Love Island star Elma Pazar's brutal assessment of boyfriend Sammy before age-gap relationship - suong

Elma, it’s lovely to see you back on TOWIE. How was it?

We had so much fun coming back – it was unreal. It honestly felt like coming home. I missed everyone, and they were all so supportive.

Before you went into Love Island, Sammy was already on the show. Did you have feelings for him back then or were you playing it cool?

It’s funny – he used to flirt with me and I was just like, “I wouldn’t go there.” Probably because of the age thing. I didn’t really know him as a person. But in Love Island, you get the chance to really peel back those layers. You spend so much time with someone that in 48 hours you feel like you know them inside out. That’s how it was for me.

When Sammy entered the villa, did you know straight away how you felt?

It was actually a really emotional day for me. The night I went on the date with Sammy, I’d just sent home three people with Luca [Bish] – it was a lot. So seeing someone I knew brought comfort. We always flirted and had that attraction, but I finally took the leap. It just felt so easy and perfectly timed.

Does the eight-year age gap between you matter to you?

Not at all. In the villa, it didn’t mean anything. On the outside, we’re still getting to know each other, but I don’t feel it. Love Island relationships kind of work backwards – you get super close first, then come out and start dating properly. But we’re really happy and taking it as it comes.

“We’re in our own little bubble,” Elma says of her and Sammy’s unexpected connection.(Image: Ricardo De Leca/ITV/Shutterstock)

What was it like going from Love Island straight into filming TOWIE?

Wild! I landed back in the UK in the evening and was filming the next day. It’s been non-stop. Because we’ve gone from filming one show to another, we haven’t had a long break or private time, but we’re adjusting. We’ve had about a month and a half off now, which has been lovely.

Did you feel any pressure, having your relationship in the public eye?

No, I actually loved it. In Love Island, you’re in a bubble. Coming out and hearing the opinions of real friends and family felt authentic and grounding. No one expected me to be back filming TOWIE straight away, but it all worked out perfectly.

And everyone seems to love Sammy…

They really do. He’s got such a good heart. He’s slotted straight into our girl band. The group has changed a bit – we joke that we’re Girl Band 3.5 now.

Tell us something surprising about your relationship…

How much we don’t dwell on other people. In the villa, it can feel like all you do is talk about others, but with Sammy and I, we focus on each other. We’ve created our own little bubble.

Has he met your family yet?

He has, and I’ve met his. Everything’s moved quite quickly, but it’s been really lovely on both sides. I don’t feel any pressure. I’m very comfortable with the pace we’re going at. I’m not one to rush into anything.

Back on TOWIE, Elma is also now living with her best friend and co-star Courtney Green.(Image: ITV)

Do you miss Love Island?

 

I’m definitely glad to be home. I loved my Love Island experience – it was the best time ever – but I’m a real home bunny. I love being with my friends and family. I’ve even moved in with Courtney, which has been the best thing ever.

What’s it like living with her?

It’s been an absolute breeze. We often wonder why we didn’t do it sooner. We’re always crying with laughter and randomly saying, “I love you” to each other. It’s just the best time. Especially if you’re going through a phase in life where you feel a bit lost. Living with your best mate reminds you life isn’t as bleak as it seems – it’s free therapy!

Does Courtney ever feel like a third wheel with you and Sammy?

Maybe a little at first, right after we left the villa. It was really intense in the beginning because we were inseparable – he was always coming over. But things have mellowed now. We’ve all found our own rhythm and we absolutely love having Courtney hanging out with us on date nights.

Is the Love Island: All Stars circle still close?

Yeah, we’ve all stayed in touch. There’s a group chat for the girls and I think the boys have their own. But everyone’s so busy it’s hard to get everyone in the same place at once. When we do cross paths at events, it’s really nice. Everyone is smashing it!