Love Island UK winner Julia reflects on relationship with Lorenzo after leaving villa
Winner Julia Mayska has spoken out about her Love Island experience with Lorenzo Alessi after that awkward This Morning interview.
After striking up a romance in Casa Amor, the businessman, 28, and insurance broker, 26, won the show by a landslide on 27 July, bagging 62.4% of the popular vote.
Being crowned winners meant they both got to split an impressive cash prize of £50,000, as well as finding love, of course.
Doing the press circuit is a big deal for winners, and viewers had been waiting eagerly to see the lovebirds and find out how they're getting on outside of the villa.
Advert
However, it wasn't quite the romantic display people were expecting, as their first joint TV appearance on Monday (3 July) featured Julia bluntly admitting that the pair are yet to go on a date.
Not only that, but she hadn’t actually even seen Lorenzo in five days.
She pressed Lorenzo to confirm when they could go out on said date, and he responded by saying things need to 'settle down' first. Awkward.
Julia has now issued a lengthy social media statement, outlining that she hopes she reminded ‘every woman to back herself, speak up, and never let anyone dim her light’.
She wrote: "What a summer. I walked into the villa not knowing what to expect, and I’m leaving with memories for a lifetime, incredible friendships, and endless gratitude for every single one of you."
Julia continued: "I hope this journey reminds every woman to back herself, speak up, and never let anyone dim her light, and if anyone ever tries to make you doubt yourself… well, you know what to tell them…"
She expressed her gratitude to the viewers: "To everyone who’s supported Lorenzo and me, thank you. We’re both incredibly grateful. Before this, neither of us were in the public eye - we’re learning as we go, navigating a completely new world, and doing our best."
"We’ll always be ourselves, we’ll continue taking things at our own pace, and we hope you’ll continue to grow with us. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for giving us a little grace while we find our feet," she added.
"This may be the end of our Love Island chapter, but it feels like the beginning of something even bigger. Thank you for believing in me. I can’t wait to share what’s next," she finished by saying.
She accompanied the post with a series of highlight photos from her time in the villa, as well as some pics of her and Lorenzo at the airport returning home and a few memes for good measure.
Fans praised her authenticity and appreciated her message in the comments.
"Love that you stayed true to yourself to the very end," raved one, as another gushed: "You are absolutely stunning and love how you carried yourself! All the best for you."
Not everyone agreed though, with one critic writing: "Not her only posting after Lorenzo gave her attention after 5 days…." and another added: "Imagine begging for a date on tv".
One fan hit back: "He was busy, grow up. He had family and friends to catch up with plus other stuff probably. They don't need to be together 24/7."
Fans will have to wait and see how things go.
Topics: Love Island, Entertainment, Reality TV, Sex and Relationships
Jen Thomas