Love Island’s Faye Winter
Rachel Ducker speaks to Love Island’s Faye Winter about her time in the villa, puppies and life at home.
Photos © Gavin Glave
Faye Winter puts the ‘real’ into reality show as she explains to me what life was like in the villa for her and co-star boyfriend Teddy Soares.
“We both lived like there were no cameras, I didn’t hold anything back, I am not that type of person.”
She feels this has been the secret to keeping the couples flame alive.
“I think because we were completely ourselves on the show, everything you saw of us, including our feelings, were all true. That’s why you see all kinds of reactions, like you would in a normal relationship.”
“We often look at each other over dinner whispering ‘can you believe we met on a TV show?“
All reality shows come with their own burdens. I asked Faye what it was like to have to cope with the negative aspects of leaving the villa a TV personality and she explained, “I have very good family and friends around me, who don’t judge me. I have Teddy, so if Teddy lived through it with me and is still here, that tells you that I am not that bad a person!’“
Although Faye openly admits she has struggled with anxiety since leaving the show, she tries to live as happy as possible and seeks regular therapy, which is aided by the new love of her life, puppy Bonnie.
” I like to refer to her as ‘Baby Bon Bon’, she gives me everything I could have wished for.”
“To have my own dog… finally, is such a dream come true. I love that she depends on me. I enjoy going out on dog walks, no one cares who I am now, they just care about her. She is great motivation to get me out and about when I need a little push.”
Faye is extremely passionate about animal welfare and is a proud Campaign Star for Guide Dogs after previously working as a volunteer guide dog fosterer, prior to Love Island. She has also worked with animal welfare charity PETA as part of their Faux Bear Fur campaign and has recently taken part as a judge in Discovery Dogs UK’s event with The Kennel Club UK.
I asked her what it was like to be a foster mum to dogs and what the process involved.
“It’s very simple, for anyone who wants to have a dog but works full time, it’s a great concept as the dog goes to school between 9-5… so you get all the best bits. In the morning you drop them off at your local centre and then you collect them at the end of the day. You then get the evenings and weekends with them, whilst also helping somebody and giving back.”
“There is so much they need help with, there is a role for everyone.”
“Its never easy to give up an animal, but for me the best part is you know they are going to a home where someone is literally depending on them.”
Most recently, Faye has reappeared on our screens taking part in this years Celebrity Masterchef.
“I have always loved being at home, when I was doing Masterchef I was really missing home. I guess I was cooking home cooked recipes as I hadn’t been able to do that for such a long time at home.”
Faye’s passion for all things home continues into her day to day life. As a former estate and lettings agent, she is a property enthusiast. Last year started her own home instagram page (@faye__home) followed by 215k avid fans; sharing useful property market information and giving a beautiful insight into her first home with her followers.
“It’s been so difficult as this was what I wanted to do when I left the show, but no Love Islander does that – it’s hard to carve a different path from the ‘influencer’ title. I have had knock backs, I could just make a load of money promoting brands, but I keep going because that’s what I want to do.”
I asked Faye what she had in store for the rest of the year.
“I would love to do more TV, content creation isn’t my forte, I am more of a personality – so I am just trying to find that opening somewhere.”
Credit: Faye Winter, Campaign Star for Guide Dogs UK and Property Enthusiast (@faye__home)
