LOVE Island star Faye Winter has told of the negative side of reality TV – insisting you've got to be "very strong" to survive.

The 26-year-old admits she feared going into a "very dangerous state of mind" and "losing herself" after leaving the villa.

But luckily for Faye, she was surrounded by loyal friends and family – as well as boyfriend Teddy Soares.

She also returned as a volunteer for Guide Dogs – keen to "stay true to herself" after becoming famous.

"It has been a whirlwind," Faye told The Sun in an exclusive interview.

"I would be lying if I said everything is always OK. 

"You've got to be very strong. I'm very lucky I've got an incredible support network.

"I would be lying if I said it wasn't hard.

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"Before I had so much consistency in my life, but now I don't have a routine and I've moved to a completely different area.

"All my friends and family are down in Devon. I don't have anyone near me who I could say 'oh do you fancy going out for a glass of wine or a cup of tea?'

"Me and Teddy live together 24 hours a day – which isn't a bad thing – but I'm trying to navigate a brand new relationship.

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard sometimes.

"I think everyone expects you to come off Love Island and for everything to be rosy and all singing all dancing, but it's not.

"People need to talk about how it can be very, very hard when you leave. You need to allow yourself to adjust.  

"I have found it easier by doing things I'm genuinely passionate about.

"A lot of Love islanders come out and sign all these brand deals. That doesn't interest me. You could go into a very dangerous state of mind by just doing that."

Faye was recently made a Campaign Star for Guide Dogs and is fostering puppies when her work schedule allows.

She also goes for dog walks with the trainee pups and helps spread awareness of the charity.

"I was worried there would be a part of me that could get lost leaving Love Island," admits Faye.

"When you've got this platform, some take the route of trying to get every deal they can.

"I've chosen to stick with my roots and continue working with Guide Dogs.

"There are so many roles that you can help with. A lot of people think the only way they can give back is to throw money at it. But there are so many opportunities to help by volunteering."

Faye won the jackpot when she walked out of the villa with fame, money and a model boyfriend.

But she insists she'd give up her new lifestyle at the drop of a hat if it risked her relationship with Teddy.

"Me and Teddy always say as long as our relationship is good, then nothing else matters," added Faye.

"I want my relationship to be the first and foremost thing. If me and Teddy started to go down the pan. I would give up jobs to make our relationship work.

"He's my biggest fan. I couldn't do this without him. Teddy supports every dream I have and I support every dream he has."

Guide Dogs has 14,000 volunteers carrying out 23,500 roles and giving around 13million hours of support each year.

In 2020, community fundraisers helped the charity raise £4million.

• Find out how you can help, here.

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