As the TOWIE cast embarks on their much-anticipated trip to Bali, fans are abuzz with curiosity about the dynamics among the stars, particularly concerning Roman Hackett and his burgeoning relationship with former Love Island contestant Matilda Draper.
The couple, who have been dating for several months, have openly shared their affection on social media, making them one of the show's most talked-about pairs.
Roman, reflecting on the current trip, noted the changes within the group, especially the absence of Dan Edgar. He remarked, "This time round a lot has changed to be fair. Dan is not here and we’re missing the main guy!" This sentiment underscores the evolving dynamics of the TOWIE ensemble, with new relationships and friendships forming including a budding romance between former enemies Harry Derbidge and Freddie Bentley.
It had been reported by The Sun that she had been due to fly out with cast members but her visa hadn't arrived in time, throwing the trip into "chaos". However, a spokesperson confirmed to the Mirror that Matilda hadn't been met with bosses when they had been applying for visas, so she hadn't been due to attend the trip.
Roman's feelings about Matilda's absence during the Bali trip are palpable. He confessed, "I’m out here without Matilda, which is upsetting, but I’m having fun with the boys." Diags chimed in sympathetically, "It’s very sad," to which Roman emphatically agreed, "Very, very sad!" When Diags probed further, asking, "Are you more sad about Dan not being here or Matilda?" Roman sighed deeply and admitted, "I’m more sad about Matilda not being here. Sorry Dan! But my girl comes first."
Matilda and Roman recently took their relationship to the next levels by getting matching tattoos bearing the phrase "Carpe Diem," Matilda proudly displayed their matching ink on social media, captioning it with, "Seize the day with you."
Their romance blossomed swiftly after Matilda's stint on Love Island in 2024, where she initially paired with Sean Stone. However, their relationship fizzled out shortly after leaving the villa. Matilda and Roman's paths crossed at a party, leading to an undeniable connection. A spontaneous rendezvous in Dubai further solidified their bond, with Roman recounting on the show, "We were both in Dubai on our own at the same time in November, and we saw each other every day, so we kind of bonded out there."
Their relationship has not only been a personal journey but also a public one, with fans eagerly following their story. Matilda's integration into the TOWIE world has been seamless, as she appears on the show and has clearly integrated herself firmly in the group.
Matilda reportedly isn't the only TOWIE cast member who won't be seen on the trip to Bali. Long-running stars Lauren Goodger, 38, and Amy Childs, 34, aren't expected to be there either, with them said to have chosen to stay in the UK.
A source told the outlet that trips are "always storyline dependent" so not all cast members will go as it involves "getting the right mix" of stars with "interacting plots". They added that Lauren and Amy will remain in Essex where filming will "continue simultaneously," with the source teasing that there is "always plenty of drama" back home, as well as abroad.
