In an exclusive interview with Capital, Love Island's Yasmin Hadlow has finally broken her silence on the swirling rumours that she had a boyfriend before entering the villa. The 25-year-old contestant, who finished the series alongside Tommy Stagg, addressed the allegations head-on, dismissing them as a natural part of life before a reality TV show.
What happened: Yasmin's response to the rumours
During the interview, Yasmin was asked directly about the claims that she had ended a long-term relationship just before joining the show. She responded with a mix of humour and candour, referencing Tommy's own 'secret girlfriend' scandal that had dominated the final week of the series. "Just both as bad as each other aren't we? A match made in heaven clearly," she joked, before adding, "No, I mean look, you break up with people, you see people. I think everyone was seeing people before this [Love Island]. They'd be lying if they didn't. And I think you try sort things out and it doesn't work out, and that's it really."
Yasmin's comments come after a turbulent last week in the villa, where Tommy Stagg faced backlash over rumours of a 'secret girlfriend' waiting for him on the outside. During the podcast challenge, host Maya Jama confronted Tommy about the allegations, and he admitted to having been in a relationship, but insisted they had split weeks before filming began. Yasmin, who was aware of the situation, was visibly upset that Tommy hadn't been fully transparent about the timeline, leading to a rift between the couple.
Details of the allegations against Yasmin
The rumours about Yasmin first surfaced when The Sun claimed to have received an email containing dates, details, and even photographs of Yasmin kissing her alleged ex-boyfriend. The pictures were reportedly dated 9th May, and it was claimed that Yasmin broke up with him on 13th May, just 20 days before her bombshell entrance into the villa. Being in the villa meant Yasmin was unable to address these allegations in real-time, but her friends on the outside were quick to defend her, stating that the couple had actually split in December 2025 and that she was "very single" when she entered the show.
Despite the timeline discrepancies, Yasmin's interview suggests she is keen to move on from the drama. Her light-hearted tone and refusal to take the accusations too seriously indicate that she sees the whole ordeal as a minor blip in her Love Island journey, rather than a scandal that defines her time on the show.
Impact: What this means for Yasmin and Tommy
The interview has shed new light on the dynamics between Yasmin and Tommy, who were dumped from the villa by Mica and Samraj in the final week. Fans had speculated that the couple's relationship was on shaky ground after the podcast challenge, but Yasmin's comments suggest they have since reconciled their differences. By addressing the rumours together, they appear to be presenting a united front, with Yasmin even joking that they are "a match made in heaven" despite their shared history of pre-show relationships.
This is not the first time Love Island contestants have faced such accusations. The show has a long history of contestants being scrutinised for their past relationships, with many former islanders facing similar backlash. However, Yasmin's candid response is a refreshing change from the usual defensive statements, and it may help to diffuse the situation for both her and Tommy as they navigate life after the villa.
Reactions and next steps
Fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on Yasmin's interview, with many praising her for her honesty and sense of humour. Some have pointed out that the double standards she faced are common for female contestants, who are often held to stricter standards than their male counterparts. Others have called for the public to be more understanding of the fact that contestants are ordinary people with complex personal lives.
As for Yasmin and Tommy, the couple has yet to confirm their relationship status post-show, but their joint appearance at Capital HQ suggests they are on good terms. Whether they will go the distance remains to be seen, but Yasmin's interview has certainly given fans plenty to talk about as they await the reunion special.
