Love Island Star Sharon Gaffka Announces Pregnancy with Fiancé Matthew Torbitt
Sharon Gaffka, the former Love Island contestant turned political activist, has joyfully announced that she is expecting her first child with her fiancé, Matthew Torbitt. The 30-year-old shared the exciting news on her Instagram this Sunday, posting a series of professionally taken photographs that showcased her blossoming baby bump for the very first time.
In the images, the couple can be seen reading a newspaper with an ultrasound picture featured on the front page, accompanied by the headline 'Due July 2026'. Sharon humorously captioned the photos, stating, 'It's official, my tummy can't be hidden anymore'. She further expressed her delight in a heartfelt message, writing, 'When I thought I was going to be spending my 30th birthday weekend with my head in a toilet…this isn’t quite what I had in mind! Baby Gaffka-Torbitt is on their way.'
Flood of Congratulations from Reality TV Friends
The announcement was met with an immediate outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans and fellow reality television stars. Georgia Harrison, who recently welcomed her own child in November, commented, 'So happy for you ! Xxx', while Kaz Kamwi added, 'So special !!!! Congratulations angel ❤️❤️❤️'. Other Love Island alumni, including Ella Morgan, Abigail Rawlings, Molly Smith, Georgia Townend, Liberty Poole, Paige Thorne, and Olivia Hawkins, all shared their warm wishes and excitement for the expecting couple.
Matthew Torbitt also took to his X account to share the news, injecting a playful political twist by writing, 'Breaking News: Matthew Torbitt and Sharon Gaffka are expanding their coalition. Majority expected: 2026.' This clever nod references both of their careers in politics and activism, adding a unique touch to the joyful announcement.
Challenges and Personal Reflections
Despite the happiness, Sharon revealed on her Instagram Stories that the early stages of her pregnancy were not without difficulties. She posted a throwback photo from December, showing herself wrapped up in bed looking glum, and explained that she had to cancel her 30th birthday celebrations due to severe morning sickness and skin issues. She captioned the snap, detailing how she was 'vomiting all day everyday', experienced dry, itchy skin that made her cry, and felt utterly drained during that period.
This pregnancy announcement comes just two and a half months after Sharon disclosed her engagement to Matthew. In December, she shared a heartwarming video of him proposing during their holiday in Sweden, alongside a sweet selfie where she proudly displayed her stunning diamond and gold ring. She announced at the time, 'Decided to pick up a rock when we were 2091m above sea level.' The news surprised many fans, as Sharon had only publicly revealed their romance in March, having kept her dating life private after her appearance on Love Island in 2021.
Background and Advocacy Work
Sharon Gaffka, a civil servant by profession, has shifted her focus towards activism since her time on reality television. She now works as a VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) activist and serves as an ambassador for the domestic violence charity Refuge. Unlike many former Love Island stars, she has emphasized that resuming her career in the civil service remains a top priority, showing little interest in the trappings of fame.
Her fiancé, Matthew Torbitt, is a well-known political commentator who frequently appears on television and radio to discuss current affairs and social issues. He is also an advocate for homelessness and prison reform, having previously worked as a Labour advisor. Together, they form a couple deeply engaged in public service and advocacy.
Past Experiences with Baby Loss
The impending arrival of their first child follows Sharon's brave decision to open up about her past experiences with baby loss. In October of last year, she shared her story to raise awareness during Baby Loss Awareness Week. She revealed that she suffered a miscarriage in 2021, just months after leaving the Love Island villa, describing how the grief hit her 'like a train'. She also discussed having an at-home early medical abortion, which she described as 'painful, lonely, and traumatising', though she stated she does not regret the decision.
Sharon faced harsh criticism from online trolls after sharing these personal details, including being compared to child serial killer Lucy Letby and receiving threats of doxxing. Despite this, she continues to advocate for compassion, posting during Baby Loss Awareness Week that both her miscarriage and abortion 'both changed me' and 'both deserve compassion'. She encouraged others who have experienced similar losses, reminding them they are not alone.
If you have been affected by this story, support and advice are available at www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk or by calling 01924 200 799.
