Charleen Murphy’s stay in the Love Island villa might have been short, but she made a big impression and had the entire country rooting for her.

Now back in the real world, Charleen has spilled on her big plans for the future and told what it was really like being in the villa.

As for whether she’d ever pursue a romance with fellow Irish contestant Fitzy if his relationship with Lola Deal came to an end, Charleen was clear in her answer.

Speaking to EVOKE following her villa exit, Charleen addressed the fan speculation that surrounded the pair even before she entered Casa Amor.

Before her arrival, many viewers had predicted the two Irish Islanders would hit it off, but Charleen insists the connection was always more friendly than romantic.

‘I think it’s more friend vibe. I think that’s the vibe I got from in there,’ she told EVOKE. ‘He’s quite locked off, and how do you have that conversation?

‘Maybe if I pulled him over for a chat, maybe it could’ve been a chat. But I think the way it was and the way I felt about Kavan instead just makes more sense.’

Despite ruling out a romance with Fitzy, Charleen had nothing but praise for him, even naming him among the boys she would recommend to her friends.

When asked which Islanders she’d set someone up with if everyone was single, she replied: ‘Fitzy or Lorenzo.’

‘I think that says a lot about the two of them, that they’re both really close… they’re both lovely boys,’ Charleen said.

Away from the romance, Charleen also opened up about the advice she received from close friend and former Love Island star Lucinda Strafford before entering the villa.

The pair shared an emotional moment before Charleen flew to Mallorca, with Lucinda encouraging her to stay true to herself.

‘Literally just what that video said, “Just be yourself. Everyone’s gonna love you.” And that’s what I did, I think,’ Charleen told EVOKE.

‘I don’t know how to be anything but that. I can’t play an actor, I’d be a s**t actor. I’m a s**t liar. I couldn’t sit there and be like, “I really fancy” someone I literally don’t like. So I was just myself.’

Now back home, Charleen has admitted she’s already thinking about her next chapter, revealing a move across the Irish Sea could finally be on the cards.

‘I definitely will relocate at some point in the future,’ she said. ‘I wanted to at the start of summer, but then all this came about, and summer is my busiest time.

‘I was like, “If I move, I’m paying rent in London for no reason because I’m away the whole time”.’

However, Charleen says it’s only a matter of time before she makes the move.

‘I love London. I’ve said it for years. Every time I’m at an event, they’re like, “Are you still not here?” I’m like, “I’m going. Wait for me.”‘

While London may soon become home, Charleen insists Ireland will always have her heart. ‘I’ll always come back,’ she smiled.