Love Island USA’s Amaya Papaya Reacts to Public’s Love

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Amaya Espinal never said she was perfect, never said she didn’t have any flaws.

However, contrary to this, America enthusiastically agrees as Love Island USA’s star, affectionately known as Amaya Papaya, along with her partner Bryan Arenales, receives an outpouring of love and encouragement upon exiting the Fijian villa victorious in season seven.

She expressed her gratitude to our larger circle of friends and supporters during a recent TikTok live session with Bryan. That’s how she affectionately refers to all of you – our extended family. Just witnessing the outpouring of support made her well up with joyful tears.

It’s worth mentioning that Amaya’s frequent tears and emotional displays were a popular yet sometimes misinterpreted aspect of her character during the Peacock series. This was something her fans adored, but it often left some of her fellow cast members and romantic interests, such as Ace Green, Austin Shepard, and Zak Srakaew, puzzled or misunderstanding her feelings.

But throughout it all, the 25-year-old knew who she was.

In her own words during the seventh season, she expressed that while others might see it as a weakness, given all she’s experienced in life, she sees it as a source of strength instead. Putting it another way, she jokingly referred to herself as a ‘compassionate tough guy.’

When I found myself paired with Bryan – one of the few Islanders who stood up for me amidst the villa’s criticisms – my heart was simply bursting with joy!

In a candid moment, I shared how it felt as if I could soar through the skies, just like those pigeons in New York City, yet graceful and immaculate. It’s a sense of freedom that I’ve found with this man, and I can truly be myself around him. And oh, the affection we share!

It was clear to America as well that their harmony and suitability were evident, leading them to cast votes for the cardiac nurse and Bryan, making them the victors of season seven.

After finding out about their triumph in the July 13 finale, Amaya exclaimed, “What a journey that was!” However, if reliving that ride meant reaching him once more, she added, “I’d gladly take it again.

I’m speaking directly to those who feel misunderstood, my fellow kindred spirits: Never let anyone try to domesticate you! Remember, there’s someone out there who will cherish and adore your unique qualities – your quirks, your eccentricities, every inch of you.

Don’t compromise, don’t settle for less than what makes you shine. The one who truly loves you won’t ask you to change but instead celebrate your individuality.

In other words, it’s great news for fans that the relationship between Bryan and Amaya remains robust as they navigate their new life together, having stepped out of their secluded haven in Fiji for the first time.

As Amaya told fans during the livestream, “Oh, we’re together together.”

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

The pair initially crossed paths during Love Island UK’s season eleven. On the 37th day, Uma departed along with Wil, as he was eliminated from the island following Uma’s selection by Reuben Collins.

In the summer of 2025, exactly one year after parting ways, Uma revealed that she and Wil had become engaged. On Instagram, she posted a photo showing off her ring, captioned playfully, “We’ve been keeping a secret of great significance.

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

She made her choice without any hesitation, as she explained on the Not My Bagg podcast. Her desire is to be with Wil.

She shared with hosts Lisa and Joe, “I’ve found someone new,” she said. “It takes me quite some time to develop the level of comfort with someone that I had with Wil. With only two weeks left, I didn’t want to feign a fresh connection. So, I decided it was best to be truthful.

As steadfastly as Amaya balances on the tightrope of business, she’s unwaveringly rooted in her relationship with Bryan. In my journey within this villa, I discovered various paths – some that left me feeling misconstrued and in need of nurturing my love. But every choice ultimately led me to find my very own Prince Charming. You, Bryan, are the one who fills up my emotional well and appreciates the torrent of feelings within me. You’ve shown me that I am a bird capable of soaring, no matter where I perch. With you, I feel understood, and your humor keeps me grinning. You’ve challenged me to evolve as a partner, and for that, I am grateful. I eagerly anticipate our journey ahead, continuing to nurture the seed we’ve planted together.

In this reality show, it was only Olandria and Nic who started on day one and made it to the finale. They kept viewers guessing as they delved into other connections and alternated between being friends and reconnecting romantically.

During the finale, Olandria expressed that a strong foundation for any relationship is friendship, devoid of expectations or pressure, allowing individuals to learn about each other over time. She admitted to discovering something profound: The one who has been by your side through it all could be the one you were destined to find.

As for the runners-up, they couldn’t help but ponder if they were meant to be together all along. Nic added that their unique bond stemmed from overlooking initial signs, as they initially became involved with other connections. However, they faced challenges neither could have foreseen, leading them to feel lost and confused. They even temporarily left the villa. When Olandria opened the car door while Nic departed, a sign finally appeared on the road of life – an opportunity for them to form a bond that they didn’t know existed yet.

As for the future of #NicOlandria? Well, only time will tell…

Nic wasn’t certain about the nature of our relationship, if it would be a partnership, romance, or deep friendship,” he said. “I’ve cherished your presence as I journey through life, and it all seems fitting together.

During the finale, Iris shared her joy about her “Love Island” experience, stating, “It’s been amazing because I came in with you as my closest friend, and now I’m leaving with someone I’m eager to explore a relationship with in the real world.”

Pepe also expressed his feelings during the finale, saying, “Our bond grew stronger every day we spent together. From the very beginning, caring for each other, to walking out hand-in-hand, I can honestly say you are the only woman I could have ever imagined leaving this show with. You bring out a side of me that I cherish, and I am grateful for that. Thank you for everything, Iris. Here’s to many more days and memories together.”

Both contestants seemed excited about their future together.

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.

Wishing you a very joyful birthday, my dearest dream man! A year has passed, yet I’m still as smitten as ever. It’s awe-inspiring to see your growth and dreams unfold before my eyes. I am incredibly proud of the man you are becoming day by day, and I eagerly look forward to celebrating more birthdays with you! Thank you for being an exceptional boyfriend, partner, friend, and for making me the happiest girl I’ve ever been.

Speaking of couples who have endured longer than the villas, it’s Leah and Miguel from Love Island USA’s sixth season. As Miguel expressed, each day only seems to get sweeter, and Leah wholeheartedly concurs.

In March 2025, I penned on Instagram for Miguel’s birthday: “You radiate sunshine, always and forever. I am eternally thankful that you found your way into my world, filling it only with love, tranquility, happiness, security, and unadulterated joy. My cherished one who could even make the mundane task of watching paint dry captivating. I couldn’t have conceived a better man myself, I truly believed that men like you were extinct or existed only in fairy tales. You possess a soul as pure as they come, always striving for goodwill towards all.

Following their third-place finish on the sixth season of ‘Love Island USA’ in 2024, JaNa and Kenny decided to continue their relationship outside of the show.

He penned on Instagram for her birthday in December, “My dear Pookie Bear, my love, my heart, my Nay Nay.” It’s been a privilege to stand by your side during the past few months and witness you conquering the world.

He said, “What I admire most about my girlfriend is her heart. Her smile illuminates every space she enters, making others feel cherished, loved, and cared for. Even with the brightest spotlight on her, she never falters in this regard. She’s as stunning inside as she is outside, which is why I often find myself lost in admiration. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have her in my life.

On Kenny’s birthday in February 2025, I included Jana in a message expressing, “You aren’t simply my best friend; you are my sanctuary. Sharing life with you is something I cherish. Your love provides me the bravery to be authentic around you, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Previously, Josh and Sophie had both sought their matches on “Love Island”, with Josh reaching the third position alongside Lauren Richardson in 2015, while Sophie entered the villas five years later. However, it seemed fate was working in their favor when they both appeared on “Love Island: All Stars” in 2024, ultimately finishing in third place together.

In February, she wrote on Instagram, “We’re just getting started,” expressing her heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been with us during our incredible journey. It truly makes a world of difference to know we have your support.

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

In March 2025, Josh posted on Instagram: “It’s our first anniversary! I can’t believe you’ve stayed with me this long. You’re in for a lifetime of me, so I hope you know exactly what you’re getting into. Always love you.

In August 2021, the winners of the 2021 Love Island UK competition took their romantic journey from the villa and continued it in reality, following a period where their devotion was challenged in Casa Amor during season seven.

Back in July 2022, they publicly announced their separation via social media, but by the following year, almost to the day, they made up again. Currently, Millie and Liam share snippets of their shared experiences on social media platforms – from travel adventures to workout routines and romantic outings – as well as on their co-branded podcast.

 
 

During the second season of “Love Island USA,” broadcasted in the summer of 2020, these two fell in love. However, they revealed their separation in January that followed.

In the initial season of Love Island USA, the eventual winners, who had formed a couple from day one and remained together, went their separate ways towards the end of 2019. Both parties decided to part ways and they have left on good terms as stated by Zac in his Instagram Stories. Essentially, they wanted different paths in life.

Elizabeth herself admitted, ‘Though I had hoped for a different outcome, life doesn’t always go as we might have wanted.’

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

In her July 2024 Instagram post, she wrote, “If you’re currently tuned into ‘Love Island USA,’ I’ve got some exciting news: Yes, five years on, I’ve rekindled a relationship!

In the autumn of 2019, the couple who came second in the first season of Love Island USA were dating for some time before they announced their separation on their individual Instagram Stories. Alex, the lacrosse coach, confirmed the breakup, saying “Alex and I are no longer together.” He added that sometimes relationships don’t work out as planned.

Alex conveyed that “experiencing heartache can be tough,” expressing further, “For me, our relationship felt like a magical fairy tale, yet sadly, not all stories have a happy ending.

Despite not emerging victorious, the beloved couple from Love Island USA attempted to navigate long-distance relationships by traveling to spend holidays together. However, in a YouTube video posted in July 2020, Caro openly shared that she had ended the relationship. She explained, “He didn’t seem as committed to our relationship as I was, which is why I chose to end it.

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

In her Instagram post for Mother’s Day 2025, she expressed gratitude saying: “Amina, I am honored to be your mother. There’s nothing greater than that in my life.

The U.S. version of the show featured an unexpected pairing between Kyra and Cashel. After sending Cashel home, Kyra decided to exit the show to explore if there was still a chance for them. However, she discovered that he had already returned. Sadly, the musically-talented duo parted ways in October 2019.

It’s true that by the end of November, Kyra and Cashel had made up. Nevertheless, their romantic connection came to an end permanently in February 2020.

He remarked on the podcast that they gave it their best shot. In his opinion, they are at different stages in life…To tell the truth, I believe she blocked my phone number.

Kyra made appearances on various shows, such as “Match Me If You Can” in 2021, “The Challenge: USA” in 2022 (a show that Cashel also participated in), and “Love Island Games” in 2023. However, she found her match not on-camera but with dental student and ex-basketball player Tal Sahar in 2024.

In May 2025, Cashel was imprisoned in Utah for allegations involving domestic violence and assault, as indicated by online documents. A fresh set of accusations for assault and domestic violence were brought against him the subsequent month.

As reported by NBC News, Cashel has refuted the accusations. His lawyer, Andrew K. Deesing, communicated to the news outlet, “My client and his family are going through an extremely tough period, and we ask for their privacy to be protected while we vigorously work to safeguard his name and reputation. At this point, we’re still in the early phases of this matter and have no additional comments at the moment.

In contrast to many doubting their long-term prospects, the couple from the villa on season one of the US show, Weston and Emily, actually dated in real life for a short while before eventually parting ways.

In a YouTube video from last May, she candidly admitted that Weston and I have parted ways. As it stands, I’m enjoying the single life once more. Our relationship was like a roller coaster ride, filled with ups and downs, but the toughest part was definitely the distance, as I was still in college.

In the tenth season of “Love Island UK,” the winning couple exited the villa triumphantly. However, they announced their separation only two months afterwards, in October 2023.

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

He mentioned that we had a private discussion, but since Jess is still gone, we haven’t been able to talk face-to-face yet. In his Instagram Story, he expressed that he hoped to clarify things—specifically, if there was a chance for our relationship to be salvaged. He felt this was the most respectful way to proceed.

Sammy stated, “Though things didn’t go as planned today, I believe Jess is truly exceptional, and I sincerely hope she experiences nothing but the best.

By mid-2025, Sammy graced the screen on “Love Island: All Stars,” and there, he developed a bond with Elma Pazar. However, whispers of a possible separation between them began circulating in June 2025.

In the inaugural winter edition of “Love Island”, the victorious pair quickly became a couple and managed to maintain their relationship through every challenge that the villa threw at them.

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

Paige expressed during an appearance on ‘Love Island: After Sun’ in June 2023 that she and Finley are still close friends. However, she mentioned they grew apart over time. Yet, in August 2024, Finley introduced a new relationship on Instagram. Although they initially kept her identity hidden, The Sun confirmed in June 2025 that he’s dating Jess Hale now.

2020 runners-up of “Winter Love Island,” Siânnie and Luke, discovered their romance within the villa and continued their relationship for nearly a year following the show. Unfortunately, they parted ways in November 2021.

Yet, he quickly moved on and became engaged to Chelsea Menna barely a year afterward, in the year 2022.

During his time at Casa Amor, the scaffolder was widely disliked in the U.K. when he chose Molly over popular contestant Shaughna Phillips. Eventually, due to public vote, the couple was removed from the villa.

For a span of three years following their time on the island, they remained as a pair, but in the year 2023, they chose different paths.

The next year, they both participated in ‘Love Island: All Stars’. Molly paired up with Tom Clare and eventually won the season together. On the other hand, Callum developed a relationship with Jess Gale and finished as runners-up. However, Callum and Jess broke up in 2024 (with Callum now dating Yasmin Deplidge), whereas Molly and Tom remain together.

Initially well-liked at the start of season six, Nas eventually lost favor among fans when he broke up with Demi Jones to pursue a relationship with Eva following Casa Amor.

Although Nas and Eva were eliminated from the program, they continued their relationship and officially declared it public in July 2020.

Despite speculation about their relationship status arising in August 2023, when Eva was seen wearing a ring on her left hand, Nas officially announced in March 2024 that they had broken up.

Sadly, Eva and I have chosen to part ways,” Nas posted on his Instagram Story. “It’s not due to any negativity or misconduct; instead, it was a joint and entirely friendly decision we both made.

He mentioned, “Over the last few months, we’ve been attempting to resolve issues, but ultimately concluded that it was in our best interest. We’re now content with how things stand.

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

In an unusual turn of events, one unanticipated pairing from the winter season finished in third position; however, their relationship didn’t last long as they parted ways a few months following their departure from the villa.

Demi shared with MailOnline in June 2020 that the relationship is over for good. She believes it ended more on his part than hers, but they remain cordial. The lockdown and their geographical distance drove them apart. With little communication effort from both sides, they naturally grew distant.

Since then, Luke has formed a relationship with Lucie Donlan from season five, and they made their romance public in July 2020. The two of them became engaged in the year that followed.

Regarding Demi, she featured on the show “Love Island: All Stars” in the year 2024, which is where she encountered Luis Morrison. Unfortunately, their relationship didn’t last beyond that year as they parted ways.

In the fourth spot during season six, a relatively quiet couple was together for multiple months, but they parted ways in June 2020.

In an update for my dear Instagram family, I wanted to clarify that Ched and I have parted ways amicably. Rest assured, our friendship remains strong, and I hold nothing but good wishes for him in his future endeavors. I’m grateful for the overwhelming support you’ve shown us during our journey together in the villa.

Ah, that was a tough pill to swallow. Isn’t it frustrating when the victorious couple from a reality show splits up soon after? Despite entering the villa only weeks before the finale and Greg being one of the latest Islanders to arrive, the beloved duo claimed the victory in season five. However, their relationship didn’t last long; they parted ways just weeks afterwards.

After some debate and disagreement over the specifics of their breakup (it seems Greg, a rugby player living in Ireland, ended it through text messages), Amber stated on Loose Women, “I believe our careers and the distance were always an issue. It was something we were aware of, so I’m not sure what shifted. I wanted to keep things going, but it is what it is, in essence.

Regarding Greg, he expressed his thoughts on RTE’s The Late Late Show by saying, “She resides in the UK; she’s highly sought after by brands and events worldwide. Naturally, she deserves all the success she has achieved. Consequently, I chose to return to Ireland and focus on my work here.

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

Following a passionate beginning to their relationship, the Instagram influencer and the boxer proved to be the strongest pair in season five. Therefore, it was quite unexpected that they placed as runners-up.

In July 2024, they became engaged; this happened precisely six months after the arrival of their daughter named Bambi. However, Molly-Mae unexpectedly announced their separation in August 2024.

She sadly informed everyone through Instagram Stories that her relationship with Tommy has concluded. However, she will eternally appreciate the most valuable aspect of her life, her precious daughter. Our union made her possible, and she will always remain my top priority.

In an episode of her Amazon Prime series, “Molly-Mae: Behind It All”, which aired in May 2025, she disclosed that she and Tommy had decided to try rekindling their romance once more.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but reminisce about one of the most divisive couples from Love Island season five. After weathering quite a storm of drama, they managed to prove their skeptics wrong by not only surviving post-villa life in 2019, but thriving and taking their relationship to new heights beyond those sunny villa walls.

In my expertise as a lifestyle guide, I’d say: “I advocate mutual trust, be discerning about news from the media, and above all, remain humble amidst fame.” This is our secret to maintaining a strong bond, as I shared during an appearance on UK’s ‘This Morning.’ Staying grounded is key.

However, the pair broke up in March 2020. 

Maura expressed in an Instagram post that she and Curtis have chosen to go their separate ways after having a wonderful journey together on Love Island. She appreciated everyone who supported their relationship along the way.

However, Curtis’ Love Island adventure didn’t stop there. After participating briefly in Love Island: Games in 2023, he returned for Love Island: All Stars two years later, where he and Ekin-Su finished third. Yet, their relationship ended a few months after the show concluded.

Ekin-Su revealed on her Instagram in May 2025, as reported by People, that Curtis and she have chosen to part ways. This was not an easy choice, but it was a decision made with mutual love and respect for each other. He is an extraordinary individual, and I will forever value the memories we created together, both inside and outside of the villa.

Approximately a year since Ekin-Su and Davide were crowned champions of Love Island season eight (2022), he revealed that they had ended their relationship.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram back in June 2023, I expressed that my journey with @ekinsuofficial has come to an end. I am eternally thankful for the shared moments and chances we had together. I ask everyone to honor our decision during these challenging times. Rest assured, I will remain a steadfast supporter of Ekin’s future endeavors.

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

In an Instagram post in January 2024, as captured by Cosmopolitan UK, Ekin-Su expressed that the past 18 months had been a series of highs and lows, similar to any relationship. She stated that she and Davide desired to make their relationship succeed since they held each other in high regard. Regrettably, she has chosen to conclude the relationship and move forward individually. Breakups are never straightforward, affecting every couple. We kindly ask for our privacy during this difficult time. The moments we shared together were precious.

In the year 2024 during the summer months, Davide started a new romantic relationship with Iris Au. Simultaneously, Ekin-Su and Curtis engaged in dating outside of their villa residences after finishing third on Love Island: All Stars in early 2025. Regrettably, they parted ways several months later.

Although Ovie and India entered the villa after most other couples (with Ovie’s entrance happening during the controversial Casa Amor weeks and India joining shortly afterward), they managed to reach the finale, finishing third in Love Island’s fifth season in 2019.

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

She expressed to MailOnline that it’s undeniably challenging, as any separation is difficult. However, she added that it becomes particularly tough when the split occurs under public scrutiny. Nevertheless, she assured that she will manage and is grateful for her tight-knit circle of female friends who have been extremely supportive during this 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 partnership. However, upon his exit from the villa, she swiftly advanced by dating several other men, even confessing to harbor deep feelings for someone already in a relationship – Tommy. Hence, it came as a shock to fans when they disclosed that they were seeing each other post-season.

Similarly to how their first love story ended, the surfer and the sandwich maker found their second attempt at a relationship didn’t last either, as they parted ways in early December 2019.

Meanwhile, Lucie is currently betrothed to Luke from season six, but it appears that Joe, who attempted to court someone during All Stars in 2024, is relishing his current unmarried status instead.

After their stint in the villa ended, Anton and Belle, who were one of the couples to split up quickly afterward, have managed to maintain a friendship, but Anton has made it clear that there will be no romantic reconciliation between them.

As a dedicated app creator, I made it clear to Mail Online that such speculation is absolutely unfounded. Currently, our bond is strictly platonic – almost akin to being close siblings. It’s no longer the type of relationship that could be misconstrued as anything more intimate.

In the year 2024, Anton made an appearance on “Love Island: All Stars”. During his stay, he finished in fifth place alongside Georgia Harrison. Unfortunately, their relationship didn’t last long after the show.

As the third season approached its climax, fans of beloved character Camilla began to fear the worst. But just when things seemed dire, Jamie unexpectedly appeared on the scene, making it evident whose side he was on. Aww, isn’t that romantic!

Since their initial encounter back in 2017, Camilla and Jamie have consistently been on the rise, ultimately ending up in second place. They exchanged vows in September 2021 and are proud parents to three lovely children: Nell, born in October 2020, followed by Nora in May 2022, and Brodie who joined their family in May 2024.

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2025-07-15 17:49