Love Island: Tanyel Reveals Whether Her Relationship With Ron Turned Into More

So were Ron and Tanyel more than friends?

Tanyel has left Love Island 2023

by Nikki Peach |
Updated on

Ron and Tanyel were best friends in the Love Island villa and offered each other a lot of emotional support, which seemed to raise suspicions both inside and outside the villa as to the nature of their relationship. Now that she's left and is spilling the beans on what it was like on the show, it's the moment to find out: were they really just friends?

Having not been picked by Jordan in the last recoupling, Tanyel has finally lifted the lid on her Love Island experience. Most importantly, in her comments released by ITV, she has addressed her friendship with Ron and whether there was - is - anything more to it than meets the eye.

As an original girl and one of the bigger personalities in the villa, Tanyel's departure was felt by many. She said, 'I was expecting [Jordan] to pick Ellie. I think he knew in his heart that I was making an effort just for the sake of it.'

As for her connection with Ron and whether she'll miss him, Tanyel said that being in a couple with him helped their friendship grow, but there's nothing more to it. 'What made me realise it was just a friendship is, as soon as we coupled up, we couldn't flirt. It's like the flirting went out the window.

'He's my best friend. When I get married one day, I want him to be there with Lana! Genuinely, I think he'll be my friend for life.'

Ron and Tanyel had an emotional goodbye when she left the villa.

Ron and Lana have had a rocky relationship so far this series, which must have been difficult to deal with as a friend. Now that the couple are back together, Tanyel wants to see them win: 'I feel like they're the strongest couple and they have the most genuine feelings for each other. I hope he won't let me down!'

He may have let Lana down several times this series, but Tanyel vouches for Ron's positive qualities. 'He's so caring. I can trust him and I don't trust anyone. I know if I say something to him it won't go anywhere else. I think he's got a pure heart and genuine intentions.' She may be representing a minority at the moment, but it's clear that Ron and Tanyel's friendship meant a lot to both of them.

Tanyel also wants to see Lana will back herself more to avoid getting hurt by Ron again. 'I don't think she'll put up with any bulls*** and he knows this is his last chance,' she said.

Above all, Tanyel always had the other girls' backs in the villa – something that has won her a lot of fans on the outside. 'I would only give advice that I would want someone to give to me. I am a girls' girl 100%.'

Love Island 'teaches you a lot about yourself' she added. 'I would say it was the most exciting experience. It's so fun. You just need to go in and enjoy yourself.'

As for her parting advice to her fellow Islanders? 'Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. To Ron, I'd say, "Don't f*** up." He's never going to find a girl that's that pure and that lovely.'

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