Love Island USA stars Orlando Carsen and Nick Vansteenberg have announced that they have canceled their appearances on the show.
The fan-favorite Season 7 couple “decided to separate” just over a year after leaving the villa together, a source told People on Wednesday.
“Due to the distance between them and their busy schedules, it has been difficult to maintain a connection,” the source said.
“They remain close friends. They share deep love and respect for each other and support each other whenever possible.”
Page Six has reached out to representatives for Carsen and Van Steenberg for comment.
The former pair stole viewers’ hearts with a surprise Casa Amor twist that gave them both a second chance to find love by coupling up with each other.
They had each been eliminated from the show in two dramatic re-couplings, but shocked their fellow Islanders by returning to the villa holding hands.
Carsen admitted to People that she “didn’t allow[ herself]to feel that glow” with Van Steenberg at first because Van Steenberg had a connection with her friend Sierra Ortega.
However, after Ortega was removed from the show for previously using racial slurs, Kazen told the outlet that he made “his own selfish decision” to succumb to his chemistry with Van Steenberg.
She said that coupling up with the 25-year-old DJ was “the best decision I’ve ever made” and “made my whole experience so much better.”
The two ultimately came in second place in the season 7 finale and left the reality show as a couple.
Last month, the model defended her relationship with Van Steenberg against social media trolls who don’t believe their relationship is real.
“Why is it your job? Are the bills paid? Are you untouchable? Find a man. Do something with your life,” the 28-year-old told Cosmopolitan on June 18. “Why is it important for me and Nick to be together?”
“People in the comments section were like, ‘Oh, I just wanted proof that we met this week.'” Why do you get so worked up about people who don’t know you? ”
She continued, “That part is kind of creepy because I’ve never been that invested in a relationship with someone and I don’t live for the internet. I don’t always post what people want me to do or always do what people want me to do.”
As for why she and Van Steenberg largely stayed out of the spotlight in their “Love Island USA” posts, the influencer explained that they didn’t want to “monetize” their relationship.
“If you really love spending quality time with someone, you shouldn’t be on camera every two seconds. We enjoy each other’s presence and enjoy doing what normal people do: going out, having fun, and getting to know each other,” she added.
She also hinted at the time that things were going well between the two, teasing, “He said he’s been in love twice but the third time is the charm.”
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