5 Shocking Revelations About Pepe Garcia’s Life After Love Island USA Season 7

The whirlwind romance of the *Love Island USA* villa often fizzles out in the real world, and for Season 7 bombshell Jose “Pepe” Garcia Gonzalez, life post-Peacock has been a complex mix of career success and dating struggles. As of today, December 12, 2025, the Spanish-born heartthrob who made a splash with his late entry and dramatic recouplings is still very much in the public eye, navigating the aftermath of his fourth-place finish with ex-partner Iris Kendall and focusing on his life as a Los Angeles-based personal trainer.

Pepe’s journey from professional athlete to reality TV star and now fitness entrepreneur provides a fascinating case study in post-villa life. Fans who followed his dramatic arcs with Islanders like Hannah Fields and Gracyn Blackmore are eager for the latest updates on his love life, his career, and the truth behind the rumors swirling in the *Love Island* community.

Pepe Garcia: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Jose "Pepe" Garcia Gonzalez quickly became one of the most talked-about Islanders during *Love Island USA* Season 7, captivating viewers with his athletic build and undeniable charm. Before his time in the villa, however, Pepe was already a successful professional athlete.

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• Full Name: Jose "Pepe" Garcia Gonzalez
• Nickname: Pepe
• Age: 27 (at the time of Season 7)
• Hometown/Origin: Madrid, Spain
• Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
• Love Island Season: Season 7 (2025)
• Entry Status: Bombshell, entered the Villa on Day 9
• Final Partner in Villa: Iris Kendall (Finished 4th Place)
• Occupation: Personal Trainer, Gym Owner
• Past Career: Professional Basketball Player (Point Guard)
• Basketball History: Played at Los Alamitos High School, Cal State Fullerton, and in various European leagues and a South American league.
• Notable Relationships in Villa: Iris Kendall, Hannah Fields, Gracyn Blackmore, Olandria Carthen.

Pepe’s transition from a 6’3” point guard navigating the European basketball circuit to owning a gym, such as "Crave Personal Training" in the greater Los Angeles area, highlights his dedication to fitness. His athletic background fueled his confidence and competitive spirit, qualities that were immediately apparent upon his arrival in the villa.

The Post-Villa Reality: Why Pepe and Iris Kendall Split

One of the biggest questions following the *Love Island USA* Season 7 finale was whether the final couples could make their relationships work outside the bubble. For Pepe Garcia and Iris Kendall, who managed to secure a fourth-place finish, the answer was a swift "no."

Despite their late-game connection, the pair's romance was short-lived post-show. Their union in the villa was relatively new, forming only in the final week of the season after a series of dramatic recouplings. The challenges of distance and adjusting to normal life proved too much for the budding relationship.

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The split gained renewed attention when Iris Kendall quickly reconciled with her former flame, TJ. Pepe publicly addressed the situation, expressing his surprise and confusion over how someone could "just jump from one person to the next" so rapidly. This candid reaction gave fans a real look into the emotional toll the post-show dating scene was taking on him, confirming that the path to finding lasting love was far more difficult than the edited drama shown on Peacock.

Dating Struggles, Casa Amor Drama, and Reaching Out to Hannah Fields

Pepe’s time on *Love Island USA* was defined by his complex romantic entanglements, particularly the intense fallout from Casa Amor. His journey saw him couple up with Gracyn Blackmore and later engage in a complicated dynamic with Olandria Carthen, often sending mixed signals that left both the Islanders and viewers confused.

The most significant drama, however, involved Hannah Fields. After a promising connection, Pepe was faced with a difficult decision during a crucial recoupling. He chose to save a different Islander, Taylor, a move that tragically ended up sending Hannah home with tears in her eyes. This decision became a major talking point, with fans and fellow Islanders criticizing his strategy and perceived lack of emotional clarity.

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In a surprising twist revealed after the show, Pepe admitted that he reached out to Hannah Fields post-finale. This move suggested a desire to clear the air and perhaps revisit their connection away from the pressures of the villa. While the nature of their current relationship remains private, the gesture indicates that the emotional connections formed on the show, even the broken ones, continue to influence the Islanders' lives long after the cameras stop rolling.

"Struggling to Date": Pepe’s Candid Post-Show Confession

Unlike many reality stars who immediately jump back into the dating pool, Pepe Garcia has been surprisingly open about his difficulties finding love since leaving the villa. He confessed that his dating life has been a struggle, a sentiment that resonates with many reality stars who find that the notoriety of television fame can complicate genuine connections.

The constant scrutiny and the baggage of his on-screen relationships, particularly the public nature of his split from Iris Kendall and the drama with TJ, have made it challenging to meet people authentically. Pepe’s focus has shifted to his career and his passion for fitness, channeling his energy into his personal training business and his gym in Los Angeles. He continues to share his journey on social media, often featuring his dog, the adorable "Rex the Pup," which has become a fan-favorite entity in his post-show life.

For fans hoping to see him back on a reality show, Pepe remains an active personality in the *Love Island* ecosystem, frequently appearing on podcasts and in interviews to discuss the show, the challenges, and his future. Whether he’s pouring body shots at a celebrity event or discussing his former professional basketball career, Pepe Garcia Gonzalez is determined to make a name for himself beyond the villa. His candidness about the reality of dating after a show like *Love Island USA* provides a refreshing, grounded perspective for viewers who are curious about what truly happens when the final lights turn off.