Love Island USA's Carl & Aniya Give 1st Relationship Update Since Leaving the Villa
Season 8's Prince has given Love Island USA fans a swoon-worthy update about his feelings for his Princess, Aniya.
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Key Takeaways
- Carl Lee Schmidt and Aniya Harvey shared affectionate social media updates after finishing as Love Island USA Season 8 runner-ups, signaling that their relationship is still going strong outside the Villa.
- Carl’s Instagram tribute highlighted memorable moments from their journey together and referenced his famous “walls are up” quote, while fellow Islanders flooded the comments with support for the couple.
- Aniya described her experience on the show as “an answered prayer,” praised her connection with Carl, and said she is excited to see how their relationship continues in the real world.
While Love Island USA fan favorites Carl Lee Schmidt and Aniya Harvey finished Season 8 as the runner-ups, they remain one of the top fairytale romances to come out of Fiji, and we officially have an update from the smitten Islanders.
How to Watch
The Love Island USA Season 8 reunion premieres exclusively on Peacock on Monday, August 31 at 9 p.m. ET.
Just days after the finale, Carl gave fans yet another reason to swoon by sharing a heartfelt Instagram post dedicated to his time in the Villa, spotlighting (of course) Aniya. It's packed with unforgettable snapshots from his journey and is a lovely tribute to the relationship that first blossomed in Fiji.
The carousel opens with a dreamy photo from Carl and Aniya's fairytale-inspired finale date, one of the most romantic moments of the season. Another photo shows Carl's unforgettable return from Casa Amor when he burst out of the massive cake in one of Season 8's biggest twists. Carl also included a solo shot of himself looking sharp ahead of an evening event, as well as a stylish group photo of the final four men suited up ahead of the finale.
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The final photo brought the focus back to Carl and Aniya, who beamed for the cameras in their matching crowns during their final date together. It was a fitting ending to a romance that embraced each fairytale twist. Aniya had expressed deep desires to find her Prince Charming, and judging by the glimmering crowns, twinkling lights, and euphoric joy on their faces, it looks like Carl and Aniya got their happily ever after.
After being crowned Season 8's runner-ups, Love Island USA fans have been eager for an update from the fan favorites. Read more below.
Carl shared the sweetest caption about Aniya in his post-Love Island USA update
As shown during his tenure in Fiji, Carl never fails to deliver the romance when it comes to expressing his feelings for Aniya, so it should come as no surprise that Carl's caption for the Instagram post was just as swoon-worthy as the photos themselves.
"Walls were never really up, let’s be honest," he captioned the sweet post.
His words refer to his iconic Season 8 quote from Episode 24 when he returned to the Villa after his Casa Amor elimination. Feeling a tad nervous about his connection with Aniya after her decision, Carl explained that he planned to take it slow, giving Love Island USA fans some hilarious famous last words: "What we had was good, but the walls are up a little bit."
Needless to say, Carl folded like a wet paper towel after the pair made out in the "Say Less" lounge less than 24 hours later.
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Carl's Instagram post quickly became a gathering place for his fellow Season 8 Islanders, who couldn't resist showing support for the lovebirds. Season 8 winner Trinity Tatum was among those celebrating the pairing, and Islanders Sean Reifel, Jen Terry, and Corey Sawyer Jr. also stopped by the comments to share the love.
"Love you guys," Trinity commented, while Sean told Carl, "The greatest to ever do it." Their messages reflected the close Season 8 friendships that were forged inside the Villa, where Islanders spend weeks navigating romantic chaos.
Aniya gave a sweet update about her connection with Carl
Amid her post-Villa return, Aniya also took to social media to give fans an update on how she's been feeling, sharing a slideshow of epic Love Island USA highlights. While Aniya's cherished memories include fun-filled photo booth sessions and unforgettable moments in the Villa, fans can't help but obsess over every moment she shared with Carl. From their steamy challenges to their epic final date, Love Island nation is rooting for "Carniya."
"What In the world. First and foremost, I want to say that being in that villa GENUINELY felt like an answered prayer," Aniya captioned the Instagram post. "I definitely went through my struggles, but I will forever cherish the people I met along the way. Not only did I make friends who became my family and picked me up when I was down, but I met someone who made my journey in the villa special. I truly cherish the connection I have with Carl, and I’m so happy that he made my fairytale dream a reality. I cannot wait to see how our story continues."
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Aniya concluded, "To everyone who supported me throughout this journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart! The amount of love you have shown means the world. I am beyond grateful and excited for this next chapter. I love you guys so much!!!!"
Now, Carl and Aniya can enjoy the real world together, with their latest posts make it clear that they see a future together after Fiji.
If you thought Carl and Aniya's love story ended when they left the Villa, think again. Don't miss the juicy details and long-awaited relationship updates from all of the Season 8 Islanders by watching the Season 8 reunion of Love Island USA on Monday, August 31 at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET, exclusively on Peacock.
