways. Regardless of our personal situation, I remain deeply thankful. The most precious gift in my life is my dear daughter, who I will always cherish unconditionally. Our union brought her into this world, making her the absolute priority she will forever remain.

In the May 2025 episode of her Amazon Prime series, “Molly-Mae: Beyond the Limelight,” she disclosed that she and Tommy decided to rekindle their relationship.

Without a doubt, the couple that appeared in season five and faced much controversy due to numerous dramatic situations, managed to shock their critics by continuing their relationship outside the villa in the year 2019, eventually placing fourth.

Maura emphasized during an interview on UK’s This Morning that the key to their successful relationship is mutual trust, being skeptical of media reports, and above all, staying humble and grounded.

However, the pair broke up in March 2020. 

Maura penned in an Instagram post that she and Curtis had decided to go their separate ways after spending quality time together on Love Island. They appreciated the support for their relationship during their stint.

However, Curtis’ Love Island adventure didn’t end there. He participated in Love Island: Games in 2023 for a brief period, followed by Love Island: All Stars two years later where he and Ekin-Su placed third. But even after that, they parted ways after several months.

In her Instagram post dated May 2025, as reported by People, Ekin-Su stated, “Curtis and I have chosen to part ways. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it was made with much love and respect towards each other. He is an extraordinary individual, and the memories we created, both within and outside of the villa, will always hold a special place in my heart.

As a devoted admirer, I still can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since the dynamic duo, Ekin-Su and Davide, were crowned winners of Love Island season eight in 2022. However, my heart skipped a beat when he recently revealed their romantic journey had come to an end.

Ekinsuofficial and I have parted ways, as stated on Instagram in June 2023. I appreciate the cherished moments and chances we experienced together, and I wish her only success. During this challenging period, I kindly ask for privacy from everyone. I remain committed to supporting Ekin in every way possible.

Not long after, the pair rekindled their romance. However, they ended up calling it quits again.

Ekin-Su shared on Instagram in January 2024, as captured by Cosmopolitan UK, that the previous 18 months had been a mix of highs and lows, similar to many relationships. She expressed that herself and Davide genuinely wanted the relationship to succeed because of our mutual affection. However, I’ve recently chosen to part ways and move on individually. Breakups are never simple for any couple, so we kindly request our privacy during this time. The moments we shared together were cherished.

In the year 2024 during summertime, Davide formed a romantic relationship with Iris Au. At nearly the same time, Ekin-Su had a brief romance with Curtis outside the villas following their third place finish on Love Island: All Stars in early 2025. However, their relationship did not last for long as they parted ways several months later.

In summer 2024, Davide commenced dating Iris Au. Following their appearance on Love Island: All Stars and finishing third in early 2025, Ekin-Su and Curtis began a relationship outside the villas. However, this romance ended a few months later.

Although Ovie joined and India arrived a bit late among most couples in the villa (with Ovie entering during the notorious Casa Amor weeks and India following suit later), this couple managed to reach the finale, ultimately finishing in third position for the fifth season in 2019.

However, the professional basketball player and the model quietly parted ways later that year.

She explained to MailOnline that breakups are challenging in general, and this one is particularly tough given its public nature. However, she reassured that she will manage, as she has a tight-knit circle of female friends who have been providing great support during this difficult time.

In early 2025, India appeared on Love Island: All Stars but left the show single.

On the initial day of season five, Lucie and Joe formed a pairing. However, following his departure from the villa, Lucie swiftly pursued relationships with several other men, even expressing deep feelings for a man named Tommy who was already in a relationship. This made it quite unexpected for fans when they later announced that they were dating after their season concluded.

However, similar to how their first romantic relationship ended, the surfer and sandwich maker found themselves parting ways once again in early December 2019, as their second attempt together dissipated.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but share my thoughts about the love lives of our favorite contestants. Though Lucie tied the knot with Luke from season six, it’s clear that Joe is embracing his bachelor days, even after attempting to win someone’s heart on All Stars in 2024.

After leaving the villa during the fifth season, Anton and Belle were the second couple to part ways shortly afterward. Despite this, they continue to be friends; however, Anton has stated that there are no prospects for a renewal of their romantic relationship.

The fitness app creator clarified to Mail Online, “Absolutely not, it’s a different kind of relationship altogether. We’ve grown quite close, almost like family, so it wouldn’t feel right to pursue a romantic relationship – think of it as being like dating your sister.

In the year 2024, Anton participated in the revival series titled “Love Island: All Stars“. There, he and Georgia Harrison finished in fifth place together. Nevertheless, their relationship didn’t last long after the show.

Read More

2025-09-10 22:48