Perfect Match season 2 cast member, Tolu Ekundare, walked into the villa hoping to find her best match. Although her initial connection with Izzy lacked spark, she quickly bonded with Dom, the winner of season 1, after a date.
Things did not fare well for the new couple when Dom became dissatisfied with Tolu and showed an interest in Alara. In a June 8, 2024 interview with Today, Tolu reflected on her connection with Dom.
"It was really depressing. It made me feel like maybe I was too much. And I had to mute myself down because I genuinely felt, like, I don't think this dude likes me as a person. Like, it's obvious he doesn't like me romantically," Tolu recalled.
What went wrong with Tolu and Dom's relationship in Perfect Match season 2?
Tolu was featured as one of the original cast members on Perfect Match season 2. She initially connected with Izzy Zapata, who impressed her with his mature personality. However, their relationship ended when Tolu went on a blind date with Dom.
Winners of the compatibility challenge in episode 1, Harry and Elys, sent Tolu on a date with Dom. Tolu and Dom cycled around Tulum and enjoyed a romantic meal. Eventually, Tolu chose Dom over Izzy, marking the latter's eviction from the Perfect Match house in episode 2.
"Our energy was matching. It was giving rom-com plus Dom," confessed Tolu.
In episode 4, Dom appeared distracted by a new single, Alara, confessing he wanted to explore other options. Although Dom and Tolu won their compatibility challenge, the date that followed was an eye-opener for Tolu. While she was excited to share quality time with her Perfect Match partner, Dom tried to encourage her to explore other options. While speaking to Today, she said:
"But literally, the whole cooking date was you just interacting with the cooking instructor. This man barely spoke to me, barely looked at me."
Taken aback by Dom's "personality shift," Tolu realized it was time for a change. Despite that, she tried to discuss the fading relationship but Dom preferred "conserving his social battery." While reflecting on her relationship with him in the Perfect Match house, she recalled Dom made her feel responsible for his lack of energy.
Tolu revealed she was not aware of Dom's infatuation with Alara. Feeling blindsided, she decided not to sit around and waste her time on the show. When Dom and Tolu got the opportunity to head to the boardroom, the latter chose to set herself on a date with Jake. However, the date did not materialize.
"So at that point, I was like, 'OK, look, I'm not going sit around and be played for a goofy. Like, I am here for a reason," mentioned Tolu.
Describing Dom's energy as "draining," Tolu knew nothing was left in their relationship. She revealed in her interview that she felt Dom had distanced himself after they spent the first night in the house together.
"(My) eyes started opening after that first night that we were matched, when he went from, like, you know, funny and charming, to doom and gloom," she shared.
Unable to resolve the tension in their relationship, Tolu decided to move on. Her first attempt with Jake did not fare well. She then turned to Dated & Related alumni, Chris Hahn. As they coupled up Dom was left matchless, resulting in his elimination. These two Perfect Match singles, Tolu and Chris, emerged as one of the most unexpected couples. Nonetheless, they are currently headed to the finale of the show.
Perfect Match season 2 finale is set to release on June 21. Episodes 1-9 of the show are currently streaming on Netflix.