Miguel Harichi from Love Island USA Reveals the Sweet Reason He Calls Leah Kateb ‘My Wife’

Miguel Harichi, the charming 27-year-old reality star from Love Island USA season 6, has been making waves both on-screen and off-screen with his relationship with Leah Kateb, 25. Although their romance started in the dramatic and competitive world of reality television, it’s clear that their love story has blossomed into something far deeper and more meaningful than what viewers saw on the show.

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly during a celebration for the launch of Innisfree’s new skincare products, Harichi opened up about his relationship with Kateb, revealing just how much he cherishes her and why he calls her “my wife,” despite not being legally married.

A Love That Defies the Reality TV Script

When asked how things are going with Kateb, Harichi’s answer was simple yet heartfelt. “Things are going great. It’s never a boring moment for us,” he shared, beaming with pride. “The relationship is just progressing. I love her more and more every day.”

The couple, who have kept their relationship thriving after Love Island USA season 6, have been inseparable since they met while filming the reality series. Their connection quickly became evident on the show, with the two making promises to stay together once the cameras stopped rolling. Fast forward to the present, and they are enjoying their time together in Los Angeles, traveling, spending quiet nights in, and growing their bond.

In fact, for Harichi, the love he feels for Kateb is so strong that he doesn’t hesitate to refer to her as “my wife” in social media posts, especially on TikTok. While this might seem like a premature declaration to some, Harichi’s reasoning is sweet, personal, and surprisingly mature.

“She’s not my wife legally,” Harichi explained during the interview, “We haven’t gone and got married, but for me, I just view her as my wife. When I date, I date for marriage. I don’t see any short-term things. Even though we aren’t married yet, I just view her as my woman, my second half, my wife. For me, it’s another way of putting her as my queen, my princess.”

Harichi’s words reflect a romantic, committed approach to relationships that prioritizes deep emotional connection over superficial labels. For him, marriage isn’t just a formality or a milestone to check off; it’s a natural progression in a relationship built on trust, love, and mutual respect. His use of the term “wife” isn’t meant to pressure Kateb but rather to express the depth of his feelings for her. It’s a beautiful reminder of how love can transcend labels and legalities, focusing on the emotional and spiritual bond that two people share.

A Cross-Continental Love Story

Harichi’s journey with Kateb isn’t just about navigating the ups and downs of a reality television romance. It’s also about navigating the challenges of long-distance relationships, visa processes, and planning for a future together. Born and raised in England, Harichi has been living in the United States on a six-month work visa. He has plans to extend it and, ultimately, to make Los Angeles his permanent home.

“I know everyone’s like, ‘How has it stayed so long?’” Harichi mused, referring to the longevity of his and Kateb’s relationship. “I’ve actually had a six-month work visa. I’m going back to the U.K. to renew it and extend it. I am planning on moving out here. That is my goal.”

Despite the logistical hurdles of living in a different country, Harichi has made his time with Kateb his top priority. Whether they’re enjoying a spontaneous weekend getaway in Las Vegas or simply spending a quiet day lounging in their pajamas, the two are committed to making the most of their time together.

“We can just sit in the bedroom just the whole day doing nothing,” Harichi joked. “And we’ll just find a way to entertain each other.” This comment highlights the comfort and joy that both Harichi and Kateb find in each other’s company—proof that their love isn’t just about grand gestures but about enjoying the simple moments as well.

The Joys and Struggles of Public Life

Being in the public eye has its challenges, especially when it comes to navigating social media, public scrutiny, and fans who are constantly watching. However, Harichi seems unfazed by the attention. He and Kateb have embraced the platform of social media as a way to document their relationship, giving fans a glimpse into their day-to-day lives. For Harichi, this openness is just another way to express his love for Kateb.

“I’m happy to share bits and pieces of our relationship,” he shared. “It’s not like I’m hiding anything. We just want to show people how real it is.” Whether they’re sharing sweet moments on TikTok or documenting their adventures, Harichi and Kateb are proving that their relationship is grounded in authenticity and mutual respect.

For Harichi, social media isn’t just a tool for sharing personal moments with fans—it also serves as a reminder of the love and connection he shares with Kateb. And it’s not just about the romantic moments, either. The couple shares snippets of their day-to-day life, making it clear that they’re just like any other couple trying to build a life together. Their candidness and relatability are part of what makes them so appealing to fans who root for their love story.

Skincare, Self-Care, and Looking After Each Other

In addition to their personal life, Harichi has also been a supporter of skincare and self-care, which he shared during his interview at the launch event for Innisfree’s new Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Toner Pads. A big believer in looking after one’s skin, Harichi revealed that he has struggled with finding the right skincare products, particularly those that don’t make his skin feel too oily.

“I’ll definitely say, as far as skincare goes, Innisfree is very light and non-greasy,” Harichi said. “I think that’s something I struggled with because I wouldn’t say I have oily skin, but the wrong product can make my skin very oily. Innisfree is light, clean, low oil. They definitely help.”

It’s clear that Harichi’s focus on self-care extends beyond skincare and into his personal relationships. He understands the importance of maintaining a balance between work, love, and personal well-being, and it’s evident that his partnership with Kateb is built on this principle of care, both for themselves and each other.

Looking to the Future

As Harichi and Kateb continue to grow together, their future is bright. Whether they’re exploring new cities, sharing quiet moments at home, or celebrating their achievements, they are clearly focused on nurturing their relationship and building a lasting connection. Harichi’s plans to eventually move to Los Angeles to make it his permanent home show his commitment to their future together, and fans can’t help but root for the couple as they continue to write their love story, both on and off the screen.

While the couple may not be legally married yet, Harichi’s declaration of Kateb as “my wife” serves as a beautiful testament to their deep emotional connection. For Harichi, it’s not about rushing into marriage—it’s about building a strong, loving foundation that will carry them through whatever the future holds.

In a world where many reality TV relationships burn bright and fizzle out quickly, Miguel Harichi and Leah Kateb are proving that love, patience, and a little bit of humor can go a long way in building something truly lasting. Fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for this pair, but for now, it’s clear that their relationship is anything but ordinary.