A LOVE Island fan-favourite has revealed he refuses to watch the show that made him famous after suffering “PTSD” from the matchmaking series.
He exclusively told The Sun how certain Love Island challenges and formats were “triggers” – meaning he’s swerved the ITV2 programme since his own series.
Teddy Soares, 29, spoke candidly to us about the impact starring on Love Island’s 2021 instalment has had on his mindset.
He was coupled up with Faye Winter, 28, with the now exes finishing in third place, yet their experience was marred after the estate agent became the most complained about contestant in the programme’s history.
She clocked up a whopping 36,324 Ofcom complaints in 2021 after her “toxic” on-screen meltdown.
Now the semi professional footballer has opened up on watching the 2024 Love Island cast and admitted to The Sun: “I haven’t actually tuned into Love Island in a while – since my own series.”
When quizzed as to the reason why, he continued: “Maybe a little bit of PTSD, I don’t know.
“Obviously now, I’ve moved so far along with my own podcast and there are things I’m working on.”
PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by intensely stressful, frightening or distressing events and circumstances.
Those affected are often forced to relive a traumatic event from their past, such as through a series of flashbacks.
Addressing the mental health impact further, he continued: “Obviously I had a relationship, and I don’t have a relationship now.
“I’m so far removed from Love Island, I see a lot of the people, and it’s great to bump into them, and hear their stories. There’s no escaping it.
“I see the highlights on social media, so that’s how I vicariously watch Love Island.”
He admitted both the “memories” and the “vibe” of the show were reasons to turn off.
Teddy added: “I’ve kind of lived through it now, and I’ve stepped into a completely different part of my life.
“It’s interesting now when I see certain clips, it does trigger me.
“My heart starts pumping and more often than not, it’s really good memories, so it’s a shame.”
Love Island winners - where they are now
Every year Love Island opens its doors to more sexy Islanders who are hoping for a holiday romance that could turn into more.
Here we take you though all of the Love Island winners so far and what their relationship statuses are now:
2024 – The first ever All stars spin off show was won by Molly Smith and Tom Clare. STATUS: Still together.
2023 –Jess Harding and Sammy Root took home the 50K, and won the summer 2023 Love Island. STATUS: Broken up.
2023 – The first series of 2023 saw Sanam Harrinanan and Kai Fagan crowned Love Island winners in South Africa. STATUS: Still together.
2022 –Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s time in the villa was anything but a smooth ride, but they managed to win the public’s hearts – and the ITV2 reality show. STATUS: Broken up.
2021 –Liam Reardon and Millie Court were announced winners of Love Island 2021.STATUS: Still together.
2020 – The first ever winter Love Island saw Paige Turley and Finn Tapp crowned winners after falling in love on the show. STATUS: Broken up.
2019 – Series 5 saw Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague runners up to winners Greg O’Shea and Amber Gill, who met in the last few days of the series. STATUS: Broken up.
2018 – It wasn’t surprising fan favourites Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer won the show, as they were strong throughout. But sadly things didn’t last. STATUS: Broken up.
2017 –Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies had lots of ups and downs in the villa but went on to win the show. STATUS: Broken up.
2016– Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde were together from the start of the series, and since they won show have two kids and are married. STATUS: Still together.
2015 – Despite poor Jess Hayes being Max Morley’s second choice on the show, they did win – but they didn’t last as a couple. STATUS: Broken up.
TRICKY TIMES
Despite finding romance with Faye in the villa, there were explosive moments in their early relationship.
One scene saw Faye swear and scream in his face – and is the most complained about moment in the show’s history.
At the time, viewers branded the uncomfortable clash “toxic” and “difficult to watch.”
It came after previous scenes from the villa were played back to Islanders during a pub quiz, including one which saw Teddy snog bombshell Clarisse.
He then claimed he was “technically single” in a chat with the lads after.
Later scenes saw Teddy broke down in tears as his relationship with the feisty estate agent ended, with his emotional turmoil leaving fans begging for bosses to step in.
Since the scenes were aired, Faye sadly received death threats.
The pair then split in February 2023, after trying to make their romance work in the outside world.
Teddy then found love with Irish model Casey Boonstra – yet The Sun was first to reveal how they broke up this January.
