Love Island USA season 5 brought us plenty of twists, turns, and romantic entanglements. One of the most talked-about pairings was Leah Jansen and Montel McKenzie.
Their connection seemed strong, and they quickly became fan favorites. But as we know, the real test for Love Island couples happens after the cameras stop rolling. So, are Leah and Montel still together? Let’s find out!
Leah and Montel’s Love Island Journey
Leah and Montel’s relationship in the villa wasn’t always smooth sailing. They coupled up early on, but faced challenges like Casa Amor, where Montel briefly explored a connection with newcomer Kay Kay. However, he ultimately realized his heart belonged to Leah, and they reunited.
Despite some bumps along the way, their undeniable chemistry and genuine affection for each other shone through. They made it to the final four but ultimately lost to Hannah and Marco, who took home the season 5 crown.
Sparks Fly, Then Fade: The Leah & Montel Timeline
| Event | Approximate Date | Day of the Week | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Meeting | Early July 2023 | Likely a Tuesday or Wednesday (Love Island USA episodes usually aired Tuesdays-Fridays and Sundays) | Leah and Montel meet in the Fiji villa. |
| Initial Coupling | Mid-July 2023 | Unknown | They choose each other early in the season. |
| Casa Amor Challenge | Late July/Early August 2023 | Unknown | Montel briefly explores a connection with Kay Kay, but returns to Leah. |
| Reconciliation and Strengthening Bond | Early-mid August 2023 | Unknown | They reaffirm their commitment and become a strong couple. |
| Love Island USA Finale | August 13, 2023 | Sunday | Leah and Montel finish as finalists but don’t win. |
| Post-Villa Life & Long Distance | Mid-August – November 2023 | Ongoing | They navigate a long-distance relationship between Texas and California. |
| Breakup Announcement | November 2023 | Unknown | Leah and Montel share news of their split on Instagram. |
| Focusing on Individual Paths | November 2023 – Present | Ongoing | They pursue their own ventures and remain active on social media. |
Life After the Villa: Are They Still an Item?
Unfortunately, no. Leah and Montel are no longer together. They announced their breakup on Instagram in November 2023, a few months after the season finale aired.
Their split came as a surprise to many fans who had hoped their connection would last. However, both Leah and Montel have stated that the breakup was amicable and that they remain friends.
Reasons for the Split
While neither Leah nor Montel has explicitly detailed the reasons for their breakup, they’ve hinted at the challenges of maintaining a relationship after Love Island. These likely include:
- Long Distance: Leah lives in Texas, while Montel resides in California. Navigating a long-distance relationship can be tough, requiring significant effort and compromise.
- Life After the Show: Adjusting to life outside the villa and in the public eye can put a strain on any relationship. The pressure and scrutiny can be difficult to handle.
- Differing Priorities: As they embarked on their post-Love Island journeys, Leah and Montel may have found their goals and priorities diverging, making it difficult to maintain a committed relationship.
What Are Leah and Montel Up To Now?
Since their split, both Leah and Montel appear to be focusing on themselves and their careers. They remain active on social media, sharing updates about their lives and ventures.
Leah has been pursuing modeling and brand partnerships, while Montel has been focusing on his fitness journey and personal growth. They both seem to be thriving individually and maintaining a positive outlook on the future.
Conclusion
Their Love Island journey was filled with passion and promise. While their romantic relationship didn’t last beyond the villa, they’ve shown maturity and respect in navigating their split. Both are now focusing on their individual paths and pursuing their goals.
Fans can continue to support them by following their journeys on social media and celebrating their personal and professional successes. Though their love story may have taken a different turn, their time on Love Island USA remains a memorable chapter in their lives.
FAQs
A few most concerned questions about the couple are as follow:
Did Leah and Montel Win Love Island USA?
No, Leah and Montel were finalists on Love Island USA season 5 but didn’t win. The winners were Hannah and Marco.
What Are Leah and Montel’s Instagram Handles?
You can follow them on Instagram:
| Person | Instagram Handle |
|---|---|
| Leah Jansen | @leahjanse_ |
| Montel McKenzie | @montelmckenzie |
Where Do Leah and Montel Live?
Leah is based in Texas, while Montel lives in California. This distance likely played a role in their split.
Why Did Leah and Montel Break Up?
While they haven’t given specific reasons, the challenges of long distance, adjusting to life after Love Island, and potentially differing priorities likely contributed to their breakup.
Are Leah and Montel Still Friends?
Yes, by all indications, Leah and Montel have remained on good terms since their split.