Love Island All Stars was certainly back with a bang.
Former Islanders who have struggled to find love since leaving the Majorcan villa packed their suitcases and, instead of jetting to Spain, turned and flew to South Africa with the tiniest bikinis and swim shorts to show off their ripped bodies. But while they’re on the look out for romance, the cast are certainly keeping viewers on their toes.
Despite only one episode airing, the launch show was not short of drama with secret feuds appearing to brew, people sliding into other Islanders DMs and even cheaters. But what else went on? The Mirror are bringing you everything you need to know about day one of the villa.
There was not one but two cheaters in the South African villa according to Olivia Hawkins. While many were focused on Gabby Allen reuniting with her cheating ex-boyfriend Marcel Somerville, it was Olivia who exposed another cheat.
During their first challenge, the female Islanders had to hand red flags to their male counterparts and explain their decision and nobody saw what was coming next. Olivia strutted over to Ronnie Vint leaving her co-stars baffled but it was her explanation which left people gasping.
She explained that love rat Ronnie had secretly been trying to date her – despite him being in a relationship with Harriett Blackmore. Ronnie and Harriett split late last year but they had been an item when the messages were sent. Olivia said: “You did message me when you were with another girl,” to which Ronnie replied: “Seeing a girl and being in a relationship with her are two different things… I weren’t in a relationship with the girl.”
Olivia went on to reveal to the female Islanders that Ronnie had told her his management could set up a string of secret dates for the pair if she wanted to explore a romantic connection with him.
Unbeknownst to the Islanders, the ITV2 viewers had been secretly voting on who should couple up together. And there was only one option for Gabby Allen according to fans – her cheating ex, Marcel.
The telly personality who makes it no secret that he was once in the Blazin’ Squad, told his co-stars that he and Gabby were a mere showmance, much to her disappointment. The pair finished in fourth place back in 2017 before going on to date for year. However, their relationship, which Gabby believed was the real deal, came crashing down when he cheated on her, while they holidayed together in Mexico.
In a brutal twist, it emerged that the woman he slept with was another guest at their hotel, telling the female that he and Gabby were merely together for brand deals and the fame aspect and were not romantically together. This, however, was news to Gabby who appeared visibly upset when he told the Islanders that they were doing things as “Gabby and Marcel” and not emotionally connected.
But, Gabby let Marcel air what he had to say and he apologised for his actions which he said were a big mistake. But… Fans believe that the Liverpudlian beauty still has feelings for her ex-boyfriend and Scott Thomas also expressed his viewers, claiming Gabby was “in love” with the musician.
Fans believed they saw signs Gabby may well forgive Marcel. One said: “Gabby seems like she still wants Marcel #LoveIsland.” Another added: “Yeah Gabby’s dumb asf. She’s gonna run right back to Marcel #LoveIslandAllStars.” Someone else commented: “I fear Gabby still likes Marcel.” A fourth wrote: “Marcel really said ‘gimme a cuddle’ AND GABBY HUGS HIM.” A fan declared: “Don’t be surprised if Gabby goes back to Marcel she’s still in love with him #LoveIslandAllStars.” Well one things certain – they’re definitely at a Crossroads…
It’s no secret that outside of the villa, Islanders want to date other Islanders.
But nobody, including Scott’s own family saw his bombshell coming. Despite being coupled up with India Reynolds, the Manchester businessman was left lost for words when Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu walked in as the first bombshell. Despite previously stating her desires to distance herself from the programme, Ekin-Su left everybody speechless when it emerged that she was able to steal a man from one of her female co-stars.
Scott’s brother Ryan, 40, was sharing his reactions on social media as he and wife Lucy Mecklenburgh and his younger brother Adam all watched on. “Don’t take Scott, don’t do it,” Ryan said, while Adam could be seen in the background before saying: “She’s going to pick Scott.” However, there was one twist that nobody saw coming. While Ekin-Su made her decisions, Scott turned to India and whispered: “She slid into my DMs a few times.”
When the moment aired, Scott’s family were left screaming in shock. Fans also took to social media to share their views. One said: “Oh Scott looks like he wants to get away from Ekin-Su and I don’t blame him.” A second added: “Scott LOOOL ‘she slid in my dms a few times’ about Ekin Su. Gosh she’s so embarrassing
It wouldn’t be Love Island without some drama and it didn’t take long in the first episode.
Fans and even their co-stars believe that there is underlying beef between Catherine Agbaje, 24, and Luca Bish, 25. During the red flag challenge, Dublin-bombshell Catherine gave hers to Luca and explained that she was concerned that the Celebrity MasterChef star hadn’t dated outside of the villa since he walked out in 2022.
“Only because you said you’ve only been on two dates in like, years,” she said. “Okay,” Luca responded as he frowned, with Catherine adding: “Yeah, so you’ve been outside and not dating.” Luca reasoned: “Just haven’t been with a lot of people. Doesn’t mean I’m s****ing every week.” Catherine responded: “Didn’t say that, either.” Luca frowned again, before saying: “I mean outside, inside, it is what it is.”
“These two have got secret beef, I don’t know what it is,” said Scott Thomas.
Despite previously not speaking about his relationship with Gemma Owen, Luca changed things up during his debut.
The Mirror revealed that the content creator had been left blindsided when Gemma announced that they had split in November 2022 – without consulting him first. Opening up about their romance, he told Love Island viewers: “My relationship with Gemma lasted three months. Too long.” When asked about a possible reconciliation if she entered the villa, he said: “You can read a book twice, but the ending never changes, that’s how I look at things like that. Sorry Gemma!”
“Gemma broke Luca’s heart let’s be real #loveisland,” said one viewer. A second laughed: “Not that Gemma shade at the end Luca OOP.” Meanwhile a third said: “Na not Luca saying he was with Gemma 2 months too long,” alongside a string of laughing emojis.
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