She rose to fame on Love Island in 2024, but Matilda Draper failed to find a lasting connection – splitting from Sean Stone just weeks after leaving the villa. However, a lot has changed in a year. The star is now smitten with TOWIE’s Roman Hackett, 22, and has even joined him on the show. Here, Matilda, 24, opens up about their whirlwind romance – including getting inked and moving in together…
How is it all going on TOWIE**?**
It’s been really nice! It made sense for me to do what Roman was doing, as we’re together all the time. It’s natural going places together.
Did you know the cast already?
I’d spoken to Dani [Imbert] and Lauren [Goodger] before, but everyone has been lovely. I’m friendly with all the girls, so can dip in and have lovely chats. I’ve got no animosity with anyone.
And how are things with Roman?
We’ve been together for four or five months, but it honestly feels like forever. I can’t imagine life without him. I’ve met everyone in his family, and he’s met everyone in mine, so they are integrated now. My sisters love him, so we spend time with them and their boyfriends. He’s just slotted into my life perfectly.
Did you miss him when he was filming in Bali?
Two weeks felt so much longer! It was hard, but we spoke every day on FaceTime. I was in Oz, so that made it a bit easier. We’re used to being in each other’s company 24/7, but it’s nice to miss someone sometimes.
You’ve even got matching tattoos…
We’ve got our ‘Carpe Diem’ ones. I’ve got an ‘R’ and he’s got an ‘M’ on our arms – we got that in Amsterdam on our Valentine’s trip. He’s got my date of birth, as well. We just love getting random tattoos when we’re on holiday. I think we’ll keep getting little ones until we’re covered.
Any plans to move in?
Roman has basically moved into my flat! He’s more or less there every day. He’s got a tiny section of the wardrobe that keeps getting bigger. It’s moved quick, but we’re so pure with how much we love each other. We can’t help but be open, which I love. I wouldn’t want someone nonchalant. I want someone to be loud about how much they love me.
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