Lash technician-turned-reality star Elma Pazar became known for her flirty one-liners on Love Island 2019 – and life, she admits, has been non-stop ever since. Elma had a second shot at love in the All Stars series earlier this year, and is now back on TOWIE after joining the show in 2022.
Here, Elma talks embracing reality TV chaos, relationship bliss with boyfriend Sammy Root, 24, and flatmate life with bestie and co-star Courtney Green. Glam yet down-to-earth, the 32-year-old Essex favourite opens up to us about fame, romance, taking on I’m A Celeb and finding her happy place – right back where it all began…
We had so much fun coming back – it was unreal. It honestly felt like coming home. I missed everyone, and they were all so supportive.
It was actually a really emotional day for me. The night I went on the date with Sammy, I’d just sent home three people with Luca [Bish] – it was a lot. So seeing someone I knew brought comfort. We always flirted and had that attraction, but I finally took the leap. It just felt so easy and perfectly timed.
Does the eight-year age gap between you matter to you?
Not at all. In the villa, it didn’t mean anything. On the outside, we’re still getting to know each other, but I don’t feel it. Love Island relationships kind of work backwards – you get super close first, then come out and start dating properly. But we’re really happy and taking it as it comes.
What was it like going from Love Island straight into filming TOWIE?
Wild! I landed back in the UK in the evening and was filming the next day. It’s been non-stop. Because we’ve gone from filming one show to another, we haven’t had a long break or private time, but we’re adjusting. We’ve had about a month and a half off now, which has been lovely.
Did you feel any pressure, having your relationship in the public eye?
No, I actually loved it. In Love Island, you’re in a bubble. Coming out and hearing the opinions of real friends and family felt authentic and grounding. No one expected me to be back filming TOWIE straight away, but it all worked out perfectly.
And everyone seems to love Sammy…
They really do. He’s got such a good heart. He’s slotted straight into our girl band. The group has changed a bit – we joke that we’re Girl Band 3.5 now.
Tell us something surprising about your relationship…
How much we don’t dwell on other people. In the villa, it can feel like all you do is talk about others, but with Sammy and I, we focus on each other. We’ve created our own little bubble.
Do you miss Love Island?
I’m definitely glad to be home. I loved my Love Island experience – it was the best time ever – but I’m a real home bunny. I love being with my friends and family. I’ve even moved in with Courtney, which has been the best thing ever.
What’s it like living with her?
It’s been an absolute breeze. We often wonder why we didn’t do it sooner. We’re always crying with laughter and randomly saying, “I love you” to each other. It’s just the best time. Especially if you’re going through a phase in life where you feel a bit lost. Living with your best mate reminds you life isn’t as bleak as it seems – it’s free therapy!
Maybe a little at first, right after we left the villa. It was really intense in the beginning because we were inseparable – he was always coming over. But things have mellowed now. We’ve all found our own rhythm and we absolutely love having Courtney hanging out with us on date nights.
Is the Love Island: All Stars circle still close?
Yeah, we’ve all stayed in touch. There’s a group chat for the girls and I think the boys have their own. But everyone’s so busy it’s hard to get everyone in the same place at once. When we do cross paths at events, it’s really nice. Everyone is smashing it!