Iris Kendall Steps Out With TJ Palma After Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez Split

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This Love Island USA connection is heating up once again.

Just under three weeks after Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez announced his split from Iris Kendall following the end of season seven, Iris was seen with her ex-boyfriend, TJ Palma, at New York Fashion Week.

TJ and Iris, who were a couple on the show until TJ was eliminated, posted photos together on Instagram on September 15th. The pictures showed them holding hands, Iris gazing affectionately at TJ (age 23), and posing closely together.

The 23-year-old, who finished fourth in the finale with their companion, Pepe, shared a post with just a heart emoji as the caption.

Everyone connected to the couple from *Love Island* celebrated the announcement. Winner Amaya Espinal, who recently ended her relationship with Bryan Arenales, excitedly called them “future godparents to my kids.”

The couple continued to show affection in small ways, even holding hands before going to the Luar fashion show that day.

Just weeks after appearing as finalists on the recent season of the Peacock series, basketball player Iris shared with TMZ that she and Pepe have broken up, stating that’s simply how things ended.

He admitted it’s difficult constantly being in the public eye. He explained that the pressure and stress of fame aren’t always easy to handle.

For Iris’ part, she told TopMob News that she was hoping to keep their breakup private.

I’m really thankful for all the kindness and support everyone has shown me since leaving the show, and I wanted to let you know what’s been happening. The relationship I started has unfortunately ended, and while it’s not the outcome I hoped for, I’ll always cherish the time we spent together.

Iris and Pepe insisted their relationship was real, but it started after Iris was heartbroken by TJ leaving. TJ later shared that Iris had actually considered leaving Fiji with him originally.

He told *Us Weekly* in July that she was really distraught. She felt like she had nothing left and desperately wanted to leave, repeating, ‘I wanna leave, I wanna leave.’

Following the elimination, some of the other contestants encouraged Iris to think things through instead of reacting immediately. She decided to remain in the competition to see how she felt. TJ agreed with her decision, explaining that it wouldn’t be fair to leave without giving it a chance.

I told her, ‘This trip is for you, so enjoy it. I don’t want you to look back and wish you’d done things differently. You only have a week left, so you might as well keep going.’ Of course, I hoped she’d want to come home with me, and I wanted her to stay, but I wasn’t going to pressure her into anything.

To see where more Love Island couples stand, keep reading.

Though they left the *Love Island UK* villa as a couple in 2018, the romance didn’t last long after they returned from Mallorca, and they eventually went their separate ways.

In July 2025, Ellie revealed she was engaged to her boyfriend, though she hasn’t shared his name with the public. The announcement came a year after they first went public with their relationship.

Uma and Wil first connected on season 11 of *Love Island UK*. After Wil was eliminated from the island, Uma chose to leave with him, following a coupling where she had been chosen by Reuben Collins.

In July 2025, after a year of dating, Uma revealed she and Wil were getting married. She shared the news on Instagram, posting a picture of her engagement ring with the caption, “We’ve been keeping a secret!”

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

She stated on the Not My Bagg podcast that her decision was immediate and effortless. ‘I just knew I wanted to be with Wil,’ she explained.

She told Lisa and Joe Baggs that she’s started seeing someone new. It took her a long time to feel as comfortable with this person as she did with her ex, Wil. With only two weeks remaining in her previous commitment, she didn’t want to pretend to feel something she didn’t. She preferred to be honest about her feelings.

Rumors of a split between Amaya and Bryan began circulating when they stopped following each other on Instagram just before the season seven reunion aired in August 2025. Sadly, Amaya confirmed the breakup two days later.

She explained on Instagram that after leaving the villa, it was obvious we wanted different things. She felt relationships should be a partnership, and you don’t need to experience everything firsthand to understand something isn’t right.

Olandria and Nic were the only couple who were together from the very beginning and made it to the final round. Throughout the show, they kept viewers guessing as they explored other potential connections and weren’t always sure if they were just friends or something more.

Olandria explained in the finale, “I think a strong relationship starts with friendship – getting to know someone without any pressure or expectations.” She realized that sometimes the person who’s been there for you all along is the one you’re meant to be with.

The runners-up began to wonder if that was true for them all along.

Nic added, “What was so special about our relationship was that we didn’t see it coming. We both started out interested in other people, but I always had feelings for you. We faced unexpected challenges and were even briefly removed from the show. But when you opened the car door for me as I left, it felt like a sign. We had the chance to connect and build a relationship we didn’t even know was possible.”

Now everyone is wondering what the future holds for #NicOlandria?

Nic shared at the reunion that they and their partner prefer to move at their own pace and don’t feel rushed by external expectations. They’re enjoying spending time together, with both trips and future dates already in the works.

Although Iris and Pepe connected romantically late in the season, they believe waiting allowed them to build a strong foundation of friendship first. During the finale, Iris shared how her *Love Island* experience began with Pepe as a close friend and evolved into something she’s excited to explore outside of the show. The couple, who finished in fourth place, confirmed they were exclusively dating at the reunion. However, rumors of a split began circulating beforehand when fans noticed they 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.

Serena shared a sweet birthday message to Kordell on Instagram in May 2025, writing, ‘Happy birthday to the man of my dreams!’ She confessed she’s still completely in love with him after almost a year together. She expressed how proud she is to watch him achieve his goals and excited to celebrate many more birthdays with him, thanking him for being an amazing boyfriend, partner, and friend who makes her incredibly happy.

I’m so happy to see Leah and Miguel from *Love Island USA* season six still going strong! It’s amazing to hear Miguel say things are just getting better and better – and Leah totally feels the same way. They’re a fantastic couple, and I’m really rooting for them!

Leah shared a heartfelt birthday message for Miguel on Instagram in March 2025, describing him as a constant source of warmth and happiness. She expressed immense gratitude for his presence in her life, noting he brought love, peace, and joy into everything. She playfully admitted he made even the most mundane activities enjoyable and that she thought someone like him only existed in movies, marveling at his pure heart and kind intentions towards others.

JaNa and Kenny finished third on *Love Island USA* season six in 2024, but they split up in July 2025 after dating for about a year, according to TopMob News.

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

He celebrated her December 2024 birthday on Instagram with affectionate nicknames like ‘Pookie Bear’ and ‘Nay Nay.’ He wrote that being with her for the past few months and seeing her pursue her goals has been a wonderful experience.

He went on, saying her smile brightened any space she entered. He admired how, even when she was the center of attention, she always made others feel special and cared for. He thought her inner beauty matched her outer beauty, which was why he often found himself lost in thought while looking at her. He felt incredibly fortunate to have her in his life.

I added Jana to the plans for Kenny’s birthday in February 2025, and included this message: “You’re not just my best friend, you’re my safe space. I love sharing life with you. Your love gives me the courage to be myself, and I’m forever grateful for that.”

Josh and Sophie were both looking for love on *Love Island* previously – Josh finished third with Lauren Richardson in 2015, and Sophie joined the show five years later. They finally found a connection when they returned for *Love Island: All Stars* in 2024, ultimately placing third again.

She posted on Instagram in February, writing, “This is just the start!” She also expressed her gratitude to everyone who had supported them, saying their support meant everything.

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

In March 2025, Josh celebrated his first anniversary and shared a sweet message on Instagram. He playfully wrote that he didn’t know how his partner had tolerated him for so long, jokingly warning them that there would be many more years just like it. He finished with a loving ‘Love you always’.

The winners of the 2021 season of *Love Island UK* continued their relationship outside of the show, starting in August 2021. Their commitment was famously tested when new singles were introduced during the ‘Casa Amor’ portion of the seventh season.

Millie and Liam announced they were splitting up on social media in July 2022, but they got back together about a year later. Now, they share updates about their lives-including trips, fitness routines, and dates-on social media and through their podcast.

 
 

The couple met and fell in love on the second season of *Love Island USA*, which was broadcast in the summer of 2020, but they revealed they had split up the next January.

The first season of *Love Island USA* brought together a couple who stayed together from day one, but they ended their relationship at the end of 2019. Zac announced the split on Instagram, explaining it was a mutual decision and they both wanted different things in life, but remained friendly.

Elizabeth said she was disappointed things didn’t work out as she’d hoped, but acknowledged that life doesn’t always go as planned.

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

As many of you probably noticed, and as I shared on Instagram in July 2024, I’ve found love again! It’s funny, it feels a little like a *Love Island* recoupling – but five years in the making! I’m so excited to share this new chapter with everyone.

The couple who finished second on the first season of *Love Island USA* broke up in late November 2019, announcing the news on Instagram. The lacrosse player shared that while things didn’t work out, she and Alex were no longer together.

Alex acknowledged that going through heartbreak is difficult. She described her relationship as a beautiful, fairytale romance, but admitted that not all relationships last.

Though they didn’t win *Love Island USA*, the popular couple gave their relationship a try despite living far apart, making an effort to see each other during the holidays. However, Caro revealed in a YouTube video in July 2020 that she had ended things. She explained that she felt a difference in commitment levels, saying, “I just didn’t feel like he was as invested in the relationship as I was, and that’s why I broke up with him.”

In October 2023, Caro surprised everyone by announcing she had secretly married Rene Lacad the previous month. Then, in December, she shared wonderful news – she and Rene were expecting a daughter! Amina arrived in April 2024, completing their growing family.

In a Mother’s Day 2025 Instagram post, she expressed her gratitude to Amina, writing, ‘Thank you for letting me be your mom – it’s the best thing ever!’

One of the biggest surprises on the U.S. version of the show was Kyra’s decision to leave and pursue a relationship with Cashel, even after voting him off. However, she was disappointed to learn he had already returned, and sadly, the couple broke up in October 2019.

Kyra and Cashel briefly got back together by late November, but they ultimately broke up for good in February 2020.

He mentioned on the *NoFilter* podcast that they really tried to make things work, but they’ve grown apart. He even admitted he believes she blocked his number.

Kyra continued to appear on reality TV, including shows like *Match Me If You Can* (2021), *The Challenge: USA* (2022, where Cashel also competed), and *Love Island Games* (2023). However, she found a lasting relationship outside of television with Tal Sahar, a dental student and former basketball player, in 2024.

Court records show Cashel was arrested in Utah in May 2025 for domestic violence and assault. He then faced additional charges of assault and domestic violence the next month.

Cashel has denied the accusations, and his lawyer, Andrew K. Deesing, told NBC News that this is a very challenging time for Cashel and his family. Deesing asked for privacy while they work to clear Cashel’s name, adding that it’s too early to provide any further details.

Even though many people-both on the show and across the US-doubted their connection would last, Weston and Emily from the first season of the show did try dating in real life for a short time before ultimately splitting up.

She announced in a May 2020 YouTube video that she and Weston had broken up. “I’m single now,” she said, explaining that their relationship had been difficult, especially because of the distance while she was in college. She described their time together as a challenging “roller coaster.”

Oh my gosh, I was *so* invested in Jess and Sammy from *Love Island UK* season 10! I genuinely thought they were the real deal when they won, I was screaming at the TV! But then, just two months later in October 2023, they broke up. I was absolutely gutted, honestly. It just proves you can never really know what’s going on behind the scenes, doesn’t it?

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

He explained in an Instagram Story that they’d had a private discussion, but it hadn’t been fully resolved because Jess was still traveling and they hadn’t been able to talk face-to-face. He added that he definitely wanted to try and fix their relationship and thought addressing it directly was the right thing to do.

Even though things didn’t go as planned today, Sammy said he thinks Jess is a wonderful person and truly hopes she finds happiness.

Sammy was a contestant on *Love Island: All Stars* in early 2025 and began dating Elma Pazar. However, rumors of a breakup started circulating in June of that year.

The first-ever winter Love Island couple hit it off right away and managed to stay together, even with all the challenges the show threw at them.

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

Paige and Finley remain friends, but she explained in June 2023 on *Love Island: After Sun* that they grew apart. Later, in August 2024, Finley introduced a new girlfriend on Instagram. Although they initially kept her name secret, *The Sun* reported in June 2025 that he is now dating Jess Hale.

Siannise and Luke, who were finalists on Winter Love Island in 2020, dated for around a year after meeting on the show, but they split up in November 2021.

However, he’s since found love again and got engaged to Chelsea Menna less than a year later in 2022.

The contestant earned a lot of negative attention in the U.K. after choosing Molly over Shaughna Phillips while at Casa Amor. Viewers ultimately voted both him and Molly off the show.

Although they were together for three years after leaving the island, they split up in 2023.

I was so excited when Molly and Callum both returned for *Love Island: All Stars*! I was rooting for them both, and it was amazing to see Molly find such a connection with Tom Clare – they actually *won* the season! Callum did incredibly well too, coupling up with Jess Gale and finishing as runners-up. It’s a shame Callum and Jess didn’t last – I heard he’s now with Yasmin Deplidge. But I’m so happy for Molly and Tom, they’re still together and seem really happy!

Nas began season six as a popular contestant, but he lost fans’ support after ending his relationship with Demi Jones to pursue a connection with Eva following Casa Amor.

Despite being eliminated from the show, Nas and Eva continued dating and officially became a couple in July 2020.

After speculation about an engagement starting in August 2023-when Eva was seen wearing a ring-Nas revealed in March 2024 that they had broken up.

Nas announced on Instagram that he and Eva have decided to separate. He explained that the split was mutual and friendly, with no conflict or hard feelings between them.

We spent the last few months trying to resolve our differences, but ultimately decided to go our separate ways. We both feel good about this decision.

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

A surprising couple formed during the winter season of the show finished in third place, but they broke up a few months after the show ended.

Demi explained to MailOnline in June 2020 that she and her partner had ended their relationship. While she believes he initiated it more than she did, the split was amicable. She said the distance between them, combined with the restrictions of lockdown, created a strain. Ultimately, a lack of communication led them to grow apart.

Luke and Lucie Donlan, a contestant from season five, became a couple and announced their relationship in July 2020. They later got engaged in 2021.

Demi was a contestant on the 2024 season of Love Island: All Stars, where she connected with Luis Morrison. Unfortunately, their relationship didn’t last, and they split up later in the year.

Oh my gosh, remember that sweet, underrated couple from season six? They totally surprised everyone by making it to fourth place! I was *so* rooting for them, and they actually dated for a while after the show – months, even! It was heartbreaking to hear they split in June 2020, though. I still think they were perfect together!

Jess announced to her Instagram followers that she and Ched have separated, but remain good friends and she wishes him well. She also thanked everyone for their support since leaving the show.

It’s always disappointing when a winning couple doesn’t last, isn’t it? Greg and his partner were fan favorites who won season five of the show after connecting just weeks before the finale – especially surprising since Greg joined the villa late in the season. Sadly, they split up just weeks after winning.

Following some disagreement about the details of their breakup – reportedly, Greg ended things with a text message while he was in Ireland – Amber discussed it on the show *Loose Women*. She explained that she believed their careers and the distance between them had always been potential issues. While they were aware of these challenges, she wasn’t sure why things ultimately didn’t work out, but acknowledged that she had tried to make the relationship last.

Greg explained on RTE’s *The Late Late Show* that she lives in the UK and is in high demand, with many brands and events wanting to work with her. He added that he chose to return to Ireland and focus on his own career there.

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

Their relationship began with a lot of excitement, and the Instagram star and boxer quickly became the most stable couple on season five of the show. That’s why everyone was so shocked when they didn’t win!

Molly-Mae and her partner announced their engagement in July 2024, just six months after welcoming their daughter, Bambi. However, she surprised everyone by revealing their breakup in August 2024.

I’m heartbroken to share that Tommy and I have decided to end our relationship,” she posted on Instagram. “I’ll always cherish the most important thing in my life – our wonderful daughter. She wouldn’t be here without us, and she will always come first.

I nearly fell off my chair when I saw it! On her Amazon Prime show, *Molly-Mae: Behind It All*, in May 2025, she finally said it – she and Tommy were giving things *another* try. I honestly couldn’t believe it, I was so happy to see them working on things again!

This couple was one of the most talked-about pairs from season five, facing plenty of challenges. Despite finishing in fourth place, they surprised many by continuing their relationship after the show ended in 2019.

You know, after years in the spotlight, I’ve learned a few things about making relationships last. The biggest advice I can give? Trust each other, be careful about what you read, and *never* let fame change who you are. Staying grounded is absolutely key – it’s what keeps us real and connected, even with all the craziness around us. That’s what works for me and my partner!

However, the pair broke up in March 2020. 

Maura announced on Instagram that she and Curtis have decided to go their separate ways. She expressed gratitude for the support they received while on and after the show *Love Island*, noting they shared a wonderful time together in the villa. Curtis continued to appear on *Love Island* spin-offs, including *Love Island: Games* and *Love Island: All Stars*. On *All Stars*, he and Ekin-Su finished in third place, but their relationship also ended after a few months.

Ekin-Su announced on Instagram in May 2025 that she and Curtis have broken up, according to People. She explained it was a difficult decision made with a lot of love and respect for each other. She also shared that she’ll always treasure the memories they created together, both during and after their time on the show.

Almost a year after Ekin-Su and Davide won season eight of *Love Island* in 2022, Davide announced that they had split up.

In June 2023, he announced on Instagram that he and Ekin-Su are no longer a couple. He expressed gratitude for their shared experiences and wished her well, requesting privacy and respect for both of them during this challenging time. He also stated he will continue to support Ekin-Su.

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

As many of you know, the past year and a half with Davide has been quite a journey – honestly, like any relationship, it had its highs and lows. We both really wanted things to work because we genuinely cared for each other. But recently, I made the difficult decision to end our relationship and we’re both moving forward separately. Breakups are *never* easy, no matter who you are, and I hope everyone can respect our privacy as we navigate this. I’ll always cherish the good times and memories we created together.

Both Davide and Ekin-Su found love again after their time on reality TV. In the summer of 2024, Davide started seeing Iris Au. Ekin-Su briefly dated Curtis after they finished third on *Love Island: All Stars* in early 2025, but they broke up a few months later.

Okay, so they were a *late* bloom, honestly. Like, Ovie didn’t even show up until Casa Amor – can you believe it?! – and then India came in even *after* that! But seriously, even though they joined the villa so much later than everyone else, they totally made it to the final! They came third in season five, back in 2019, and I was *obsessed* with them. They were just… perfect, even coming in so late! I knew they’d make it far!

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

Look, it’s never easy going through a breakup, and this one’s been particularly tough because it’s all played out so publicly. But I’m going to be okay. I feel so incredibly lucky to have the most amazing girlfriends who are just being there for me and helping me through everything.

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

Lucie and Joe connected right away at the start of season five. However, after Joe was eliminated from the show, Lucie dated several other contestants and even confessed strong feelings for someone who was already in a relationship. That’s why fans were so surprised when they announced they were dating after the season finished.

Similar to their first relationship, the surfer and sandwich maker’s second try at love didn’t last, and they broke up in early December 2019.

Lucie is currently engaged to Luke from season six, but Joe, who recently pursued a relationship with her on *All Stars* in 2024, appears to be happily single.

Anton and Belle were the second couple from season five to break up shortly after leaving the villa, but they stayed friends, with Anton confirming they wouldn’t get back together romantically.

“It’s definitely not a romantic relationship,” the fitness app creator told *Mail Online*. “We’re now just good friends – it would feel like dating a sibling. We’ve moved past that point.”

Anton competed on *Love Island: All Stars* in 2024, finishing in fifth place with Georgia Harrison. They didn’t stay together for long after the show, and eventually broke up.

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2025-09-16 16:20