The ex-islander felt strongly about continuing her career, even after leaving the villa with the shiny £50K prize
Love Island has been a launchpad for the glittering careers of stars like Molly-Mae Hague and Chloe Burrows, who’ve shot to fame since their villa days.
Now in its twelfth series, the popular dating show has seen many former islanders carving out successful careers as social media influencers or TV personalities.
However, not all islanders opt for the spotlight. Take 2023 winner Sanam Harrinanan, for instance, who found love with her now-fiancé Kai Fagan during the ninth season’s Casa Amor twist.
The couple scooped the hefty £50K prize but didn’t let it turn their lives upside down.
Before jetting off to Majorca, Sanam had worked hard to establish herself as a social worker, reports OK!.
In a recent chat with MailOnline, the 26-year-old reality star opened up about why she decided to stick with her day job after winning the ITV series.
“It didn’t feel right giving up what I’d learned, what I’d gained a passion for. Also knowing that you’re making a difference in very many young children and adopted parents’ lives is a massive sense of fulfilment.
“I love my job and it just didn’t feel right to just walk away from it all when I work so hard. I wasn’t ready to give up,” she confessed.
Sanam isn’t alone in maintaining her pre-Love Island lifestyle; Kai also returned to his role as a PE teacher. While their choice might not mirror other successful islanders, they’re content living “the best of both worlds.
“There’s a perception that if you go on Love Island and then return to work, you’ve been unsuccessful but that’s really not the case with us because we both felt so strong about our careers and our passions. It’s a case of living the best of both worlds,” Sanam shared.
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“I’m really grateful for the opportunities and experiences that Love Island has brought our way but also waking up every single morning and feeling like you’re actually being impactful in some way,” she went on.
“We both work directly with children and the fact we can do that makes us feel like we’re making a difference in our world. That’s what’s important to me.”
The lovebirds announced their engagement in April 2024 and are set to say ‘I do’ this coming August.
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
