Fresh off her Love Island victory, Toni Laites is poised to take the entertainment world by storm, with US networks eyeing her for a major presenting role. The UK sensation, who captured hearts during her summer triumph, has received a glowing endorsement from Love Island 2016 winner Cara De La Hoyde, who believes Toni is destined to front Love Island USA: Aftersun.
Cara, who won the ITV2 dating show alongside her now-husband Nathan Massey, shared her seasoned advice for navigating fame post-villa. Speaking with infectious enthusiasm, she urged Toni to seize every opportunity while her star is blazing bright. “Take as much as you can get, babe, because that spotlight doesn’t last forever,” Cara advised. “I think Toni should host Aftersun for the American series—she’d absolutely smash it. She’s a natural, and I’m sure we’ll see her back on our screens soon!”
Toni, currently settled in the UK with her partner Cach, has been at the center of swirling rumors about new TV projects. Her grounded upbringing, as Cara points out, will keep her humble amidst the whirlwind of fame. “She’s got a solid family behind her, so there’s no chance of her turning into a diva,” Cara said. “But she needs to strike while the iron’s hot. The next Love Island: All Stars and the main series will come around fast, so she should grab every chance to shine.”
Reflecting on the upcoming Love Island: All Stars, set to return in early 2026, Cara expressed mixed feelings about the format. While she’s a fan, she’s skeptical about whether there are enough big-name islanders left to keep viewers hooked. “I love the concept, but I’m worried about who they can bring back that’ll really get people excited,” she admitted. “Stars like Ovie Soko and Maura Higgins are killing it in their careers—they’re not likely to return. You need fresh, magnetic names to keep the spark alive.”
Drawing a parallel to RuPaul’s Drag Race, Cara added, “Early All Stars seasons are electric—think Alaska-level excitement. But by season 14, the magic can fade if you’re just recycling faces. There’s a limit to how many times you can bring people back.”
Cara also opened up about her own Love Island journey, offering candid advice for couples leaving the villa. She and Nathan, now married with two children, made the bold move to live together just two months after the show—a decision she now calls “ridiculous.” Laughing, she recalled, “We thought we knew everything about each other after six weeks. It was the worst choice we could’ve made because the villa isn’t the real world.” Despite the rocky start, their love endured, but Cara warns that not every couple will be so lucky.
Her advice to new islanders? Balance coupledom with individuality. “When you come out as a couple, you’ll do work together, but you’ve got to carve out your own path too,” she explained. “If you base your whole brand on being a couple and then split up in six months, you’re left scrambling. Be a little selfish—build your own brand while doing the couple thing.”
Nearly a decade after her villa days, Cara remains unapologetically proud of her Love Island experience. “I’ll never slate the show,” she declared. “You go in as an adult, knowing what you’re signing up for. If people join to gain followers, good for them! They’re hustling to better their lives and their families’ lives. I say, go for it—have a laugh while you’re young.”
With Cara’s ringing endorsement and her natural charisma, Toni Laites is on the cusp of something big. Could she be the next face of Love Island USA: Aftersun? As Cara puts it, “Watch this space!” With US networks circling and a Love Island winner’s blessing, Toni’s star is only rising.