Love Island Star Jack Keating Opens Up About Fatherhood

Jack Keating, best known for his appearance on the 2022 season of the hit reality show Love Island, has found himself in the spotlight once again—but this time, it’s not just for his romantic escapades in Mallorca. In January 2026, during a recent episode of Love Island, Jack opened up candidly about his experience as a “baby daddy,” offering viewers a rare glimpse into his life as a young father navigating the complexities of co-parenting, fame, and personal growth.

Jack’s journey to fatherhood began shortly after his stint on Love Island. According to Twasl News, he discovered he would become a father not long after leaving the villa, and his daughter Maya was born in February 2023. The timeline is telling: Maya’s arrival came about eight months after Jack’s summer romance with Keely Iqbal, an accomplished artist and graphic designer from Birmingham. Their relationship, as Jack has emphasized in multiple interviews, was brief and never formal. “We were never in a formal romantic relationship,” Jack has shared, underscoring the unconventional beginnings of their co-parenting journey.

Keely Iqbal, Maya’s mother, is a creative force in her own right. She studied at Birmingham City University and has since built a diverse portfolio that includes graphic design, illustration, and bespoke art for clothing and shoes. Her talents have attracted collaborations with notable brands such as Crocs and Selfridges, and her Instagram account has become a destination for craft enthusiasts and fans alike. Keely’s engaging content, which ranges from innovative DIY projects to glimpses of her artistic process, has helped her amass a significant following on social media.

The story of Jack and Keely’s brief romance might sound like a classic case of summer love, but the reality is more nuanced. Their paths crossed in early summer 2022, just before Jack jetted off to Mallorca for his reality TV adventure. While sparks may have flown, both have been clear that their relationship never evolved into something official. Yet, from that fleeting connection, Maya was born—a daughter whose presence would go on to reshape both their lives.

As for their current circumstances, co-parenting has become a delicate balancing act. Maya, now three years old, primarily resides with Keely in Birmingham. Jack, meanwhile, has relocated from London to Dublin, a move that inevitably introduced new logistical challenges to their parenting arrangement. Despite the geographical distance, Jack has made it a priority to remain an active presence in Maya’s life. He regularly takes her on holidays and for weekend visits, a commitment he’s described as both rewarding and essential. “Maya can spend weekends and holidays with me,” Jack explained in a recent interview, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong father-daughter bond even from afar.

According to Twasl News, both Jack and Keely have worked hard to foster a cooperative relationship for the sake of their daughter. The article notes, “Despite their different locations, Jack and Keely maintain a cooperative relationship for the well-being of Maya, their daughter.” The challenges of co-parenting across cities are real, but so is their shared dedication to Maya’s happiness and stability.

Keely’s own journey has been equally dynamic. Beyond her artistic achievements, she’s embraced motherhood with a sense of creativity and resilience. On Instagram, she shares not only her professional work but also snippets of her family life, offering followers a window into her world. Recently, Keely has been keeping a watchful—and sometimes playful—eye on Jack’s activities in the Love Island villa. She’s been known to reshare clips of Jack flirting with fellow contestant Whitney, often adding her own commentary with emojis that hint at her thoughts on the unfolding drama. These social media moments have added a layer of intrigue for fans, who are eager to decode the real-life dynamics behind the reality TV façade.

The intersection of fame, parenthood, and social media has created a unique environment for both Jack and Keely. For Jack, the transition from reality TV heartthrob to devoted father has been a journey of self-discovery. He’s spoken openly about the challenges and rewards of fatherhood, acknowledging that his life has changed in ways he never anticipated. “It’s not easy, but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Jack has said, reflecting on the demands of balancing personal ambition with parental responsibility.

Keely, meanwhile, continues to build her brand as an artist while navigating the complexities of co-parenting. Her collaborations with major brands like Crocs and Selfridges have solidified her reputation as a creative innovator, and her educational background from Birmingham City University has provided a strong foundation for her career. According to Twasl News, Keely “specializes in graphic design, illustration, and creating art for clothing and shoes,” a testament to her versatility and talent.

For fans of Love Island, the unfolding story of Jack and Keely offers a compelling counterpoint to the show’s usual focus on whirlwind romances and dramatic recouplings. It’s a reminder that life after reality TV can be just as complex—and sometimes more meaningful—than anything captured on camera. As viewers follow the latest twists and turns from the villa, many are turning to social media and dedicated fan pages for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes insights. The digital age has made it easier than ever to stay connected to the lives of reality stars, blurring the lines between entertainment and reality in new and unexpected ways.

Ultimately, the story of Jack Keating and Keely Iqbal is one of adaptation and growth. From a brief summer romance to the shared responsibilities of parenthood, they’ve navigated the challenges of distance, fame, and co-parenting with a sense of humor and grace. Their willingness to share their experiences—both the highs and the lows—has resonated with fans and offered a refreshing perspective on what it means to build a modern family in the public eye.

As the drama continues to unfold on Love Island, one thing remains clear: Jack and Keely’s story is far from over. Whether they’re sharing playful jabs on social media or coordinating holiday visits for Maya, their lives are a testament to the unpredictable, often messy, but ultimately rewarding journey of parenthood and partnership in the 21st century.