EXCLUSIVE: Toni Laites On What REALLY Happened In Love Island, BEEF With Olivia & Moving To The UK!

I lowkey have beef with you about this. >> No, I know. You spilled my tea on the radio before I could. Guys, hey, who's the most famous person you ever waited on? >> Cardi B and her whole entire family. >> I think our series was that series where like people were having sex a lot and no one give a What was your feelings of Helena at the time? Cuz she had a mixed reception. >> I think Helena is a very smart girl. I hope she learns her lesson. For the first time in my life, I

felt like no one liked me. No, I don't think they really ever respected me until it was the end. Do you not? Really? Not. >> No. Why did you choose Harrison in that recoupling? Hi dolls. Welcome back to Olivia's house. I am joined by, we fact checked this beforehand, my first Love Island guest in the clubhouse and my guest's Very first podcast. You guys, it's Tony latest. >> How the [ __ ] am I your first podcast? >> I was being patient, >> babe. I'm [ __ ] honored. >> I wanted to do the right

one. >> Guys, no [ __ ] pressure. Like to everyone in my team. If she has a bad experience, this all this is all on you. I was all on you >> because you must have had offers. >> Yeah, but like they were messy or I Didn't feel like I related to them. >> Fair. I relate to you, >> girl. We're going to get on. I just know it. I mean, there's so much to talk about and we're going to go for it step by step. But before we get started, I think you know the

house rules cuz you've listened to the pod. >> I did my research. >> You did your research. What would you like to leave at the door? >> Council tax. >> Yeah. Let's round of applause for that to be fair. Yeah. >> Okay. Let's we might as well get into it straight away because you went viral on Tik Tok for talking about council tax. So, just to be clear, is that not a thing in the States? No. >> So when So you applied for your residency, your British working visa, whatever, >> all of that. >> And

then how long did you wait before They bill landed on your door? >> I think it was 4 days. I was in my apartment and I checked the mail for the first time. They got me. >> One thing about the UK government is they will collect their money. They won't do [ __ ] all else. They still collect their money. >> That's why America left. So literally it comes through and you be like, "What's this for? What am I paying for? >> Yeah, because in America you don't pay like property tax unless you own property.

>> Yeah. >> I don't own that apartment. >> You're just renting it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. There's so much to talk about with moving to the UK and like everything there. We'll come back to it, but let's go like pre- Love Island, right? Who is Tony Pre Love Island? What were you do? Well, I know what you were doing and we're going to share a funny story in a minute, but in your words, what were you doing sort of the six months leading up to Love Island? I was half unemployed, half waitress. >> Okay. >>

Cuz in Vegas, the pools are only open eight months out of the year. >> Yeah. >> Cuz the it's obviously winter time and it gets cold and the pool closes and Turns into an ice skating rink. So I would move back to Florida for the winter and I had just gotten back to Vegas to get my job back at the Fountain Blue Pool. And I was just walking around the pool like it was a normal day. I wasn't thinking anything of it. >> So you're like is it do you refer to it as bottle girl

or cabana girl? What's the like kind of >> I was technically like a cabana waitress. I didn't work at the club at The hotel. It was like the regular family pool. Don't get me wrong, there's bottle service and crazy people, but at the same time, you could bring your kids if you really want to. >> Okay. So, it's quite like a chilled vibe compared to some of the others. >> Yeah. Like we had a club at the hotel, but I didn't work at the club. The club was only open on the weekends. I worked every

day. >> What hotel was it? >> The Fountain Blue. >> Oh, so it's the hotel and the pool is there. That makes sense. Um, and by like some fate in one of the cabanas happens to be Mike Spencer, who's the executive producer of Love Island. And you guys probably heard me talk about Mike before. So Mike cast me for my series of Love Island 2017. He's also produced a number of my shows and he meets you. You're serving him and his hus well new husband. >> He was on his honeymoon. >> Is on his honeymoon.

And you guys start chatting and did he did he kind of like sort of mention the idea of Love Island to you there and then or >> I lowkey have beef with you about this. >> No, I know you've heard. >> Yeah, you you spilled my tea on the radio before I could, guys. Okay, I So, I don't know why Mike told me the story. So, Mike's like, I've met this girl. She's working in the hotel. She's such a [ __ ] vibe. I'm going to try and put her forward to the show. I was

like, oh my god. Like I remember the messages. I was like, "Get you like no days off. You're literally like street casting on your honeymoon." Hilarious. >> And then when I met you, we like I was like, "Oh my god, I'm like finally meeting you now." Like might cast you. >> I was fresh out. >> Fresh out. And then I went on the radio a few days later talked about meeting You and like told your story. Wait, >> which one I just I don't know why I just assumed that it was a story that like

everyone's always so interested in casting stories. And two, the British press, they just like love to twist things obviously. And cuz you won your series, >> they will do that. >> It's not fair. It was a fix. I was like, "Sorry, someone being like street casted is the most organic way of getting onto A show. Like people get on to reality shows all kinds of like nonauthentic ways now. Through agents, through like friends of friends, through like referrals. That is like the most organic way you could possibly get cost." >> It wasn't a secret by

any means. No, but you just >> I just wanted to tell the story myself. >> She's forgiven me enough to come on the podcast, guys. I'm so sorry. And Mike messaged me saying >> I think he was more mad than I was. >> He was like you and your big [ __ ] trap. And I was like I just messaged I'm so sorry. I was like cuz one I just assumed someone had told that story somewhere cuz it's such a I think it's such a nice story and I was like two I didn't it's not

like it has any undertone of like where anyone's done anything wrong. So, I was like, but just Yeah, I'm I apologize. >> Thank you. >> What was your reaction when it hit the press? Were you like this [ __ ] [ __ ] >> Like, we had a 5-second conversation and this is what she got out of it. >> But no, like no harm. >> Well, anyway, I remember speaking to Mike, he talked about you and then you turned up in the villa and obviously you had such a big impact. You were like a bombshell

but a day one. So, like you were the first, you arrived after the main >> lineup. How did that feel? Were you nervous? >> Yeah, because I had no idea what was going on. Like, normally when you go in as a bombshell, you get to see the cast beforehand, you know who's going to be there. >> I had no clue >> cuz you were just basically an original, but you just had like a couple of hours gap >> before. They literally didn't show me Anyone. So, when I walked in on that first day, I didn't

really realize it was the first day until I got there. And my decision to pick Ben really was blind >> because you just had no idea who you should go for. >> I didn't know any of them. And if I'm being completely honest, I didn't really like any of them. So I I just just saying >> the first day when you look at the lineup cuz I had this in my series and I Was like I don't fancy any of these men. Like what the [ __ ] am I going to do? What was your

knowledge of Love Island? Like you were obviously like you're from Connecticut. You were like working in Vegas. Our Love Island UK was quite big in the States, wasn't it? >> Yeah, but I never watched it. We have so many reality TV shows in America that like >> I wasn't going to watch anything about the UK. I had heard of it, of course, But Love Island USA was also getting really big. >> Yeah. >> Like season 6, which would have been last year, two years ago at this point, was huge. That was like the big outbreak

for Love Island USA. So that's what people were focused on. >> I had never seen an episode of UK. I mean, it's a really bold move to like take that leap because also you could have just like held out and thought, Well, if he thinks I'm good for this, I could just try for the American one. What kind of made you think, no, [ __ ] it. I'm going to fly to the UK. Don't know anyone. Join them. That's ballsy cuz it's quite scary anyway, let alone going into like another country where you're kind of

out of your comfort zone, I so to speak. >> I had kind of been just like living a do it for the plot lifestyle. Like, I obviously grew up in Connecticut. I Actually went to college in Florida. Okay. >> Like 45 minutes outside of Miami. So I had 4 years in Miami before I even moved to Vegas. >> So you've done some partying. >> Yeah, that's for damn sure. >> Miami or Vegas? >> Vegas for partying. Miami for a living. >> Okay. Nice. >> I think people in Vegas give less [ __ ] and you

can just go out and have a good Time. Everyone in Miami stands in the club like this. >> Yeah. I feel like everyone goes to Vegas and they like and everyone who watches my stuff knows my love for Vegas. I've been like I think I've been like 10 times. It's like everyone just goes and throws everything at the wall. They're like, "Fuck it." Like it's just [ __ ] it culture. What's one of the wildest things you've seen when you're working and living in Vegas? >> I think crazier stuff happened in Miami. >> Really? >>

Yeah. Like the hotel that I worked at, it was the same hotel in both states. >> Okay. So, the same chain. >> Yeah. Well, it's not even a chain. There's one in Miami. It's been open since 1954. >> You know, Live Nightclub. >> Yeah. >> It's that hotel. >> Oh, oh, [ __ ] Of course. >> So, like that. Every time I go into that hotel though, I'm like in that reception, that like lobby, and I can't even [ __ ] see trying to get down the steps. >> It's known for that. It's known for

like being a celebrity hot spot. It's known for being party. They most recently opened the one in Vegas. It's only been open for about 2 years now. >> Yeah. >> So, I was like the original staff at Vegas. >> Okay. >> Crazier [ __ ] happened in Miami. I would walk into the cabana and there would be people sitting on faces. >> Oh, [ __ ] >> Yeah. Like celebrities are constantly at the hotel. Vegas was just catching on. It's a brand new hotel. >> Well, that's what I was thinking. I feel like I'm like

a Vegas regular at this point. I was thinking I can't imagine Where the fountain blue is. >> It's the biggest, tallest blue building. They've been building it for 15 years. It's all the way at the end by the wind. >> Fine. >> Next time you go, you have to stay there. >> Well, now I will know. >> I understand. >> Really? >> There's like 36 restaurants, a nightclub, a day club, the regular pool With like seven pools. Yeah. >> Wow. >> It's beautiful. They just got Michelin rated the whole hotel. Who's the most famous person

you've ever waited on? >> I've met all of them. Athletes, rappers, like the doctors from Botched. >> Oh my god. Like Terry Devo. >> Yes. Like Cardi B and her whole entire family. >> Offset was there. Amber Rose was there. Like it it was everybody. >> Who's who's like which genre of people is like the best tippers? Like athletes, >> garbage men, >> what? People in regular jobs. >> Seriously. >> Celebrities don't tip. Right. Expand cuz that's >> they don't. >> That's so gross. >> They want everything for free. >> Fair and like I think

hardworking like garbage men or >> saved up for this trip. >> Yeah. Like they worked for it. They understand what it's like because yeah, my job was glamorous, but at the same time I'm standing outside in a bikini in a million degree heat on my feet for 10 hours. >> And that heat is no joke. >> Dealing with drunk [ __ ] all day. Yeah. >> So there's like a certain type of person that appreciates the work you're in. Without just Oh, they're kind of creepy, too, but they did really well. >> What um what's

the biggest tip you ever got? >> Probably like two grand from the garbage men. >> From the I'm obsessed. Did you Was it quite hard to like set your boundaries? Cuz I'm sure cuz you're gorgeous. I'm sure there was so many [ __ ] men that would be like, you know, trying to chat you up. Like, how Do you navigate that? And it's like you were like young as well. >> You're busy. Like I was really really good at what I did. M I trained everyone on the staff. I was probably known as having like

the most sales at both properties. So like I was focused. >> Yeah. >> And like if if you don't have cash in my face, I'm not really going to give you the time of day, unfortunately. You have to like manage your time the same way You do at any other job. >> Yeah. >> You know who's a bullshitter. >> So if you're standing around just chatting [ __ ] with someone when you could be like say selling a bottle to another table, it's a waste of your time. >> Yeah. >> Did you ever meet anyone

nice when you're doing it who actually were like, "Yeah, I go on a date with you." No, we Would usually just party. >> God, it's like making me just like we're going to go to Vegas this summer for my birthday and my sister's been on my case all morning. It's like making me like just talking about it. Um, okay. Let's talk about Love Island then as we touched on. So, you were like a bombshell but an original day one lineup. What was your like first impression, first 24 hours in the villa? What was going through

your head? >> That was [ __ ] awful. That whole first week was awful. It's It's pretty um You feel like I felt like I was in a weird dream. Every morning I woke up and I was like, "The [ __ ] am I? This is just so weird. >> You're very like disassociated." >> Yeah. >> And I think for the first time in my life, I felt like no one liked me. Like I didn't fit in. >> I've never felt like that. >> No. >> But like a I came in on the first day,

stole Ben. Luckily, Shakira was very understanding about that. >> Yeah. >> But then it obviously didn't work out with him by like day two. So, I was like, "What am I doing here? I really wasn't interested in anyone else." >> No. And it's I I think when you like the first days of love and when you're not interested in anyone, I was trying to Explain to someone the other day, you start to panic a little bit because you're like, "The whole point of this is to couple up with someone." And even though it's so early

days, you feel very vulnerable. And also, it's hard to like pretend. I know people like, "Oh, you just pretend." It's that's easier said than done. I I can't really do that with a guy. >> I think it was easier to be myself. >> Yeah. >> I don't want to pretend. No, >> I caused hell and havoc in that villa like just because I was being myself. >> You didn't take any [ __ ] You were like you became popular. Like I think you had an arc where people were like kind of like you sussing you

out like this American girl like who is she? And then you had a couple of clapbacks where I think people were like, "Okay, she's [ __ ] cool. Doesn't take any shit." Like you weren't a [ __ ] with it. You Just like very much like stood your ground. And do you feel like you kind of earned the respect of your fellow islanders by being like that? >> No, I don't think they really ever respected me until it was the end. >> Do you not really not? >> No. I think one of the hardest parts

about it was none of those boys would even give an American a chance. >> Why isn't that? >> I don't know. It It really surprised me, Especially because I was so set on the fact that I would move here, but no one believed me, >> right? >> Nobody believed me. I'm like, then what the hell am I doing here? So they thought you'll come in, do this show, get your like couple of minutes, and you're going to [ __ ] off. So what's the point? >> There was many times where first public vote, I was

in the bottom. Yas came in, Said I was [ __ ] for saying I would move here. Like Tommy said I was there for fame. >> I [ __ ] hate when people say that cuz it's like what we all like. That's literally what I said. I'm like >> go on [ __ ] Bumble then if you don't want to be on like [ __ ] honestly [ __ ] off. Like it's so redundant. >> Yeah, it was just like a whole culmination of things. I even read things now like on Reddit they thought I

Was a paid actor or a mole sent in by a production to like basically sort of like just report back and like [ __ ] with the the plot and everything. >> You went from Ben to Connor, Connor to Harrison. What was it about Harrison? Like guys, there was if you're listening to this and not watching, there was a little wse. What was it that kind of attracted you to Harrison? >> I think it really was just like the American aspect of things. We went to The same college. >> Did you really? >> Yeah. >>

That's crazy. So, it was just like a bit of like a familiarity like I I feel like I know something. And then it was Helena who jumped in and broke that one up. What's um what was your feelings of Helena at the time? Cuz she had a mixed reception. >> I think Helena is a very smart girl. >> Oh, really? >> I do. Like she may make some silly decisions, but she knows what she's doing. Ah, >> she does. And like I don't hate the girl. No, >> it's Love Island. But like I think she

was also very lost >> during that time with Harry and she was doing I guess what she had to. >> Yeah. >> I don't hold the grudge against a girl. I I I literally don't give a [ __ ] >> And obviously she's back on All Stars now. It feels like she's like continuing a very similar arc almost. Like that's what people online are saying. Have you watched any? >> I've seen it. What what are your thoughts at this point of it so far? >> I hope she learns her lesson. I really wish her the

best. Like, everyone deserves to find love. >> Yeah. >> It's not just me. >> No. This would you if you were single, would you go on? >> Hell no. >> Not even a hesitation. >> No. >> Why? >> It was hard in there. >> Yeah. >> Like for me personally, I'm an only child. I've never had to share anything. So that is you're going in the [ __ ] Deep end when you're like fighting over hair straighteners with like 10 other girls. >> I would hide things away in my drawers. Like I'm sorry I'm not

sharing my lip liner. I'm I'm not that kind of girl. I don't like when people wear my clothes. >> Oh my god, I'm obsessed with this honesty. >> Like sleeping in a bedroom with that many people was crazy. During Kasa there was people sleeping outside. >> They There is a point there's like if you do the whole run, there is a point when it's just there's too many [ __ ] people there. There's too many [ __ ] people. And also my series, I don't know, are you can tell me what it was like in

your series. Everyone was sexually active. No, you're in this small [ __ ] room where people are having a sex like a meter away from you. I almost lie at the night thinking, I can't do this. I can just hear things That no one should hear this cuz I think our series was that series where like people were having sex a lot and no one give a [ __ ] And it's so yeah, >> I think people know now that that's probably not the right decision to make. >> They probably just feel way too exposed.

That was my whole thought. I'm like, "No, >> no." That honestly some couple I'm not going to out people. I mean, people know who it was, but some couples in my Series were at it like [ __ ] rabbits. It was like, it was no secret. But I think, like you say, the cultures changed and I think then I think people come out and it's discussed and I think we were under some naivity as well, I think, at that point about how much was being shown or how much was being discussed. And well, we found

out very quickly. So on Caser Moore is where you met Cash which is you know finding love in the Casmore period is a very rare Because normally there's Slim Pickings. Normally I think I always say this and this is like maybe controversial. I always feel like Casmore is like normally more um the boys get a better time with it. >> Definitely. They had a whole extra day than us. >> [ __ ] really. And I also like sometimes I feel like the I don't know. No, I remember when our Casa boys arrived, we were like

the [ __ ] like >> we got a good group. >> You got really good. >> Like I think there's a whole saying that we have is Kasa boys on top. >> Three Kasa boys made it to the final in our season. >> That's like [ __ ] unheard of. >> Yeah, cuz we were sick of all the OGs. >> They were like get these [ __ ] out with like we were like we're going to push you out if we if we literally last thing we do. So what attracted you to Cash was instant

vibe connection? I think obviously I was done with who I had been with before >> and I don't know there's this thing for me where I don't think of people if they're not in front of me. >> Are you ADHD? >> Not unsure. >> Okay. This >> undiagnosed. >> Yeah. I'm very similar. I need to see the person and Yeah. So you kind of got In there and you were like yeah Harrison who? >> Cash was my focus and I think I liked he didn't pull one single person for a chat. Not one. I pulled

him. Right. >> Anyone that spoke to Cash during that first day, two days, they came to him. >> And did that attract you cuz he was like kind of just sitting back. He wasn't there was no desperation [ __ ] >> But he is, but it still is the same way now whereas like he's not friendly with Other women besides me. >> That's I love that. >> Yes. I like that. I'm I'm I I can't bear like men that have time for everyone. >> He has time for no one. >> That's I know. And so

many people will just like hate on me for talking. I've spoken this way before and people are like, "You're a freak." But I'm like, "Even if a girl's getting crushed by her dumbbells in the gym, it's not your [ __ ] business. >> Let someone else [ __ ] help her." Like, that is always my stance. Don't busy yourself with another female's issue. It's like just you concentrate on me. >> So, you you like you hit it off at that point. You, Yas, and Shakira, you are like already close, right? >> Yeah. What was it

about those two girls and you guys have been, you know, kind of this unbreakable little threesome ever since that kind of drew you to each Other? >> We call ourselves the outcasts, >> which I'm obsessed with. >> We were ostracized. >> And don't you have Juicure tracksuits? That's They're so cool. >> Thanks, Juicy. >> So cool. >> Shout out Juicy Couture, which I probably should have stocks in cuz when I was a [ __ ] 18, I had every single color and I wish I'd not got rid of Them. >> They're back. They're so cool.

>> They're back. Um, yeah, you guys were the outcast. I mean, yeah. And there was that I think we saw something in your series that we had never seen so obviously of such a divide of the girls. Like, it really was you three and the others >> against the world. >> And And why do you think that was? >> Cuz we spoke up for ourselves. >> Yeah. >> Like Shakira and I's friendship started because a I took Ben from her and then she had to find someone else to couple up with or have someone step

forward for her because she was single cuz I stole Ben. Then none of the girls liked Shakira because she was going after who they were with. But she had to. >> Yeah. >> It was like survival of the fittest at that point. And then Yas came in doing Yas things. And honestly, her and I didn't get along at first. >> I went off on her the second she got in there for calling me [ __ ] But then it also became the same. The other girls didn't like her. I don't think anyone deserves to feel

alone in there. >> No. >> It's very lonely. >> Yeah. and we just all came together and it thankfully worked out for us. But like we didn't know that the public Would receive it so well. >> When you're in a villa with 15, 20 people who don't like you, you start to believe why would anyone else? You know what I mean? >> 100%. So you definitely didn't you didn't have any inkling that the public were getting behind you guys in such a way. >> Hell no. The first public vote Shakira and I were at the

bottom. >> Isn't that mad? Then you went on to win. When did it start to feel real that you're like, "Oh my god, I'm going to see this thing all the way to the end." >> I think when Maya announced at the end during LiFest who the two favorite girls were, it was Yas and I. >> And were you like, did it shock you? >> I was like, "What the fuck?" Like really? Because again, the first public vote bottom. >> Yeah. >> Not in the middle, bottom. And then like I obviously knew what happened between

Cash would not help my public image whatsoever, but I did show a lot of remorse. Like I [ __ ] him over. >> Okay. Okay. >> He said it was one of the most embarrassing moments of his life. I I made him cry on television. >> Wait, but in what? I can't In what circumstance? >> When I chose Harrison in a recoupling. >> Sorry. Yes. Uh and then he You thought There's no coming back from that? I thought there was absolutely no no coming back from that. But I show showed a lot of vulnerability and

remorse in that situation in that situation cuz I felt awful. >> Why did you choose Harrison in that recoupling? >> I think I was a stupid girl who made a similar decision to what I would have made in the past when I maybe like didn't have so much respect for myself. >> I think every girl has gone through this. We always go through the guide like that we shouldn't. >> Yeah. >> And I did it. But do you know what I think about you and I think that why you were so popular and why you

went on to win and why I like you and I think why you make a good TV star is that people that can [ __ ] up but narrate their mistakes. I think that's when people can relate to you cuz it's like it's okay Actually to make the wrong decision if you can like actually tell that story to the viewers and like bring them in. It's it's it's quite a skill to like go into the beach and like tell people your thought process and like really like kind of lay it bare and then I think

that humanizes you and people go, "Okay, yeah, she made a [ __ ] she made a mistake." >> And then you get redemption. Yeah, we all do. But I think for some people That's really difficult and I think that's when they they don't have a redemption arc because people are like they don't they can't understand their thought process. >> Did you ever think that you would be still with cash now? >> Yeah, I did. really when did you what part in the show so you so you do recoup couple you obviously go on to win

when did you like start to feel like [ __ ] I these like these are serious feelings Like these aren't just like love island feelings it's like >> he told me he loved me the night before the final off camera by the way because like there's no filming the day before the final obviously >> it's like this really weird down day isn't it where you kind of feel like you're like humans like out in the wild >> but they're still listening >> they're listening but >> there's still microphones in the bed Yeah, >> you still

have your mic on. There still keep a check on the story like nothing drastically changes, but it feels a little bit more like you're kind of >> kind of normal. >> Yeah. >> And what was the reaction to that? I mean, that's huge. >> I haven't heard that in so long. So, it was crazy to me. I haven't had a man Tell me they loved me in forever. It was It was literally a shock. >> I mean, it's a nice thing to hear. >> I wasn't expecting it. No, I'm sure. >> And it meant even

more because I knew the cameras weren't rolling. >> So, you knew was like there's no way this is for like any hidden agenda or like trying to make a ditch for the final. Like it's like he this is how he felt. >> He meant it. >> But I really think I've told him this before too that like I truly fell in love with him after the show. >> Yeah. >> When we were able to be normal cuz I think Cash is a lot more shy than people assume he is. And I could tell that he

wasn't being his full outgoing self on the show. >> Okay. >> Again, it's hard. There were days where we were all grumpy and tired and we Didn't want to do it anymore by the end. >> Yeah. >> So then after leaving, he was literally my rock. Like moving here, I I could not have done without him. >> It's such a like you feel like you've been thrown out of the frying pan into the fire when you leave Love Island. It's like a whirlwind. How important was that having him like kind of by your side through

all that? >> No, it would not have been possible Without him. >> Really? >> It's hard for everyone, don't get me wrong, >> but at least you guys can go home. >> Yeah. >> I was in a hotel in Shepherd's Bush with nothing but my Love Island suitcase. >> And did you see any family? Did that your family come out and see you? No. >> No, cuz I just told them I'll be back. I'll be back. But like we were busy when We first got out with all of the press. So >> you were just

like really like out here on your own. I had nothing but a suitcase full of bikinis. >> I'm I'm so serious >> for [ __ ] UK. That's going to be no good to you whatsoever. >> So like I was going to the mall every single day and buying an outfit. >> This episode is brought to you by the film Withering Heights. Okay, so Everyone's talking about the must-sea film this Valentine's Withering Heights. And it's got me thinking about love back then versus now. It's changed a lot, hasn't it? Back in the day, romance was

all about yearning, slow burning passion, and a bit of drama. Well, today, thanks to dating apps, it's a lot more fast, casual, and sometimes a little bit me. I mean, think about it. Imagine writing a letter and waiting weeks for a reply versus getting left on Red after 3 minutes on WhatsApp, traveling days and nights to declare your love compared to a video call that takes seconds, and being fixed up by an old aunt. Can you imagine? Well, this Valentine's, if you want to bring back a bit of old school yearning, there's no better way

than losing yourself in a beautiful, intoxicating, heart-wrenching love story on the big screen. Withering Heights is directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Emerald Fresnel And stars Marggo Rob and Jacob Aordi. Plus, features original songs from the brilliant Charlie XCX. Whether you're taking your other half or seeing it with your friends, get ready for laughter, tears, and a lot of romance. Weathering Heights in cinemas on February the 13th. So make sure you book your tickets now. >> What's your relationship like now? You guys you >> Oh, I'm in love. I want to get married like tomorrow. >>

No, stop. >> I'm serious. >> Do you think the engagement's on the cards? Is it Do you talk about it? >> I mean, I don't want to be delusional. >> I don't think >> I am, but like not anytime soon. He's younger than me. >> How old is he? >> He's going to be 25 in February. I turned 26 in July. >> So, you are young. >> Yeah. >> But is is this like different to any other relationship you've had? >> 100%. >> I moved to a new new country. >> It's massive. >> And like

I've never spent so much time with a man. >> Come on. He must get on your nerves sometimes. >> I think I get on his more. >> What is it like living together? >> We actually don't. >> Oh, you don't? >> This has been reported a lot. >> It's my apartment, >> right? And then he you just stay together a lot. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Eventually it will happen, but he still lives with his brother and sister and >> they're very close with each other. >> Yeah. >> I don't think he wants to leave them

in the dust. >> That's fair. >> Yeah. >> And also, I think it's quite nice, like you said, when you just moved to a new country to like create your own roots. Like you have you have a place that's yours. It's like one less layer of pressure. >> He's an incredible dancer. >> Yeah. >> He loves a dance battle. What do you think of this? >> Oh my god. I have a Tik Tok draft that I'm waiting to post. He was dancing when we were in Antigga on vacation and I was recording him and I

said, "Men used to go to war. Now they tick tock dance battle." >> Does it ever give you the ick or do you love it? >> No, cuz he's good at it. If he sucked it would be different. >> That is so valid. >> And I also respect the fact that he's been working at this for years. >> Yeah. >> He's been working on dancing and social media longer than I can even imagine. >> What was your relationship with with social media like before Love Island? Did you use it? >> It wasn't. >> It wasn't.

>> I had 3,000 Instagram followers and that's only because I've lived in so many different places and I met people every day because of work. Yeah. >> I had no Tik Tok. >> So, how many Tik Tok followers and Instagram followers do you have now? >> Over 800,000 on Instagram. I just hit 600,000 on Tik Tok. >> Is that like what was that learning curve of like managing that and like creating content? Were you like >> I hate it. No, but that is so honest cuz I do you know what? I've done like a bit

of like an arc with it where I I've fallen in love with it, but my god when I first came out of bl and I was like I just every time I opened it like throw my phone I was like I just I don't know what to do with this. Like I never used to use Instagram in that way cuz it can feel so like >> you feel so shackled by it like you have To post all the time. It's like it's very draining. Well, there was like a lot of demand when I first got

out to like >> do all these things and go on podcast and post on Tik Tok, but like >> because I had my visa, I wasn't doing any work, >> right? >> I couldn't post a minute long video on TikTok because if you made money in the country, they won't approve your visa. >> Oh [ __ ] >> And like I did want to just come on the internet and explain all of that to people >> because you're also not really supposed to talk about the visa process. >> Oh, okay. >> So, I was just

in limbo this whole time. Like I had nowhere to live. You can't get an apartment without a visa. >> Couldn't get a bank account. >> Couldn't work. So posting for me in Those first couple of months was really hard. >> Yeah. >> I wasn't happy. >> No, of course. >> I had a million and one things to figure out. I was away from home. >> I just didn't feel like myself. I'm getting into it now where like I have things to do and things to post about. >> But I don't know. I'm not one of

those people that has an easy time just Recording themselves in their bedroom. >> Yeah. I >> I'll get there. you will. And also, I feel like whatever you're doing, it's working. And it's like try I think sometimes it's like we see people that do well on social media and we think, "Okay, that's a blueprint. Let me try and copy it." But actually, the real art to it is finding your own like style. >> But I mean, you've got serious balls cuz that must have been there must have been Some like dark days. >> Oh, very

dark days. >> Did you ever think about just like throwing the towel in and like going back to the US? >> No, I'm not a quitter. >> I'm not a quitter. Like there's a too many people relying on me, counting on me, rooting for me, and I'm rooting for myself. >> Yeah. >> Like I'm not giving up now. I've been Like my team and I have been working our asses off to make sure that I am in a place where I can actually enjoy myself here. >> Yeah. >> There's no giving up. It's not an

option. >> And what's your relationship with the UK like now? Now you got your visa, you've got your place. >> We're getting there. But I also think the UK is very critical of everything. >> Okay. >> A bit more judgmental than the US. >> Yeah. >> In America, anything goes. >> That's And especially I think where you lived like Miami, Vegas, like Yeah. >> You could do whatever you wanted. >> It's London especially though because I've lived north and south of this country and London is is like that's a hard place to like launch yourself

like in the UK cuz people are people are Miserable. Let's have it right. Everyone's pissed off. Everyone's cold. Everyone's sick of paying their council tax. Like it's it's tough, I think, like you say, to to maybe like find your tribe. >> But I think at the same time, I was myself on the show and that's what people fell in love with. So, I don't have to >> pretend to be something else now. >> That's where it would have been hard if I had to maintain some fake persona that I created on a TV show, but

I don't. >> And that's where it goes wrong for a lot of people. Y'all voted for me because that's me. >> Well, you talk about M&S. >> Munch and snacks. >> Why' you call it that? >> I don't know. >> Munch and snacks. Is that your nickname for it? >> I didn't know it was Marks and Spencers. >> What's What's like snacks in the US or the UK? >> I'm not much of a snacker. >> Are you not? >> No. You see, it's weird, is it? Cuz when I'm working in the States, I'm like, "Oh

my god, everything's better." Like they have plastic straws. They >> Oh my god, the plastic straws. >> Ice with your drink, like you know, fountain soda, like you know, like good snacks. Like, so I think I think the US Trumps on that one. >> Like good like crisp flavors. All the sweets still have like poison in them. Like I want the poison. I don't want my sweets without E numbers. I want them like how they're meant to be. >> There's still some good stuff here though. >> I don't want like vegan Percy pigs. >> I

like squashers. Squashies. >> Oh, the little like they're like pink and white. Yeah, they're good. >> I like those. >> What about food like in the UK? What is your favorite kind of food? >> Probably like Italian. >> Yeah, >> pizza, pasta. But you can get good stuff here. >> Yeah, >> British food's a no for me, though. >> But I mean, at this point, as as a British person, what even is it? Like it's it's when we're we're notoriously Known for having bad food. Do you know what it is as well as like I

was just in Germany and it's like even things you going through the airport you like in in other European countries like grabbing a sandwich or a salad they just have so many fresh options and then you go back to England it's like you look in a you trying to get something quick on the go and everything just looks like it's been sat out for a week. >> Yeah. Like everything looks sweaty and I'm like why like the Germans can throw together like a bread roll with some ham and cheese and it's like fresh tastes good.

What what's so hard about that? I don't know. For some reason, we really struggle with like food on the go. And also in I like in the States like so many options for like a good salad to go. >> Again, here we've got a couple of places, but they're normally the same. >> I didn't order like extra moisture. Like What? They did not put that on my like notes on my wrote. It rained in your salad. >> We touched it briefly, but let's talk about what you guys were known as the big three in the

villa. We didn't call ourselves that. >> No, that's fair. You called yourselves the outcast. >> You, Yas, and Shakira. And I mean, God, you you've been iconic as a trio. Like, sorry, ID magazine. Like, what the [ __ ] I was gagged. Like, what the [ __ ] >> We had no idea >> what into what sense. >> Like, what that would even mean like just like a cultural reset. It's like a big [ __ ] fashion magazine. >> It was like one of the first press opportunities that we were offered. They contacted ITV. >>

We're like, "Sure, >> the weather." >> But we had no idea. It was so funny cuz That shoot was literally in like a warehouse on a Digi Cam >> and I think it has almost 30 million views on Instagram. >> Everything they do is so edgy. So you when you were there, you're probably thinking, "What the fuck?" Like more black on >> cuz they went they did you guys very grunge, which is like I think it suits all of you so well. >> What you guys are still so close. What What is it that has

kept you bonded? Three of you. >> A shared experience. >> Yeah. >> I think you can attest to this. You have no idea what it's like to be in that villa unless you've done it before. >> Yeah. >> People can tell you stories this, that, and the third. You literally never know what it feels like until you've done it. >> It's so true. >> And we finished together. >> Yeah. >> Day one to the end. Every single experience was the three of us. when we were arguing with boys, when we were single, when we were

on the verge of being dumped, when we were arguing with girls, it was Shakira Yasmin and I. >> What's some of your favorite memories you've made since leaving the villa? What kind of things have you done together? >> I think ID was sick. Honestly, just being able to work with my friends. >> Did you go to Vegas together? >> Shakira and I did with Nick. So, that was awesome. >> Yeah. >> I want to take them on our own time. >> Like, when you can do your own schedule, >> you can't be crazy on a

brand trip, >> babe. So, why do you think I don't get invited on one? I can't um I can never [ __ ] go. But I remember Georgia Harrison and I went on a brand trip with this shows how much I cared cuz I can't remember the [ __ ] brand to IA like two years after two years after Love Island and we missed like a whole day of activity. >> That shouldn't be a brand trip destination. Just saying. >> It's like literally we came in from being at high. It was like 700 a.m. and

all the girls were like fully glammed. >> Take a picture. >> Yeah. They were having their matcher and I was like I was like what the [ __ ] I was like they were looking at us like what the [ __ ] And I was like what the [ __ ] Like I was like well actually you're sticking to the schedule and they're like yeah and I was like but I've got a completely wrong idea of what this is. Um yeah so brand chips are fun but yeah they're pretty fullon schedule. Yes work. Well that's

what I learned. >> So you have to uh but it must have been Quite nice going back though even in some way and with your friends. >> Shakira got to meet my friends. That's nice. >> We got to have a bit of a v Vegas experience, especially it was F1. >> Yes, that's really cool. That's so cool. >> But like I want to take them back and do it >> on our own time or even Miami too. >> What? You went to Paris together? >> Yeah, we just went to Paris together >> on the Euro

Star. >> We've been doing shoots together all the time. >> Have you ever had bickers between the three of you? Are you like sisters? You bicker or is it more like >> me and Yas clash sometimes? We both have a sharp mouth, >> but like an argument worth not getting over. No. Like >> just it's like >> it's stupid. >> Yeah. >> It's not a real argument. >> It's like a sister argument. >> We are just all very different as well. >> We come from different places. I think we we speak differently. That's for damn

sure. >> Yeah. >> Maybe have different beliefs, but like that's what makes it special as well. >> Mhm. because we could have a dilemma or We could be deciding something business-wise and we all have a different opinion to bring. We all balance each other out. >> Yes, that's nice. And also like navigating friendships that are born in like such an unnatural environment and then you you're kind of thrust into this unnatural world and like you say there's a lot at play there. So like it's like fair play to you guys for sort of Keeping that

bond and like looking looking after it. I think we all have a lot of respect for each other. >> Yeah. >> We know how hard it was in there, we know how hard it is now. >> We if people are being mean to us online, we go straight to the group chat and [ __ ] about it there. It's like a safe space. >> How do you cope with online negativity? I feel like everyone [ __ ] loves you, But like there's always someone. >> There's still some hate. >> I need to stop reading comments.

>> Okay. >> It's an addiction. I always like talking to my guests about this cuz I notoriously try and stay out of the comments because I found it's a bit better way to cope. But a lot of my guests I had GK Barry on the other week and she was saying she's like deep in the comments. She'll drive herself crazy Reading them. >> I do. I don't know what's wrong with me. Why I can't >> it's kind of like but I guess it's a bit addictive, isn't it? Like you know you you know it's not

helping you but you almost you can't help yourself. >> Everyone cares what other people think about them whether they want to admit that or not. >> Yeah. And like I could say, "Oh, I don't give a [ __ ] about anything." But like I Still care >> deep down. I want to know what people are saying. Yeah. Whether posts are being received well or there's criticism. But I think like the only comments that bother me are things that like you would believe about yourself. >> You can't call me ugly >> cuz you know it's >>

I'm not ugly. >> But like it's when people attack your relationship. I hate that. >> Yeah. It hurts and it almost makes you start to second guessess yourself >> but like I don't know eventually I'll stop reading them >> but I think as long as you like you say if you can read them and separate and people people are just unhappy and so I think there's just a lot of there's a lot of hatred online but I kind of feel sometimes I have this weird thing and I feel like your personality is quite similar to

mine sometimes when I read Something quite like venomous I think you are like really worked up and I almost kind of get a kick out of it. I think you like you woke up this morning and my picture pissed you off and that kind of makes me happy. >> And they're probably sitting in a basement somewhere. >> Yeah. Just like rotting away. And also I think like I think that you cuz you're like East Coast really. It's like you have I think that's well as well what You adapt to the UK world like is like

sarcastic sharp sense of humor. Sometimes it's like there'll be something clipped up from this show or like one of my radio shows and I get in the comments I'm like oh my god like you guys like can you not hear sarcasm like it's screaming through the screen. This is not like news night. I'm not like giving out like step by step do what I say. It's like it's a [ __ ] joke. >> Calm the [ __ ] down. >> People don't get it. >> They everything's so literal like they want to take things so

literally. What would be your advice for someone who's relocating to a new country? I mean, you did it in very strange circumstances, like, but a lot of people in their 20s and 30s, like they take that jump and they go, I'm going to go and live in a new city. How what's like kind of your key takeaways on coping with that? >> Literally, just do it. >> Just go for it. >> Yeah. And like know that you can without a lot of help. >> Yeah. >> Like I've started over so many times. I started over

from going from Connecticut to Miami, then Miami to Vegas. Like I did not know a single person in Las Vegas. A lonely city. >> Yeah, it is. But like remain yourself and the self that you Know and you're proud of and then people will follow. >> Yeah. >> I made friends so quickly in Vegas. >> I made friends quickly in Miami. Like it will just it will come together eventually. It may take time. This move took time, >> but you're you're in that era now where it's like the like you say like the being patient

is paid off. Yeah. >> And you kind of broken the back of it Now. >> I'm not a patient person. >> What's star? >> A cancer. >> Okay. Yeah. >> But like this one was all worth it. >> Yeah. >> I really had to slow down and do nothing for a while because I had no choice. >> You were limited. That must have been the hardest part actually. >> It made me sick every single day. I just Felt like lazy. Yeah, cuz also you you obviously are you've got such a work ethic. You're used to

like working in these fast-paced environments and working [ __ ] hard. So that must have been very strange. >> It was also hard to see everyone else around me doing things >> and you you know you're restricted. I can't do this. I can't do that. >> Yeah. >> We've got a little game here that the Team have created because you've obviously you've experienced chaos in both sides of the Atlantic. So we want to do a villa or Vegas, right? So it's a little quick fire. I'll give you this the say the thing and then you

tell me whether it's Villa or Vegas. Where do they have bigger egos? Villa >> then Las Vegas. Yeah. I've never seen such big egos in my entire life. Fake friendships. >> Both. >> Yeah. I I want to say Villa, I made great friends in Vegas. >> Yeah, I can see that to be honest. I saw fake friendships in my series. Well, most more than fake relationships. Hard to graft >> Vegas. >> Yeah. Everyone's like from the minute they the plane touches down, people are just grafting. They're there to shag and gamble >> and get out

of there. >> Well, this one is someone whoever wrote this one producer does not know the pain of the villa because it says worse hangovers. >> Vegas, get the IV ready for me. Those hangovers in Vegas are different. And also in Love Island, how many So how many drinks do you get in your series? >> One, maybe two. >> It's even worse. I think we were allowed three. >> Uh, we would be banging on the door, Please give us the second drink, please. >> And they used to basically kind of decide on the second drink

depending on how everyone's behaving is on your Yeah. If you were like behaving sort of unruly, they'd have to like contain us. >> More flirting. Vegas. Yeah. >> It was my job >> to flirt with people to get them to buy the biggest bottle. >> Drama. >> Villa. >> Yeah. Rules. >> Villa. >> So many rules. >> So many rules. >> So like it's such a niece reference cuz obviously I think I was the only one probably in my series who've been to boarding school. But that's what it it's like you have a bedtime, you

have a getting up time, you they tell you like you're getting ready now like dinner. Oh My god. It's very restricted. I said it was all inclusive jail >> with son. >> Yeah. >> Where did you feel more eyes on you? >> Vegas. Cuz I don't think about it in the villa. >> After being there for 8 weeks, you forget that anyone's even watching. >> I know. It's scary, isn't it? Where did you cry more? >> Oh, villa for sure. For sure. I wasn't crying in Vegas. I was having a blast. Did it surprise you

how emotional you got in the villa at times? >> No, I am quite an emotional person, but like in there it's very easy to be set off. >> Yeah. >> Little things will get into your skin because >> you don't have a phone. >> Yeah. >> All you have to think about is what's happening that day with those people. >> And I am someone that I realize how much I rely on my friends to like talk me off the edge and like bring me back down to earth for a second. And I was like I

realized like week one I was like I've got these girls I don't know. I don't trust you. Like who I want to call my best friend and like be like you can't it's it's it makes you feel like you're going a bit mad. It's it is it's [ __ ] Brutal. >> Go to the beach hut and have a good cry. >> But crying was an issue for me. I remember like they that I think they wanted me to cry like sooner because to show that I was like human. But I have a hard time

crying in front of people. But then once you start it's like you kind of can't stop. Um, so you've got your visa, you've got your apartment. What is on the card to 2026? What about TV? Does it Are you Ever enticed back in? >> I'm waiting for the right opportunity. >> I've already turned a couple things down. A because my life was in shambles and I didn't think it was the right time to go back on TV. >> I just want it to be something worth it. >> Yeah. >> Something I align with. Mhm. >>

I'm also doing very well in the public eye right now and certain shows can ruin that. >> Yeah. >> I want to keep this pace as we're going right now. >> Like if you go in and it goes wrong, it can >> Yeah, it's it's a risk >> cuz like is there any shows that you would do further down the line that you've thought of? >> Traitors. >> Ooh, you would be good on Celeb Traitors. That's a [ __ ] great show. You would be you would be a force at that round table. That's a

good one. I'm a slave. >> I think you would have to drag me by my hair. >> I think it would be entertaining. Don't get me wrong, but >> I can't imagine you're scared of much. >> Oh, you are? >> I don't know. I just watched it for the first time this year. >> It's [ __ ] brutal. >> You put me in some sort of cage with bloody guts, I'm going to die. >> No, I think you're tougher than you giving yourself credit. >> I think the competitiveness would take over. Do you see yourself

kind of here indefinitely? Is that a really hard question to ask you? >> It's winter right now. So, if you're asking winter of me, the answer is no. >> Cuz this [ __ ] sucks. >> Yeah. Like I would avoid winter at all costs when I lived even in America. >> Mhm. >> But like right now, this is where I need to be. >> Yeah. >> I don't hate it. It's just not forever. But you've moved a lot. So why would you hedge your bets on I mean I've I moved a lot as a child,

but I've always lived here. And then people like get all like freaked out when they ask me an Instagram question. I go maybe I'd move to New York and they go, "What? You're moving?" I'm like, "Whoa." I'm like, "I haven't I just say maybe." I don't like the idea of like tell like making a statement that I'm going to stay somewhere forever. >> Yeah. Cuz I don't know. >> See where it takes you. >> I've always switched it up. This has been an absolute joy. I've been a big fan of you since since day one.

Um, and you are everything that I kind of hoped you would be. And, you know, I see why people fell in love with you. You're so engaging, charming, confident. Like, not to patronize you, but you are young still. You hold yourself. And I think you hold yourself this way because you've lived. >> Do you know what I mean? >> And I think there's like a lot of 25-year-olds who have like barely left their mom's front room. It's like you Can feel your like life experience. It comes through. Before I do let you go though, we

need your referral. Who should we put on the list for the house? Who who should be sitting in the seat? >> Tan Mojo. That's a great one. All the team just went, >> "Yeah, we're going to have to go. I want a finder fee." >> Yeah. Okay. Yes. You want a booking fee? That's a great one. And who should we Ban? My mother. >> Not a beat was taken. Why? Tell me. >> Have you seen her Tik Tok? >> No, but I will be looking now. >> She has almost 200,000 followers. >> The microphone needs

to be taken away from >> I have. Sorry. I now I I can I can I have seen them. But that makes me think that she would be great. >> Oh, she would be on the next flight out if you asked her. But that's why I'm Saying no. >> Why would What kind of things would she tell us about you? >> Oh my god. anything. She doesn't know when to stop. Her Love Island debriefs have me on the edge of my seat every day. And I text her, I'm like, "Please stop talking about that person."

No. Mom's on Instagram are dangerous. My mom was recently I found I found her. I came across it in the cuz I even follow this [ __ ] page when uh Strictly was on and Amber Davies from my series on it. My mom just like loves Amber like a second daughter. My mom's in the comments on the BBC page being like, "Uh, Amber should have got a 10. and this is the I was like right stop right [ __ ] now because what happens is they recognize the last name then they come for me >>

they come for you >> I'm like just get the [ __ ] out the comments or like sometimes she'll like do a bit of like Love Island commentary Like when new series are on I'm like oh my god just yeah >> okay so we're aligned on that it's been an absolute joy and I'm honored to have been your first podcast >> thank you for having me >> Tony EVERYONE