In a world where reality TV fame often leads to fast money, glamorous lifestyles, and a frenzy of endorsement deals, the Love Island winners of 2023, Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan, have taken a different path. While many of their fellow contestants have opted to launch lucrative influencer careers, Kai and Sanam have returned to their roots, choosing to follow their professional passions and maintain a sense of normalcy in the midst of their newfound fame.
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The couple met on the 2023 winter edition of Love Island and quickly became fan favorites for their genuine connection, warmth, and unpretentious personalities. Their victory on the show not only earned them the £50,000 prize but also catapulted them into the public eye. Despite the allure of social media stardom, both Kai and Sanam have remained committed to their pre-show careers, an unusual decision that challenges the common narrative among reality TV stars.
In an exclusive interview, the couple shared their thoughts on fame, materialism, and their decision to continue working in their respective fields as a PE teacher and social worker. Their story serves as a refreshing reminder that success doesn’t always have to mean abandoning one’s roots or chasing fleeting trends.
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Kai and Sanam: A Love Story That’s Rooted in Real Life
Kai Fagan, a 26-year-old PE teacher, and Sanam Harrinanan, also 26, a social worker, found love in the most unexpected of places—on a reality show. What started as a playful connection on Love Island blossomed into a deep and meaningful relationship. While the couple’s journey to engagement in April 2024 might seem straight out of a fairytale, their outlook on fame and materialism is anything but.
The pair are refreshingly grounded and have made it clear that their careers and the meaningful impact they have in their respective fields are far more important to them than the celebrity status that many Love Island winners chase after. For Kai, returning to his role as a PE teacher was never in question. “I love teaching. I love being able to work with kids and inspire them to lead healthy lives,” he explained in their recent interview. “I didn’t join Love Island to get a career change. I wanted to go there for the experience, to meet new people, and, of course, to find someone special.”
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Sanam echoed his sentiments, revealing that her passion for social work had only deepened since returning to her job. “Being a social worker isn’t just a job for me, it’s a calling,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to help people, especially those who are vulnerable, and I’m not willing to give that up just for a few Instagram posts or brand deals.”
The Power of Staying True to Yourself
One of the most striking aspects of Kai and Sanam’s post-Love Island life is their commitment to staying true to themselves and their values. While many reality stars eagerly embrace the influencer lifestyle, posting daily sponsored content and promoting the latest luxury items, Kai and Sanam have turned down countless lucrative deals that didn’t align with their values.
“We’ve always been clear about this—money isn’t what drives us,” said Kai. “I could have easily gone down the influencer route, signing deals with brands just to make more money, but that’s not who I am. I don’t want to be someone I’m not just for a paycheck. I’d rather stay authentic to myself, even if it means turning down opportunities.”
Sanam, who is equally discerning when it comes to brand partnerships, agreed. “I’d rather take less money than be involved in something that doesn’t feel right,” she said. “You don’t have to follow the typical path that everyone else is on. There’s so much pressure to chase fame and fortune, but for me, it’s all about making a real difference in people’s lives.”
This mindset is something the couple takes seriously. Sanam, for example, passed all of her exams to become a fully qualified social worker while also navigating the pressures of being in the public eye. Her Instagram post earlier this year highlighted the balance she’s been able to strike: “Reality TV doesn’t have to ruin your image or your career. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to. Stay true to yourself always.”
A Return to Normalcy: Working Hard, Living Modestly
While many reality TV stars are known for their love of luxury items and designer clothes, Kai and Sanam have made it clear that they aren’t interested in flaunting their wealth. Despite the £50,000 prize they won on Love Island, the couple hasn’t indulged in extravagant purchases or major splurges. Instead, they have used their winnings wisely, investing in their future and prioritizing their family.
Kai shared that he used the prize money to help secure their first home together. “When we left the villa, we didn’t have any jobs lined up,” he explained. “The money was important for us, not to buy flashy things, but to get ourselves back on our feet and start planning our future. It helped us create stability, and that’s all we really wanted.”
Sanam also revealed that a significant portion of the prize money went to supporting her family, particularly her mother. “Family is everything to me,” she said. “I wanted to make sure my mum was taken care of, especially after everything she’s done for me. It wasn’t about getting a fancy car or designer clothes. We’re both more focused on the important things in life.”
In fact, both Kai and Sanam have adopted a more minimalist approach to their lifestyle. Kai admitted that he used to be “quite materialistic” in the past but now finds satisfaction in the simpler things. “I’m a Primark man now,” he joked. “I’ve learned that it’s not about having the latest brand or a flashy car. It’s about being happy with what you have and not needing to prove anything to anyone.”
Making a Difference and Living Authentically
For Kai and Sanam, the most rewarding aspect of their post-Love Island lives is the ability to make a real difference in the world. While fame and money are tempting, they believe their careers in teaching and social work allow them to leave a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others. Kai works hard to inspire his students to stay active and lead healthy lives, while Sanam is dedicated to advocating for vulnerable individuals in need of support.
“It’s all about being impactful,” Sanam explained. “I love working with kids and being part of something that matters. I want to look back one day and know that I helped make the world a little bit better.”
Kai shared a similar sentiment. “When I see my students succeeding or making progress in their health, it’s the best feeling. I don’t need the fame or the money to feel validated. Seeing the impact I have on others is what truly matters.”
The Road Ahead: Staying Grounded and Focused on What Matters
As Kai and Sanam continue to build their careers and relationship, they remain focused on what truly matters to them—making a difference, staying true to themselves, and living life on their own terms. They have turned down offers for extravagant brand partnerships, instead opting for a quieter life filled with meaningful work and a commitment to each other.
Their story serves as a refreshing reminder that fame doesn’t have to come at the cost of your values or your career. For Kai and Sanam, their love for each other and their passion for their work are more than enough. In a world that often values material success over personal fulfillment, the couple stands as a testament to the power of staying grounded and true to one’s passions.
Their decision to embrace a life of authenticity and hard work over a life of luxury and superficiality speaks volumes about their character, and it’s clear that their future—both together and professionally—is one they are building with integrity, love, and purpose.
