Former Love Island contestant Shaq Muhammad has spoken candidly about his past romance with Tanya Manhenga as he prepares to re-enter the famous villa for the All Stars series launching on Monday, January 12.
Unfinished Business and Moving On
In an exclusive interview, the 27-year-old addressed whether there was any 'unfinished business' with his ex-partner, Tanya. The pair originally met on Series 9 of Love Island in 2023, forming a strong bond and finishing in fourth place before their relationship ended in the summer of 2024.
"You can never say never to anything," Shaq confessed to My London. However, he was keen to emphasise that he has now moved on. "Tanya and I have been broken up for well over a year now and we've moved past each other," he stated, clarifying his intention to explore new connections in the All Stars villa.
Reflecting on Past Heartbreak and Reconciliation
Shaq's initial journey in the villa was entirely focused on Tanya, but their path was not without drama. Following the Casa Amor segment of their series, Tanya, now 25, chose to recouple with Martin Akinola, a decision that left Shaq heartbroken before the couple later reconciled.
Their split after the show was also subject to public scrutiny, with Tanya alleging infidelity during a lads' holiday. Shaq previously clarified that while nothing sexual occurred, he did cross boundaries that disrespected his partner.
Looking for Lasting Love on All Stars
Now, Shaq's focus is firmly on the future. "I'm open to meeting other people," he affirmed. "Last time I was with her and her only the whole time I was in there. I don't want to do myself a disservice [even] if she were to pop in there... I just have to give everybody an open chance."
He revealed that he and Tanya remain on good terms, with no bad blood between them. "Tanya and I are very amicable," Shaq disclosed. "I think she would just want the best for me. I want the best for her as well." He expressed his ultimate goal is to find a lasting relationship, stating, "Everyone wants marriage and kids, which is what I want."
Love Island All Stars returns to ITV2 and ITVX on Monday, January 12 at 9pm.
