Iris Kendall clarifies her relationship status with Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez, emphasizing that while her connection with ex TJ Palma was real, her bond with Pepe is genuine and exciting, as they focus on building their future together after navigating the emotional fallout from the villa.

Iris Kendall, a standout contestant from “Love Island USA” season 7, is opening up about her current relationship status and her recent encounter with ex-boyfriend TJ Palma.

In an exclusive interview, Iris, 25, and her new partner, Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez, 27, shared their thoughts on navigating life after the villa and dispelling rumors surrounding their connections.

The couple, who finished fourth in the season finale, are excited about their future together and are committed to making their relationship work outside the reality show environment.

After returning from Fiji, Iris was spotted meeting up with TJ, leading fans to speculate about a possible rekindling of their romance. However, Iris clarified the purpose of their meeting, stating, “I wanted him to know that, mics off, no cameras around, this was real, but also what I have with Pepe is real as well.”

She emphasized the importance of closure, explaining that she felt it was necessary to have an honest conversation with TJ, whom she still cares for deeply.

“I just needed to get that closure with him and have that conversation, because I do care about him,” she added.

Reflecting on her time with TJ in the villa, Iris admitted, “TJ and I had an amazing connection in the villa, and it was real, and it was very heartbreaking for me.”

She described the emotional toll of TJ’s elimination just ten days before the finale, expressing how heartbroken she felt about being left single and the support she expected from her friends at that time.

“I cried for days, and I felt very heartbroken and upset with my friends for not standing behind me,” she recalled, highlighting the intensity of her feelings during that period.

Despite the emotional weight of her past relationship, Iris is now focused on her connection with Pepe, who she described as someone she is genuinely excited to be with.

“We’re just trying to make it as normal as possible and take things like we normally would have two months ago,” Pepe shared, underscoring their desire to maintain a sense of normalcy in their relationship.

The couple’s journey together came as a surprise to some fans, especially since both had been previously coupled with other contestants—Pepe with Hannah Fields and Iris with TJ. After Hannah’s exit from the show, Iris found herself drawn to Pepe, leading to their blossoming romance.

“It didn’t seem like time went by” between TJ’s exit and her connection with Pepe, Iris admitted, but she understands why fans might still root for their previous pairings.

Looking ahead, Iris and Pepe have made it clear that they are not dating anyone else.

“We just want to focus on one person right out the wave, or if the wave just continues to go, then just be together, but just be happy,” Pepe explained.

They are both committed to being honest with each other and enjoying their time together without the pressure of labels or outside distractions.

As they navigate their new relationship, both Iris and Pepe emphasize the importance of respect and love among their fellow contestants. “Everything’s cordial,” Pepe noted, referring to their relationships with their costars.

“Everything we did in the villa was out of as much respect as we could have in those moments of high emotion.”

With their eyes set on the future, Iris and Pepe are determined to explore their relationship further while maintaining a grounded approach.

“We just want to be together and hang out together and just see what happens,” Pepe concluded, reflecting their shared commitment to a healthy and honest partnership.

As the couple continues to navigate the complexities of life after “Love Island,” fans are left wondering what the future holds for Iris and Pepe.

Their willingness to communicate openly and prioritize their relationship suggests that this new chapter could be filled with genuine connection and lasting happiness.