In a new interview with Teen Vogue, Season 6 winner opened up about her experience in the ‘Love Island’ villa and beyond– the latter of which fans of the franchise will get to watch for themselves in the upcoming spin-off, . 

As you may know, ‘Love Island: Beyond the Villa’ will follow Serena and other Season 6 cast members as they “navigate life outside the villa in Los Angeles.” Many fan favorites from last season are set to join Serena in the spin-off, including the other two members of the “PPG” trio, and ; however, Serena revealed this week that she and the PPG almost passed on the show. 

“ … It was a no for a long time,” she revealed, noting that herself, JaNa and Leah were hesitant due to the “amount of eyes and opinions” that were on them following Season 6. “And then the more conversations we had about it and the more we talked about the reason why we’re here, what our supporters want to see, things of that nature, we were like, ‘You know what? Let’s suck it up. It is what it is. Let’s try it out, just like we tried it out last summer. If we hate it, we’re never doing it again.’” 

One of the people who won’t be joining the spin-off as a main cast member is Serena’s boyfriend and fellow Season 6 winner, , who will only appear on ‘Beyond the Villa’ as a guest star.

Serena explained that while Kordell was initially going to be part of the main cast, he was booked for another job that prevented him from committing to ‘Beyond the Villa’ filming obligations. Serena admitted this week that she was “very anxious” to film the spin-off without Kordell and even more so because Kordell would be in another state for most of that time. 

“But he did an amazing job reassuring me,” she said. “He was like, ‘Any crumb of a chance I can get, I’m going to be on that screen with you.’ And honestly, you’re going to see a lot more of him than you would’ve expected. It’s maybe [only] a handful of scenes that I’ve done without him.” 

Another thing Serena says viewers will get to see in the spin-off is a side of her they haven’t seen before. 

“ … I open up about my anxiety,” she said. “I think everything switching in my life so fast triggered that. I’m showing a more vulnerable side on the show because that’s something I always kept close to my chest, but it has become a big part of my life now … .” 

Serena said that while she hid the fact that she had anxiety growing up, she now wants to normalize it and let others know that it’s something that a lot of people deal with. She even credits ‘Love Island’ for playing a part in teaching her how to manage her own anxiety struggles.  

“ … It’s always been extremely hard for me to admit I need help, but coming off the show, I have been forced to, because if not, I will have a panic attack every other day,” she explained. “I can’t handle all of this. I’m very grateful for the show and all the stress because it’s at least forced me to acknowledge that about myself. It’s been a weight lifted off my shoulders.” 

Serena claims that her newfound success and the connection she’s made with her supporters along the way as “the most heartwarming piece” of her entire ‘Love Island’ experience, noting that from start to finish, people loved her for who she was. 

“I am very glad that people got to know my personality and who I am before anything else because I do have other dreams and aspirations in the industry,” she said. 

When asked whether or not she’s been tuning in to watch Season 7 of ‘Love Island USA,’ Serena confirmed that she is watching; however, she admits that as a longtime fan, “it doesn’t hit the same.” 

“Now I know the inner workings,” she explained. “I know what you have to do. I know when the pauses happen. I know when I see poor editing. I’m watching from a different lens now. 

“ … But I’m a reality TV watcher,” she continued. “I’m going to tune in. And there are two beautiful Black girls.” 

‘Love Island: Beyond the Villa’ premieres Sunday, July 13, on Peacock; new episodes will be released every Thursday beginning July 17.

RELATED STORY: ‘Love Island USA’ Star Yulissa Escobar Releases Statement After Being Removed From Villa for Past Racist Comments 

(Photos: Instagram)