Hey, Love Island lovers. My name is Amy Adams, but they call me Amy Adams, and today, I’m going to dish all of the tea about Connor Newsum from Love Island USA Season 6. The 28-year-old PR whiz from Santa Monica, California, had West Coast charm, and he brought that and plenty more to the villa, including grit, heart, and a story that has me rooting for him long after he extinguished the flame.
Connor Newsum
- Age: 28
- Location: Santa Monica, California
- Occupation: PR specialist
- Entered: Day 2 to 15 Day
- Instagram: @connornewsum
- Status: Dumped
Who Is Connor? The Fitness Guy with a Purpose
On Day 2, Connor steps into the villa with Hakeem, and let me tell you, he is not the typical Islander. Seven marathons, five triathlons, and this guy is a fitness powerhouse! However, it is not about the medals for him. One of his ways of dealing with depression is by running and triathlons, and I can’t help but admire the kind of strength that gives him. He is living proof that in pushing yourselves, you get lifted up in more ways than one. And did I mention he is a certified scuba instructor and a fly fishing fan? He once went to an auction and bought the captain’s ham and a bottle. He was clearly a man of many talents.
Connor Newsum Villa Journey: Love, Drama and Leah
Connor didn’t take long to make waves inside the villa. While I write this, he is trying to turn Leah into a broken heart and has a pretty good connection with JaNa Craig, too. The sparks flew; there was tension and a little drama if you want to be honest with me. The story of Connor’s true love gets stuck as he is dumped just after Day 15. Competing in the villa for thirteen days might not have landed him a romance, but it did show us exactly who he is—a guy who gives 100% on track and off.
How I Get My Dates And Other Reflections From The Life After Love Island
Connor didn’t fade into the sunset, and the villa doors had closed once. We just popped up again, and he was spotted on a date with Vanderpump Rules star Katie Maloney after the Season 6 finale. In August 2024, on her “Disrespectfully” podcast, Katie saucily said: ‘Was I on a date?’ But it was not to admit to anything. it was to keep it to herself.” When asked on the WWHL red couch if she hypocritically played matchmaker, host Ariana Madix shut down dating rumours by stating that she didn’t really play matchmaker. She promises, “Katie is not dating anyone.” However, I can’t help but wonder: Maybe there’s a bit going on off-screen between them.
Then there’s the JaNa fallout. When she slammed Connor post-finale as ‘cringy,’ he shared a refreshingly straightforward take on things told by Today in July 2024. “I believe that I would have handled JaNa a little differently.” He admitted regretting some things he said or did. “We were friends, but we were able to come to a nice understanding that we were friends in the end.” That big hug he was purported to provide on his way out? That’s the sort of closure that makes me think they’re okay now. Whatever you think about the campaign-spending scandal, I will personally hand it to him for owning up to his missteps, and he takes a real mensch to do that.
Connor Brands That Would Be Lucky to Tame
There are some good collaborations that would just be natural with Connor’s vibe. This marathon champ would be running brands all over him mid-race His scuba and fly fishing passions could appeal to outdoor and adventure brands, and his resilience story appealed to mental health and wellness brands. With 110K followers already on his Instagram (@connornewsum), I’m betting this number is only going up.
Why Connor’s a Name to Watch
Perhaps Connor Newsum didn’t meet anyone in the villa, but leaving with the respect of fans like me, who see his heart and hustle as just as real. What do you think, fam? Was he due any more time to become himself? Should he run back for the redemption of Season 7? I drop my hot takes below, I’m all ears.
