Love Island USA’s Huda Mustafa Reveals Her Real Dream Date

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Sitting down at the beach really is Huda Mustafa’s dream date.

Following the popular reaction to the Love Island USA star’s response to Iris Kendall and Jeremiah Brown’s oceanfront date on June 16, she emphasized that she truly meant the watery ambiance as a perfect romantic paradise.

In an exclusive interview with TopMob News, Huda said, “Whenever it’s about activities related to the sea or simply being at the seashore, I am all in! The beach holds a special place in my heart; it’s where I find joy and happiness. You could say I have a strong affection for the beach.

Beyond just appreciating its soothing aspects, this 24-year-old individual, who tied for third position with Chris Seeley in the season seven finale, also emphasized that a trip to the beach offers more than tranquility; it’s a practical choice as well.

She went on to say, “The best date I’ve ever had was at the beach. It was the least expensive and yet the most unforgettable. That’s what makes it special for me.

It’s unlikely that Huda will be spending time sunbathing with Chris, 27, following their heated breakup on the Peacock series’ July 13 finale. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Huda isn’t fond of eating out in general.

She confessed that she isn’t fond of formal dinners where everyone sits down. “I won’t refuse if invited, but it’s not my preferred choice, especially in contentious situations. I’d rather engage in more interactive dates. When there’s a singer appearing unexpectedly, it can be enjoyable, but overall, it’s not my cup of tea.

Although Huda initially didn’t appreciate the serenade on that somewhat unromantic night, looking back, she found it hilarious when a surprise visitor made an appearance, labeling it as “so surprisingly amusing.

Huda, mother of Arleigh who is 5, and previously in a relationship with Noah Sheline, stated the following: “It appears to be my sister, as she had recently been at the villa. However, it’s not my actual sister because I see a glimmer of light reflecting off her, and she’s holding a microphone. This situation is reminiscent of my deepest fears, so I exclaimed, ‘Wow, this is truly my worst nightmare.’

In a similar vein, the reality television personality labeled the act as “beautiful,” further commenting that the comedic delivery was simply exceptional.

To read all about the inner workings of the Love Island franchise, keep scrolling.

Every day, an abundance of video footage is collected from 85 concealed cameras, which needs to be edited down into a one-hour episode.

However, they follow a swift pace, with the editors working on Monday’s recordings late at night and quickly transforming them into the following day’s show, and so forth.

Fortunately, Fiji, the location for the initial season of the show and where it’s been since season five, is 16 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. This means that a late-night wrap-up in Fiji translates to the morning of the previous day in the U.S., providing the team with valuable additional hours to fine-tune the new episode.

According to Claudine Parrish, executive producer, the team responsible will create scenes based on real-time events as they unfold on the island. These scenes might be titled something like ‘Boys preparing breakfast for the girls’, and just 15 minutes later, these incidents are integrated into our edits, with the editor swiftly transforming them into finished scenes.

A collaborative effort is required: Parrish noted that approximately 30 editors and 20 producers are involved, with the story team deciding on the key moments and dialogues to intertwine and create a more comprehensive narrative.

At times, Parrish acknowledged, not everything that appears intriguing leads to something substantial. “We don’t always hit the mark,” she stated. “We’re constantly evaluating whether it’s crucial or if its impact will fade away by the next day.

It’s clear that breakfast takes center stage on this program, as the gentlemen responsible for cooking and brewing coffee for the women on “Love Island USA” have sparked global interest in this daily ritual.

But what does everyone eat for lunch and dinner, you ask?

In this program, while the food itself may not be the main focus, it is always there when needed, except for possibly underdone pancakes or that initial attempt at an omelette.

Dani Dyer, the winner of Love Island UK season four, shared with HELLO! in 2021 that there were no menus on the set. Instead, it was self-catering, meaning they prepared their own meals. For breakfast, they had options like eggs, bacon, toast, and similar items.

In the eighth season, Luca Bish expressed his surprise about the cook’s identity, stating on TikTok in July 2023 that there was a “mystery chef” preparing meals off-site, with the dishes being transported to the villa for him to enjoy.

Instead of relishing the food, Bish often expressed that for both his lunch and dinner meals, he usually had hummus and chips.

Through the years, it has been disclosed by various participants that men and women typically dine apart, unless during specified dates.

Olivia Attwood from ‘Love Island UK’ season three explained to The Sun in 2022 that it felt like dining with the producers was similar to being at a boarding school. She described how they were given instructions about cleaning their rooms, when laundry day was, and even asked what they wanted for breakfast the following day – all tasks that kept the household running efficiently.

And much like being on a jury, they’re not allowed to discuss the case among themselves.

Samuel Agbiji, a contestant from season eight, shared with Closer in 2024 that it was quite challenging because while you’re dining, you’d naturally want to discuss ongoing events, but you couldn’t due to the impact on filming.

It’s possible you could think that having too many drinks for flirtatious purposes is either tolerated or not disapproved of, but the rule is that each competitor can have just one drink per evening, and the options are limited to beer, wine, or sparkling beverages.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d say: When presented with the option of a glass of red or white wine at dinner, just like Phoebe Siegel from Love Island USA’s fourth season stated on her TikTok in June 2024, it wouldn’t be a lavish serving that I’d be reaching for.

In my expertise on all things lifestyle, let me share a bit of insight. During events like a Casa Amor challenge victory celebration, it may seem that an open bar is at your disposal. However, I’ve found that the drinks are often diluted – or as I experienced, they were noticeably watered down.

Iain Stirling juggles two roles as he narrates not only Love Island UK but also Love Island USA, and while shooting, he’s under a strict time constraint.

In the heart of the afternoon (12 PM) UK time, I’d find myself logged into “Love Island UK,” as I shared in a conversation with TODAY back in 2024. By then, the show was nearing its end. We’d then spend two to three hours crafting our content. Typically wrapping up by 4 PM or so. After that, it was time for my child’s dinner, bath, and bedtime routine – a far cry from the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle I yearned for. Post that, I’d grab some dinner myself, followed by tuning in to “Love Island USA” at 8:30 PM, which is quite early according to Fiji time.

Stirling watches a preliminary version of the project from home via Zoom, as Parrish explained to The Wrap. He and the writing team are simply noting amusing elements within the scenes or reminders of past story events, which they record from their homes using their microphones.

The account he gives is incorporated into the episode prior to it being submitted to Peacock’s legal and standards department, who may occasionally suggest alterations at the last minute.

Stirling mentioned to TODAY that we might wrap up around 12 or 1 in the night, and he’d stay awake until half past 3 – a time still leaving some hours for the U.S. show. Ideally, he’d keep going till 5 or 6 in the morning, but that would mean no sleep for him at all.

Demonstrating an everlasting connection, Stirling got married to the ex-host of Love Island UK, Laura Whitmore, in 2020. They were blessed with a child in March 2021.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel that the music on Love Island USA has its own unique energy, taking me on a journey from the catchy beats of Janelle Monáe’s “Make Me Feel” to the upbeat rhythm of “From Fiji With Love” by The Daniel Pemberton TV Orchestra, and every pop tune in between. It’s like they’ve crafted a soundtrack that perfectly captures the vibe of the show.

In a June 2025 interview with Rolling Stone, executive producer James Barker expressed his awe upon seeing Love Island UK for the first time, remarking that it represented a significant leap in storytelling by skillfully integrating a popular song into its narrative. He further stated that this innovative approach sparked an immediate thought: “This is fantastic, and more shows should emulate this format.” His mind also raced with ideas on how he could contribute to Love Island.

Music clearance companies prepare and license a collection of songs, including those by artists like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Olivia Rodrigo, well in advance so that they can be used appropriately when required. This is done to ensure that the necessary permissions are obtained beforehand, as pointed out by Barker.

We constantly prepare a large number of songs, ranging from hundreds to thousands, as we can’t predict the course of events. So, we might think, ‘This song will be ideal for someone when they eventually break up,’ or ‘This one would make a perfect first-kiss track once the moment arrives.’

Interestingly enough, the inhabitants of the villa are unable to enjoy music, primarily due to the complexities involved with obtaining the necessary permissions, and secondly, because background noise from music may interfere with the recording capabilities of the concealed cameras and audio equipment.

In some instances, the rule doesn’t apply to songs being played live, like during specific contests, while dancing slowly, or when entering a taxi for a date and the driver has music on.

To make sure the women always look their best on screen, the production supplies makeup and skincare products in the house. They are welcome to bring their own as well, however, any identifiable branding on personal items will be concealed during post-production editing.

In simpler terms, Lucie Dolan from ‘Love Island UK’ season five mentioned to Capital FM in 2021 that every two or three weeks she would get her nails and hair done. Since the days inside were quite long and not everyone realizes how extended they are, having a relaxing day was essential for her.

On their free Saturdays, when there’s no performance happening, as Whitmore shared with OK! magazine, they often get their eyelashes and acrylic nails re-done.

In my fervent enthusiasm, let me share a bit of history: Once upon a time, the Islanders had no choice but to venture elsewhere for their survival. However, today, it seems as though the show’s creators have decided to keep the contestants from experiencing the wild during filming.

According to Whitmore, it seems that in the initial season, they ventured out of the villa to get their hair styled at a salon. However, given the magnitude of the show now, they are unable to do so. Instead, someone comes to them to touch up their roots.

Producers say they’re perfectly content to ride the waves of romance.

In an interview with The Wrap in 2024, Love Island USA executive producer Ben Thursby-Palmer shared that the show follows real-time events at the villa. If the couples are content, there’s no necessity for recoupling. However, if everyone is sleeping separately throughout the villa, we have to mix things up again.

In a YouTube video posted in April 2023, Samie Elishi , who appeared on the ninth season of Love Island UK, stated that the show wasn’t scripted at all. However, he added that producers would suggest conversations or interactions between couples or during arguments to keep the show interesting. But what is discussed within those encounters is entirely up to the participants themselves.

Utilization provides the island residents with devices for communication through calling and messaging, capturing images, and receiving notifications about forthcoming events that are designed to be verbally announced.

In 2019, Liana Isadora Van Riel from “Love Island UK” season two shared with The Sun that the phones provided to contestants are quite simple and mainly used for texting each other. However, she mentioned that they’re more about the ‘I received a text’ drama rather than actual communication.

If not, as Love Island USA’s Siegel mentioned on TikTok, “There’s no Googling, no TV watching, no social media access, no texts to anyone outside the program.

In keeping with the longstanding custom of mediators in reality competition shows, Love Island USA‘s host, Ariana Madix, must feign indifference towards the events she’s overseeing.

She shared with The Wrap in 2024 that it can be challenging because occasionally she feels the urge to participate directly. Yet, as a host, there’s a need for some neutrality, which she tries to maintain when they are present.

Simultaneously, she intervened during the elimination of Andrea Carmona in season six, when Rob Rausch momentarily expressed his desire to depart alongside her. However, Madix kindly suggested he rethink his decision, and eventually, he chose to stay.

Madix pointed out that it might not be wise to make a significant decision when emotions are running high, and there was a part of him that felt like he should challenge him because he didn’t truly believe he intended to depart.

Madix pointed out that no cameramen were visible to the islanders, as cameras were positioned all over the villa. However, there were movable cameramen hidden behind walls with sliders. The islanders were unaware of these cameramen, and only areas like the bathrooms had true privacy.

Another secluded area without cameras: As mentioned by Love Island UK’s Elishi in her April 2023 video, the kitchen pantry where snacks are kept. She explained that only one individual is permitted inside at any given time due to past events involving a couple in the pantry prior to this.

Several participants on the reality TV show Love Island UK have mentioned that branded condoms for the program are strategically placed around the villa, and more are supplied whenever needed.

Before the situations that could significantly change things occur, they are given a chance to catch up on the events that have transpired by watching the ongoing performance.

Chloe Burrows, a surprise addition to “Love Island UK,” shared during an episode of her podcast “Chloe vs. The World” in April 2023, that she only watches each episode after she’s already entered the villa. Subsequently, she reveals her top three favorite contestants among those currently on the show.

While the cameras never stop filming, the contestants do get one day off a week to just hang out.

This implies that just like during regular meal times, discussions about gossip or resolving conflicts should be postponed until the following day. Furthermore, because they don’t have assigned dates on their days off, male and female companions cannot sleep in the same bed at night.

Kem Cetinay, a contestant from the third season of Love Island UK, explained in 2017 to Britain’s This Morning that when microphones are removed, conversations about anything related to the show are not allowed. While they can chat freely, there is a keen eye on what they discuss because the producers want to maintain a clear and recordable broadcast for viewers at home. It’s essentially a break from the intense games, dates, and decision-making about who they like and dislike.

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2025-07-17 00:48