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The finale of Love Island Australia 2024 aired on December 16, 2024, at 8:30 PM AEDT on 9Now, hosted by Sophie Monk. The episode saw finalists, Em and Mercedes, Mia and Niko, along with Kaylah and Eric, vying for the coveted title. Em and Mercedes were announced as the winners of this season.
Following the conclusion of the show, the duo confirmed that they are no longer in a relationship. During an interview with Pedestrian TV on December 17, 2024, Em spoke about parting ways with Mercedes. She confirmed:
“Mercedes and I [are] not together.”
“We do have a good friendship”— Love Island Australia star Em talks about her connection with Mercedes after split
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In the interview, Em, a 26-year-old model and Love Island Australia 2024 winner, confirmed that she and Mercedes are no longer together. She emphasized that they have maintained a positive friendship and continue to stay in touch. Em highlighted the situation, saying:
"We do have a good friendship, and we speak quite regularly."
She did not provide specific reasons for their breakup but explained that returning to reality after the show posed challenges, which could have contributed to their decision. Em explained that coming back from the villa was such a "wild experience".
Em explained that "being thrust back into reality" was "difficult" for her. She continued:
"Maybe less so for him, because he’s the season pro at this point."
She also shared that she needed her space, and that space eventually turned into a split. Em concluded:
"But yeah, I don’t know. I definitely just needed my space, and then that space kind of turned into something more permanent. But I think it, yeah, it was the right decision for us not to be together."
Mercedes’ response to the split
Mercedes also addressed the breakup in a statement sent via an email to Pedestrian TV. He stated that their friendship remains intact, adding that his relationship with Em is still "good."
"Unfortunately, we are no longer together and truly I think that’s for the best. She’s an amazing woman but I don’t think we would work longer term and I wouldn’t want to waste either of our time." Mercedes emphasized.
He further explained that they continue to be friends, noting plans to see Em when he visits Australia. He also said:
"I am single as a person can be."
The future after Love Island Australia
Both Em and Mercedes indicated in the interview that they are moving forward after the breakup. Em described the difficulty of transitioning back to normal life after the intense experience in the villa, while Mercedes underscored his continued focus on his reality TV career.
Mercedes, who has previously won two seasons of FBoy Island in the United States, highlighted that his win on Love Island Australia marks his third dating show victory. While he did not provide additional details about his plans, it is clear that he is pursuing opportunities in the reality TV industry.
Watch episodes of Love Island Australia for free on 9Now and relive all the exciting moments from the season!
