Love Island USA‘s Amaya “Papaya” Espinal he says his heart is full in a new season of his life.
“I’m in love. I’m so in love with my boyfriend,” Espinal, 26, shared exclusively with Us Weekly at the American Heart Association Go red for women Concert of the collection of red dresses on Thursday, January 29. “He actually came here to support me. He’s going to be in the audience, and I think that’s another reason why I’m more nervous. But everything is going really well and I’m really happy.”
While Espinal tries to keep her boyfriend out of the spotlight for now, her love life is expected to be explored in the second season of Island of love: beyond the city.
The show reunites much of the cast Love Island USA season 7 to see what life is like after leaving town.
The cast of Love Island USA Season 7 have said goodbye to Fiji and hello to the real world. During the July 13 season finale of the hit dating show Peacock, viewers rejoiced when host Ariana Madix announced that Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales received the most votes from the public and were splitting the (…)
“It’s been a journey, fun, and it’s great to be back with the whole cast,” Espinal said. we from The Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York. “I honestly feel like they’re my second family, especially because we have such a universal experience. It was really nice and I can’t wait for the audience to see how it goes.”
When the cast was first announced in November 2025, fans were intrigued to see both Espinal and her ex, Bryan Arenalesagreeing to be part of the show.
As she walked the red carpet in a red Atelier Ndigo dress, Espinal hinted that she is not in the best place with her former flame.
“There is none,” he said when asked to describe his relationship with Arenales. “And I don’t even know that name.”
Amaya ‘Papaya’ Spinal
Michael Loccisano/Getty ImagesAlthough the couple won season 7 of Love Island USAEspinal confirmed in August 2025 that she was single.
“After we left the villa, it was very clear that we were on two different journeys,” said one statement on social networks at that time. “Our visions didn’t align and relationships are supposed to be a team sport. You don’t have to drink the whole sea to know it’s salty.”
A pair formed from Love Island USA season 7 is Iris Kendall i TJ Palma. Espinal said fans will be able to see the pair go from friends to something more when Island of love: beyond the city is released at the end of this year.
“To be honest, it was love at first sight when they met,” she teased. “Just watching their journey is a testament to what’s meant to be. And when two people are truly meant for each other, they’ll find their way back to each other.”
They received a text message and found love in the Love Island USA villa. The beloved British dating show crossed the pond in 2019, following a crop of American bombshells looking for The One in a luxury tropical villa. In Season 1, eventual winners Elizabeth Weber and Zac Mirabelli had a hookup (…)
Espinal added: “I was part of the surprise that TJ planned to make Iris his girlfriend. It was beautiful, and that will continue as well. Beyond the Villa.”
Before the fans catch up Love Island USA cast, Espinal hopes to raise awareness of heart disease by participating in the American Heart Association’s annual event.
“I’m a registered cardiac nurse, so being here is a full-circle life moment for me,” Espinal revealed via Instagram on Saturday January 31. “I’m Afro-Latina and I know that in the Latino community, hypertension is common. This is something that hits home for me, especially my grandmother. I take care of my own health by running and also keeping my stress level low, so peace of mind.”