Why did Montel and Leah from Love Island split up?

MONTEL McKenzie and Leah Taylor got together on Love Island in 2023, but despite leaving the villa together, even after that Casa Amor kiss, they didn't make it on the outside.

At least one of them is returning as an All Star bombshell in 2025. Here we take a look at why Leah and Montel broke up.

What happened between Leah and Montel on Love Island?

Leah Taylor and semi-pro footballer Montel McKenzie's Love Island journey began when the latter entered the villa on Day 16 of the summer 2023 season.

Their connection quickly grew, leading them to couple up.

However, their budding relationship faced a massive setback during Casa Amor when Montel kissed bombshell Tink Reading, with his infidelity exposed on Movie Night.

Leah forgave Montel after he made a heartfelt public display of affection to win her back.

He could be seen organising his fellow Islanders into a huddle on the lawn while pal Sammy Root got Leah alone by the fire pit.

Montel then stood on the famous terrace and professed his love for Leah.

He kicked the apologetic monologue off by admitting he had "embarrassed" her — so he would now embarrass himself.

The gesture impressed Leah, who accepted Montel's apology and sealed it with a kiss.

But their time on Love Island came to an end on day 38 when they were dumped from the show, just days before the grand finale.

The breakup

Leah confirmed they had "decided to just be friends" two weeks after leaving the villa together — they broke up before the Love Island final even aired in July 2023.

The primary catalyst for their breakup appears to be related to cheating — both actual and rumoured.

During a publicity event, Montel was snapped posing with some girls.

Leah reportedly took issue with with the pics, leading to accusations of him being unfaithful.

In August 2023, he posted on TikTok: "I've seen my name circulating in the media a bit, a bit of bad press, a bit of rumours being spread.

There was quite an issue of trust. I think it was just a good thing for us [to split]

Leah TaylorLove Island Reunion

"I thought I'd come here and address everything. First of all, they are just rumours. I would never do that."

Leah's side of the story

Leah addressed the reasons for the breakup herself, telling the Love Island Reunion show: "There's a reason behind why it happened, what happened at Casa Amor.

"There was quite an issue of trust. I think it was just a good thing for us [to split]."

Leah also opened up about the reasons behind their breakup to OK! Magazine: "We were coupled up while on the show and it was quite a new couple as well, so it's not like we had as much time as the other people in there.

"So we had always said the next step for us was seeing how things work in the real world.

"And coming out we went on one date but it's just one of those, it hasn't worked out."