Remember the guy with the teeth? Honestly, if you watched the first-ever winter edition of Love Island UK back in early 2020, you definitely remember Connor Durman. He was the Brighton-based coffee bean salesman who walked into the South African villa on Day 1 and immediately became one of the most talked-about contestants of the series.
It wasn’t just the dental work, though that certainly sparked a thousand memes. It was the intense, somewhat volatile connection he had with Sophie Piper (yes, Rochelle Humes’ sister). Their relationship was a rollercoaster that started with a spark and ended with a messy exit that left fans wondering if they’d actually make it in the real world.
Fast forward to 2026, and Connor’s life looks nothing like those sun-soaked days in Cape Town. He’s traded the villa drama for dirty nappies and double espressos.
The Love Island Season 6 Journey: A Recap
Connor’s time in the villa was short but incredibly impactful. He was dumped on Day 15, which feels like a lifetime ago considering the show usually lasts twice that long.
The drama started almost immediately. Connor and Sophie were the "it" couple of the first week, but the arrival of bombshell Connagh Howard (the "other" Connor) threw a massive spanner in the works. We saw a side of Connor that was—let’s be real—pretty insecure. He didn't handle Sophie’s interest in Connagh well, and the "coffee bean salesman" suddenly became the "guy who gets stressed out by a chat."
Despite the friction, they found their way back to each other. When the public voted them the least popular couple, the other Islanders had to choose one person to save. They picked Sophie. Connor had to walk. It was one of those "if you love me, you’ll come with me" moments that didn't actually happen. Sophie stayed, Connor left, and the internet had a field day.
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Life After the Villa with Sophie Piper
Everyone wanted to know: did Sophie and Connor actually date?
They did. Sort of. For a minute.
When Sophie was eventually dumped a week later, they reunited on Aftersun and tried to make a go of it. They were spotted out and about in London, but the "situation-ship" (Sophie’s own words) didn't survive the transition from reality TV to reality. By March 2020, just as the world was locking down, their relationship was reportedly on the rocks. They had "crisis talks" at a London hotel, and shortly after, they went their separate ways.
The distance—she was in Essex, he was in Brighton—and the sheer pressure of post-show fame seemed to kill the spark. Plus, Sophie eventually headed back into the limelight for Love Island: All Stars, while Connor took a very different path.
The Teeth, the Tattoos, and the "Naked" Past
Before he was a reality star, Connor lived a bit of a wild life in Australia. He spent four years Down Under, and honestly, the details are better than the show. He worked as a naked waiter in Sydney. Yes, really.
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He also underwent a pretty massive physical transformation before joining the Love Island Season 6 cast. He was open about getting his veneers done in Turkey, famously claiming in his intro video that his new teeth helped him "pull" more. Mix that with his extensive Egyptian-themed tattoos, and you had a contestant who was custom-built for the ITV2 aesthetic.
Where is Connor Durman in 2026?
If you look at his Instagram now, you won't see much villa nostalgia. Connor has successfully pivoted away from the "influencer" trope and back into his original passion: coffee.
The Naked Baristas
Connor didn't just sell beans; he built a brand. He’s the face behind Naked Baristas, a coffee company that has grown significantly since 2020. He used his platform to launch the business, focusing on high-quality roasts and professional setups. It’s a move that many ex-Islanders fail to make—actually building a sustainable business rather than just selling fast-fashion discount codes.
Becoming a Dad: The Big 2025 Update
The biggest shift in Connor's life happened recently. In April 2025, Connor became a father for the first time.
He and his partner, Ella Newton, welcomed a baby boy named Rome. He shared the news with a series of black-and-white photos that were a far cry from his "lad" persona on TV. He seems genuinely settled. His former castmates, like Finley Tapp and Callum Jones, were all over the comments section offering congratulations. It’s wild to think that the guy who was "stressed" about a 10-minute chat in the villa is now navigating the chaos of a newborn.
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Why We Still Talk About Connor
Connor represents a specific era of Love Island. Season 6 was the first "winter" version, and it had a different energy. It was smaller, maybe a bit more intimate, and Connor was the central protagonist of the early-season drama.
Most people get him wrong. They think of him as just the guy with the veneers who was a bit possessive. But looking at his trajectory—moving back to Brighton, growing a legitimate business, and starting a family—it’s clear he was one of the few who used the show as a stepping stone rather than a permanent identity.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re still following the Season 6 cast, here’s what you should know for your next trivia night or deep dive:
- Check the Coffee: If you're a caffeine snob, his brand Naked Baristas is actually legit and ships across the UK. It’s not just a "celeb" gimmick.
- Follow the Evolution: His current content is much more lifestyle and fatherhood-focused. If you’re looking for villa-style drama, you won't find it there.
- The Sophie Connection: Stop asking if they still talk. They've both moved on completely. Sophie is busy with the All Stars circuit and high-profile modeling, while Connor is firmly in his "dad era."
The reality TV-to-real-life pipeline is usually pretty messy, but Connor Durman managed to find a lane that works for him. He isn't chasing cameras anymore; he's chasing a toddler and roasting beans. Honestly, that’s a better ending than most Islanders get.
To stay updated on his business ventures, keep an eye on his verified social channels, as he frequently posts behind-the-scenes content of his roasting process and new product launches.