From Love Island to Almost The Valley: Iris's Shocking Pre-Show Revelation

Before stepping foot into the sun-drenched villa of Love Island USA, contestant Iris found herself on the precipice of another major reality TV splash – a spot on Bravo's latest sensation, 'The Valley.' This bombshell revelation comes directly from Iris herself, who recently opened up about a five-year, deeply serious relationship with none other than 'The Valley' star Jesse Lally.

Her story offers a fascinating glimpse into the interconnected world of reality television and the dramatic personal histories that often precede newfound fame.

Iris's connection to 'The Valley' isn't just a fleeting acquaintance; it runs deep. She revealed that she and Jesse Lally were an item for half a decade, a relationship so significant that they shared a home and frequently discussed marriage.

"We lived together," Iris confirmed, painting a picture of a committed partnership that seemed destined for a long-term future. This wasn't merely a casual romance; it was a foundational period in her life, intertwined with the very people who now populate 'The Valley's' cast.

During their five years together, Iris was an integral part of Jesse's social circle, which includes many of 'The Valley's' stars.

She recounted knowing most of the cast intimately, including Bravo stalwarts Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright, and Kristen Doute. This close-knit group made the eventual turn of events even more jarring for Iris, as she suddenly found herself on the outside looking in, while her ex-partner navigated a new relationship and a new show with familiar faces.

The breakup itself was, according to Iris, both sudden and bewildering.

She described being "blindsided" by Jesse when he began filming 'The Valley,' revealing he had blocked her without warning. The painful truth of his new relationship with Michelle Saniei, to whom he is now engaged, came to her not through a conversation, but through social media. "I knew most of the people, so it was definitely kind of a wild way to find out," she reflected, highlighting the impersonal and public nature of her discovery.

Initially, Iris admitted to a sense of disbelief.

Despite having a "gut feeling" that something was amiss, she struggled to reconcile the rumors with the image of loyalty she had always associated with Jesse. "He was always very loyal, so I didn't believe it for a second until, you know, it was just confirmed," she shared. The confirmation came in the form of public knowledge, forcing her to confront the reality of their fractured past and his rapidly evolving present.

While the experience was undeniably hurtful, Iris has clearly moved forward.

"I'm over it," she stated firmly, expressing a desire for Jesse and Michelle to find happiness. However, the unconventional and public way their five-year relationship concluded remains a point of reflection. "I do wish them the best," Iris reiterated, "but it was just kind of wild the way that it ended up." Her journey from a near-miss with 'The Valley' to finding love on 'Love Island USA' speaks volumes about resilience and the unpredictable path of life and romance.