‘Our goal is to turn heads’
Former Love Island stars Kady McDermott and Joanna Chimonides open up to TV Life about friendship and their love lives
Kady McDermott and Joanna Chimonides have something pretty unusual in common – they both entered the Love Island villa in a quest for love. Although they appeared on different series – Kady in 2016 and Joanna in 2019 – the duo have become firm friends and have even created their own Christmas edit for clothes brand Quiz.
“We were together shooting for two days and I can honestly say that Jo is the first person I’ve met who doesn’t annoy me at all,” Kady, 25, who left the villa with then boyfriend Scott Thomas, says. “We just help each other and keep each other on the right track,” Joanna, 24, adds.
Aside from gushing about their friendship, the duo also open up about their love lives during our chat. While Kady is in a relationship with former TOWIE star Myles Barnett, Jo is single but open to meeting someone. “Personality tops it all,” she says. “Someone with great banter, who doesn’t take themselves too seriously, but someone who also isn’t afraid of showing affection.”
Here, we talk to the pair about their favourite clothes in their collection and what they look for in a relationship…
Hi ladies. First things first, Kady, how’s your relationship with Myles going?
Kady: Me and Myles are really good. We’ve just moved into our house which we’ve been renovating for over a year.
Exciting! Is there a special someone in your life, Joanna?
Joanna: My love life is pretty bland unfortunately, so there isn’t anyone on the cards. I haven’t met someone who has swept me off my feet yet. I’m not a serial dater, so if I get into a relationship or even consider a date with someone, it would mean they’ve really stood out for me. But at the moment it’s just me, myself and I.
Are you willing to date for fun or are you holding out for something serious?
Joanna: Over the past year or so I’ve realised that it’s OK to date for fun and when you date, it doesn’t mean you have to get into a relationship. So I think with this new mindset, I wouldn’t mind dating for fun. But I think if the right person comes along then a serious relationship will naturally form from it. I’m trusting the timing of the universe – let’s hope it doesn’t let me down.
What’s the best thing about being single?
Joanna: Just being in control of your own emotions and focusing purely on yourself. Being dumped a few years ago has been a blessing in disguise. I feel like I have really had time to figure out who I am as a woman and which career path I want to go down. I’ve also learnt to put myself and my feelings first.
And what’s the worst part?
Joanna: The lack of affection.
A good cuddle is everything and I sometimes miss a good cuddle and kiss on the forehead before I go to sleep. It’s the little things.
Kady, you and Myles have been together for two years – is there anything you’d change about him?
Kady: I like Myles how he is, but if I could change anything it would be his stubbornness. He’s more stubborn than me and that’s saying something! Also, I would love it if he was better with social media so I can get him in more TikToks.
Ha. Do you keep in touch with any of the other Islanders?
Joanna: Yes, I’m still in contact with other Islanders from my year. But I’ve grown super close with girls from the other series too – Kady, of course, Georgia Steel and Jess and Eve Gale.
Congratulations on your edit with Quiz. How do you want people to feel when they’re wearing your pieces?
Kady: Extra. Every single piece is different and it’s all very out there. Joanna: Yeah, I think we wanted everything to stand out. Our goal is to turn heads and feel confident.
‘Being dumpeda few years ago has been a blessing in disguise’
Do you have any favourites from the new collection?
Joanna: There’s this oriental print two-piece and another dress with the same pattern as well. Kady: A purple satin co-ord – just a matching bralet and skirt. I wore it with white boots. I loved it.
Shop Kady and Joanna’s Christmas edit at quizclothing.co.uk