Love Island’s Toni Laites has been left baffled over her huge council tax bill after moving to the UK from America and battling council tax and homelessness.
The show’s first American winner, 25, said ‘it hasn’t been easy’ adjusting to life after the ITV2 show – being forced to stay in Airbnbs and living out of suitcases as she split her time between the UK and US.
But last week she announced ‘the war is over’ after securing a visa and new apartment as she stood in her new place while celebrating with champagne.
In a hilarious clip posted to TikTok, which has amassed more than two million views Toni mocked British council tax after being slapped with a £1,200 bill.
Holding the letter while sporting a cropped hoodie and sweatpants, she said: ‘I swear, this country just be making s*** up to charge you for because what is a council tax?
Love Island’s first US winner Toni Laites has fumed at her huge council tax bill after moving from America to the UK
In a hilarious clip posted to TikTok , which has amassed more than two million views, she mocked British council tax after being slapped with a £1,200 bill
Holding the letter from her new flat while sporting a cropped hoodie and sweatpants, she said: ‘I swear, this country just be making s*** up to charge you for because what is a council tax?’
‘Who is the council and why are they charging me 1200 pounds? That’s like 1500 US dollars.
‘I’ve been here for five days, y’all couldn’t let me get settled in or anything before you start taxing? Damn.’
The viral clip left fans in hysterics as they welcomed her to the UK and joked about pricey Britain.
Fellow Islander and friend Yasmin Pettet jested: ‘Don’t forget breathing tax,’ while runner-up Shakira Khan left laughing emojis under the video.
One fan joked: ‘When you find out who they are and why they charge this. Please let us know!!’
Another said: ‘We are the most taxed country in the world. Welcome to the UK.’
A fifth said: ‘Girl be prepared for bin taxes,’ while one also warned her about a TV license.
It comes after Toni previously revealed she has found her new-found UK fame ‘surreal’ but challenging, living in temporary accommodation since the show ended.
The American star, 24, who made history as the first U.S. contestant to win the UK version of the dating series, opened up to her followers in an emotional social media video
After her visa was approved last week, Toni posted a set of Instagram photos posed outside of London’s iconic red telephone boxes
The former Las Vegas cabana waitress said: ‘I’ve been sleeping on couches, and I think this is my seventh Airbnb at this point.
‘Living out of suitcases is hard and I haven’t had a visa, so I haven’t been able to work or go live or produce the content that you guys want to see every day but I’m trying.’
She added: ‘I never thought that going to work as a waitress in Vegas on a random Monday afternoon would put me on one of the UK’s biggest reality TV shows, let alone winning as the first American.
‘I am so grateful that you guys have put in the position that I am, but it hasn’t been easy.’
During her time on this year’s Love Island Toni struck up a romance with Cach Mercer, 24, who is from East London, and together won the show’s £50,000 jackpot.
After her visa was approved last week she posted a set of Instagram photos posed outside of London’s iconic red telephone boxes.
She stunned in a white tank top with a sequin Union Jack mini skirt inspired by Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell’s famed dress.
Toni wrote in the caption: ‘Mood because my Visa was approved.
Just last week she announced ‘the war is over’ after finally securing a visa and apartment as she stood in her new place dangling the keys and celebrating with a bottle of champagne
During her time on this year’s Love Island Toni struck up a romance with Cach Mercer, 24, who is from East London, and together won the show’s £50,000 jackpot (both pictured in August)
‘The last two months has probably been the most stressful time of my life, but I am so appreciative of everyone who has supported me along the way.
‘A special shout out to Cach, thank you for being my rock while I’ve been a “homeless” mess…there’s no one in the world who I’d rather spend every day with.
‘Thank you for loving me for who I am & keeping me (somewhat) sane.’
She also thanks her management and lawyers.
