The latest batch of Love Island stars have been given a warning as a past winner revealed the relationship difficulties faced outside of the villa
The current series of Love Island has came to a close in a history-making final on Monday. Viewers of the hit ITV2 dating show voted for their winners of series 12, crowning Toni Laites and Cach Mercer as their champions.
The duo’s win sees them exit the villa with £50,000 to share and a cross-Atlantic relationship to figure out. Toni became the first American contestant on the UK version of the reality show, with her current role seeing her reside in Las Vegas. With Cach being UK-based, the duo have a big decision to make on their future.
They hinted on Monday’s live finale they may split their time between the two countries after declaring their love for each other. It comes after Maya Jama surprised Harry Cooksley with her honest admission over his coupling with Shakira Khan.
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But now, a former Love Island winner has revealed his own struggles with long-distance relationships after leaving famous villa. Casey O’Gorman won Love Island All Stars series two alongside Gabby Allen. However, shortly after their victory, the duo went their separate ways and are no longer together.
Speaking to Heart Bingo, Casey admitted it is difficult to navigate a long-distance pairing after leaving the villa. He said: “It’s so overwhelming with everything going on – it’s hard to keep the relationship going. You do need to make time for that person if you want to make it work. A lot of people do find it hard.”
He also said a relationship post Love Island is hard as you have all eyes on you. Casey confessed the pressures involved in such attention can be hard for a lot of people.
And he also offered the current crop of islanders his personal advice after admitting it is easy to get “swept away by fame” after appearing on the show. He told them to “stay grounded” now they’re back in the real world.
“I think the important thing is speaking to people who have been through the same process and know what you want to do,” he said. “Find your niche, because it’s so easy to come out and ride the wave, then crash. I would definitely say and encourage them to speak out to ex-Islanders.”
And Casey admitted he wouldn’t be at all surprised to see any of the latest series’ batch of contestants back in the villa in time for the third edition of Love Island All Stars. Prior to the winners being announced, he was asked who he thought would be best on the spin-off version of the dating show. “Harry, Toni or Harrison,” he claimed.
“If any of them are single – they’ve got another five months – I’m sure you’ll see a couple of their faces back on it.”
The third series of All Stars was recently confirmed for 2026. Speaking on the renewal, Mike Spencer-Hayter, Creative Director at Lifted Entertainment, said: “Love Island: All Stars has quickly established itself as a stand-alone hit, keeping fans of the show gripped by iconic Islanders from the past 10 years returning for another chance to find love.
“We are very excited about series 3 and you can expect the twists and turns to continue in All Stars, after an incredible smash hit summer series.”
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