Love Island: All Stars has only been back on screens for a few days, but already, there are a lot of sparks flying around. Millie Court and Charlie Frederick can't keep their hands (read: lips) off each other, Scott van-der-Sluis has been making moves on Leanne Amaning, and Shaq Muhammad has kissed both Helena Ford and AJ Bunker in the Secret Garden, so it's safe to say the Islanders aren't wasting any time.
And speaking of Shaq, viewers have been eager to find out more about why he split from his ex, which he has spoken about briefly in between those Secret Garden snogs. Scroll on for all the details on Shaq Muhammad and Tanya Manhenga's relationship, including why they split up...
Love Island’s Shaq Muhammad and Tanya Manhenga relationship timeline
January 2023
Shaq and Tanya coupled up on the first day of Love Island season nine, which was a winter edition.
February 2023
After several weeks together in the Love Island villa, Shaq and Tanya's romance had seemingly grown stronger, and they were the first couple on the season to say "I love you" to each other.
But, when Casa Amor came around, Tanya decided to twist rather than stick with Shaq, bringing bombshell Martin Akinola back to the Main Villa. Tanya's decision left Shaq, who'd stayed faithful, single. He wasn't single for long, though. Tanya soon realized her feelings for Shaq meant more than the ones she had for Martin, and they reunited just days later.
March 2023
Shaq and Tanya made it all the way to the final of their season and finished in fourth place. They were beaten to the win by Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan, followed by Ron Hall and Lana Jenkins in second place, and Tom Clare and Samie Elishi in third.
2023-2024
After they left the Love Island villa, Shaq and Tanya continued to date. They eventually moved in together, and even sparked engagement rumors at one point.
July 2024
Tanya unfollowed Shaq on Instagram after a holiday he took to Miami with fellow Islander, Dami Hope. This prompted fans to suspect Tanya and Shaq had called time on their romance after a year and a half.
August 2024
A month after speculation began to swirl, Tanya confirmed she had split from Shaq. "Hi guys, just want to say unfortunately, me and Shaq are no longer together and have parted ways," Tanya wrote on her Instagram Story at the time. "We wish each other the best and can't thank you enough for loving us together until now!"
Why did Love Island’s Shaq Muhammad and Tanya Manhenga break up?
According to The Sun, Shaq and Tanya split over his "behavior" on the vacation he took with Dami. "Tanya was not happy about some of Shaq's behavior on holiday," a source told the publication.
"[Shaq's] communication really wasn't what it should have been," the insider went on. "He was seen looking very close to another girl—nothing was going on, but it looked bad."
Speaking on a podcast later, Tanya said that she wanted more maturity from Shaq. "He needed to mature a little bit because guys mature very slowly," she said. "I feel like he was having his epiphany of maturing in our relationship, but then it's at the expense of my feelings that you're maturing, and it's not good enough."
More recently, Shaq opened up to Belle Hassan on Love Island: All Stars about the reason for his split from Tanya. "I went on holiday to Miami, and I got a lap dance," he admitted. "I was fighting for the relationship. I said it was wrong, and I thought it was something we could get past."
Looking forward, Shaq is confident that he'll have more success in this villa this season. "Last time I did find love, but it didn't work out," he said before All Stars started. "This time ’round, I need to find a wife and give my mom some grandchildren! It worked last time, so I feel like it could happen again, hopefully!"
Love Island: All Stars continues on Peacock at 9 p.m.
