Toni Laites, 25, and Cacherel "Cach" Mercer quickly became our fave couple after appearing - and then winning - Love Island season 12. Despite an instant connection when Cach, 24, arrived in the villa as part of the Casa Amor cast, their relationship wasn't plain sailing given Toni's existing relationship with Harrison Solomon. Nevertheless, they found their way back to one another and even dropped the L-word ahead of the final, where they split the £50,000 and beat the likes of Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley, Yasmin Pettet and Jamie Rhodes, and Angel Swift and Ty Isherwood.
Fast-forward to our Cosmopolitan shoot just over three months after their win, and it’s clear the outside world has done the couple a world of good. From playful jokes to lingering glances across the room while the other was in hair and make-up, it's clear their connection is just as strong off-screen as it was in the villa.
Here, the former Islanders fill us in on what they’ve been up to since filming wrapped, whether they’ll be tuning into Love Island: All Stars, and share their future plans - to quote RAYE, Toni would like a ring...
How has life changed since leaving the villa?
C: It’s changed a lot. I walk into shops and people are like, ‘Hi, Cach, how are you?’ I have a beautiful fan base. And I’ve got exciting opportunities with brands and projects in the pipeline.
T: My life got flipped upside down. I obviously do not live in America anymore, I'm no longer single, and I think the love has been the most overwhelming thing.
What do you miss the most about the US?
T: The sun and my family! Here is just a whole new life for me. To get recognised everywhere in another country is the craziest part about all of this.
Have you watched the show back and is there anything you’d have done differently?
C: I’ve watched a little bit. I probably wouldn’t do anything over; everything happens for a reason.
T: I have not watched it back, nor am I going to. I think we all know the moment that I would do over. We should not speak about it today.
Who in the villa did you form a bond with that you didn't expect?
T: Yas, for sure, because when I first met that girl I was ready to punch her in the face but things have changed now.
C: Do you know who I was really good friends with that I don't think ever got shown? Me and Emma [Munroe]. Me and Emma were quite good friends. I'm not going to lie, she's quite a banter box -
T: Because you liked her gossip!
C: Her gossip? No, she was funny man. She just said whatever she was thinking and [would] come back to ask me, 'Cach, what do you think?' and I'd just tell her what I think.
How do you think the outside world has impacted your relationship and what advice would you give to future contestants?
C: Everybody commenting something from behind the screens is too afraid to say it to your face, so whether you choose to listen to that or not is up to you. The smart thing to do would be not to listen to it because people are going to be thinking negative things about your relationship everyday and would never tell you to your face if they saw you in person. I think it's important to focus on you and the other person that you're with and don't listen to the noise even though it's there and it's hard not to listen to it.
T: You don't want to take my advice because it's not good. I listen to him.
How have you dealt with the social media pressure and public attention?
T: We try to ignore it in this household! He says, 'Don't read the comments', but I read them all. It's a really bad habit.
C: Honestly, I don’t read the comments and you shouldn’t listen to what people tell you in person.
What's the craziest rumour you've heard about yourselves since leaving the show?
C: That I don't like Toni. I think that's the craziest rumour I've heard because it's mad that you lot can tell me how I feel.
T: Mine is that I'm homeless. I made a little jokey joke on my Instagram Story when I was looking for an apartment and the media really ran with that one. I'm not homeless, guys.
Are there any behind-the-scenes moments or secrets you can share that fans don't know?
T: Unless you were chosen to go on a date, you never leave that damn villa. You do not see anywhere but those four walls and that back garden.
C: We're only allowed two glasses of wine a night.
T: Sometimes if we even get the second... I think it was fake Prosecco personally.
C: Yeah I don't think it was real. Actually, no the red was real. I was getting a little loopy.
Love Island: All Stars is back for another year - will you be watching?
T: I think for me it depends on who's going to be on there. I would love to see some of my besties having another chance at finding love.
C: I think I'll be watching as well. I'd like to see a couple of my boys on there. Maybe Jamie for a second chance at finding love.
What would be your dream reality TV show to go on next?
C: I think it would probably be Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing with the Stars or The Traitors.
T: We were just watching I'm a Celebrity... last night and I really feel deep down inside me that I can't physically or mentally do that, but it would be really entertaining for all of you.
What do you have planned for the year ahead?
C: We’re definitely going to travel. [I want to] put myself out there more and get out of my comfort zone.
T: I want a ring! In all seriousness, we do need to travel. The seasonal depression is going to get to me. Personally, I just want to feel more comfortable living this whole new life.
Love Island: All Stars starts on ITV2 on Thursday 15 January at 9pm.
Photography: Lewis King; Styling: Holly Bartley; Editor in Chief: Claire Hodgson; Art Director: Alex Hambis; Make up, Hair and Grooming: Lindsey Poole; Fashion Assistant: Megan Bundy; Photo Assistant: Charlotte Cullen; Video Producer: Edmund Curtis; Production: Beverley Croucher
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