In a surprising career pivot, a former Love Island contestant has traded the glamour of reality television and social media influencing for the life of a cabin crew member. Tiffany Leighton, who rose to fame on the ITV2 show, is embarking on a "new chapter" with Emirates Airlines.
From Villa Drama to Airport Terminals
Tiffany Leighton, 26, from Hertfordshire, first entered the public eye as a late arrival, or 'bombshell', on the 11th series of Love Island in 2024. Originally an HR coordinator, she entered the iconic villa on day 12 alongside fellow newcomers Grace Jackson and Wil Anderson. Her time on the show was marked by drama when she coupled up with Ronnie Vint, who was originally paired with contestant Harriett Blackmore. This love triangle created significant tension, though Tiffany's stint was ultimately short-lived; she was dumped from the island on day 20.
Despite her early exit, the exposure launched her influencing career. She amassed an impressive 51.7k followers on Instagram, where she regularly promoted fashion brands like Peppermayo, Oh Polly, and White Fox. She also qualified as a personal trainer after leaving the villa, launching an online coaching business in June 2025 and sharing her own fitness transformation story.
Embracing a "Very Normal" New Career
However, Tiffany has now decided to step away from the unpredictable world of influencing. She recently revealed on social media that she is starting a new role as an air hostess with Emirates Airlines. "Can’t wait for 2026 & this new chapter," she wrote on Instagram. According to reports, she has already shared photos in her new uniform and is scheduled to begin her training and duties on January 30, 2026.
This move represents a significant shift from the curated life of a reality star and influencer to a structured, service-oriented profession. It highlights a growing trend of former reality personalities seeking stability and new challenges outside the spotlight.
Life After the Love Island Spotlight
Tiffany's post-villa relationships also drew attention. The drama with Harriett Blackmore over Ronnie Vint led to a noted friction between the two women. In an interview with Closer magazine, Tiffany stated, "Harriett and I are very different people... I don't know if we'd ever see eye-to-eye after the Ronnie situation." She insisted there was no "bad blood" from her side, but acknowledged they handled situations differently.
Ronnie Vint ultimately returned to Harriett Blackmore, and the pair left the villa together. Although they split shortly after the series ended, they reunited for Love Island All Stars in January 2025, only to separate for a second time in June of the same year.
Tiffany Leighton's journey from HR to the Love Island villa, then to a fitness coach and influencer, and now to a cabin crew role with a premier airline, underscores a search for a fulfilling career path beyond fleeting television fame. Her story resonates with many navigating their professional lives in the public eye.
