She sent shock waves through the villa at Wednesday night’s recoupling as she picked new boy Brett over Matthew.
And Priya Gopaldas’ family and friends running her social media accounts have called out the ‘racist comments and trolling’ she has received as a result of her decision.
The Asian medical student, 23, was left to choose between Irish Matt McNabb who she had been getting to know for two days or hunky Brett Staniland who whisked her away on a romantic date.
Awful: Priya Gopaldas’ family and friends running her social media accounts have called out the ‘racist comments and trolling’ she has received as a result of her decision to recouple with Brett instead of Matthew
Posting on her Instagram Stories her family wrote: ‘Morning all. We understand everyone has their own views on what happens on the show.
However we need to remind you guys that racist comments and trolling is unacceptable!
‘Please remember to be kind. Thank you to all the lovely messages that have been sent supporting Priya. Priya’s gals xxx.’
Tough: The medical student, 23, was left to choose between Irish Matt McNabb who she had been getting to know for two days or hunky Brett Staniland (pictured) who whisked her away on a romantic date
Raection: Posting on her Instagram Stories her family wrote: ‘Morning all. We understand everyone has their own views on what happens on the show. However we need to remind you guys that racist comments and trolling is unacceptable!’
Matthew was dumped from the Love Island villa after Priya chose to couple up with new guy Brett over him.
Viewers saw Priya agonising over which boy to pick as she had bonded with both of them over the last few days.
However, much to Matt’s surprise, she ended up picking Brett, saying she feels ‘really comfortable with him’.
Going home: Matt (pictured) was dumped from the Love Island villa after Priya chose to couple up with new guy Brett over him
Announcing her decision, Priya said: ‘It’s been a really tough decision because two incredible boys have shown interest. I feel like with one of the boys, conversation flows really easily.
‘I’m really comfortable with him and it helps that I could stare into his eyes all day. The boy I’d like to couple up with is Brett.’
Despite his disappointment at being dumped, Matt wished Priya and Brett well as they embark on their romance.
He said: ‘It’s cool, you did what was true to yourself and I respect it, best of luck to the both of you.’
Choice: Much to Matt’s surprise, she ended up picking Brett, saying she feels ‘really comfortable with him’
Speaking in the Beach Hut, an emotional Priya said: ‘It’s bittersweet because Matt is such a good guy. I’ve so many positive things to say about him.’
Leaving the villa, Matt admitted he was surprised Priya chose Brett over him as he thought they had a ‘strong connection’.
He said: ‘Priya’s decision tonight was a shock to me, I felt like we had a really strong connection. They’re like my family in there. I love those guys, that’s the toughest part.’
In his exit interview, Matt admitted he wasn’t sure if Priya was always honest with him during their time together in the villa.
Priya said: ‘It’s been a really tough decision because two incredible boys have shown interest. I feel like with one of the boys, conversation flows really easily’
He said: ‘It definitely took me by surprise. I felt like she was honest with me at certain times and then she wasn’t at other times. I only knew her for a certain amount of time and you can’t understand a person fully in that time.’
Earlier during the show before the recoupling, Matt admitted he would be surprised if Priya didn’t choose him.
He said: ‘I feel it’s going my way, it’s the way she acts with me. She holds my hand, she makes an effort. I get the affection. I’d be very surprised if tonight swings her mind.’
Matt was originally coupled up with Kaz who he broke things off with after learning she still had feelings for Tyler.
Asked if he connected with any of the other girls in the villa, he said: ‘I felt like it was pretty much Kaz from the start.
‘I did like Millie if I’m honest but I didn’t want to get involved in that situation and I’m happy I didn’t because we’re good friends and I love Liam.’
Matt also insisted he has no regrets about his time in the villa, saying: I’m a no regrets type of guy.
‘You learn from what you go through and I’m very proud of myself and how I’ve acted and how I’ve treated people. I think the course of action I took led me to where I am now and I’m happy with where I am.’
Farewell: Matt bid a fond farewell to his fellow islanders, describing them as his ‘family’
Viewers took to social media to react to the recoupling with many sad to see Matt going home.
One fan wrote: ‘Aww Matt bless him,’ while another said: ‘Not Matt, God why, my God in heaven, just why?’
Former contestant Joshua Ritchie wrote: ‘One thing you can say about Matt, he’s a true gent you know, very respectful bet he’s a top guy to be fair.’
Another fan gave a different point of view, writing: ‘Really don’t get the hate Priya is getting for not picking Matt. You people want her to choose someone she doesn’t like?’
LOVE ISLAND 2021: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Sharon Gaffka
Name: Sharon Gaffka
Age: 25
Location: Oxford
Occupation: Civil Servant – Operations Lead for Department of Transport
Who is their type on paper? ‘I tend to date someone who is taller than me, even though my last long-term partner, he was actually someone who was shorter than me.
‘I’m quite an intellectual person so I want someone who can kind of match that.’
Aaron Francis
Name: Aaron Francis
Age: 24
Location: London
Occupation: Luxury Events Host
Who is their type on paper? ‘I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing – from scientist to anything – you can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. I love that.
‘I don’t like when people are doing a job just to make money and then they kind of just live for the weekend. Especially because I work on the weekends.’
Liberty Poole
Name: Liberty Poole
Age: 21
Location: Birmingham
Occupation: Nando’s Waitress and Marketing Student
Who is their type on paper? ‘So I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky chappy sort of guy.
‘But obviously that’s always usually combined with player types, which is where I go wrong. So I am trying to change my ways and go for more of a nicer guy that is going to treat me right.’
Hugo Hammond
Name: Hugo Hammond
Age: 24
Location: Hampshire
Occupation: PE Teacher
Who is their type on paper? ‘I’ve been single for a while now. With the current climate, it’s been really hard to get back into dating.
‘I saw it as an opportunity to have an amazing fun summer and put myself back out there.’
Liam Reardon
Name: Liam Reardon
Age: 21
Location: Wales
Occupation: Bricklayer
Are you competitive? ‘I am competitive to a certain extent. I’m not over the top. It’s always nice being a winner. If I’m in competition for a female, I want to try my best, but I won’t go too far out of my way. If she liked you that much she wouldn’t have to make a choice.’
Jake Cornish
Name: Jake Cornish
Age: 24
Location: Weston-super-Mare
Occupation: Water Engineer
Who is their type on paper? ‘Looks wise, always gone for blondes. But for me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be loyal to you…
‘I’ve had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why I don’t trust anyone. Someone who is loyal really. But when I’m single, I like having a good time!’
Kaz Kamwi
Name: Kaz Kamwi
Age: 26
Location: Essex
Occupation: Fashion Blogger
Who is their type on paper? ‘I like meeting new people, I’m ready to be in a relationship. Why not be in a place where people are looking for the same things as me?’
Chloe Burrows
Name: Chloe Burrows
Age: 25
Location: Bicester
Occupation: Financial Services Marketing Executive
Who is their type on paper? ‘I like a good build. I go to the gym. I want someone who is funny. Really funny and caring and will do nice little things for you.’
Faye Winter
Name: Faye Winter
Age: 26
Location: Devon
Occupation: Letting Manager
What is her type on paper? ‘Someone that will put me in my place. Someone that makes me laugh. But also someone that takes my banter. I’m like a five-year-old in a playground, if I like you, I will make a mockery of you and laugh and joke. That is my really terrible flirting skills. I need someone who can take that.’
Rachel Finni
Name: Rachel Finni
Age: 29
Location: London
Occupation: Luxury travel specialist
Why did you sign up for Love Island? I’ve scraped the bottom of the dirtiest barrels, that’s how I describe my dating life. So I thought “why not? Let’s apply. If it happens, it happens”.’
Lucinda Strafford
Name: Lucinda Strafford
Age: 21
Location: Brighton
Occupation: Online fashion boutique owner
Which boy do you have your eye on? I really fancy Brad. And then possibly Liam. But obviously I’m open to getting to know any of the other boys.
AJ (Andrea-Jane) Bunker
Name: AJ (Andrea-Jane) Bunker
Age: 28
Location: Hertfordshire
Occupation: Hair extension technician
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I’ve had the worst luck with men. I feel like this is the one thing I haven’t tried. I thought why not? Let’s give it a go.’
Georgia Townend
Name: Georgia Townend
Age: 28
Location: Essex
Occupation: Marketing executive
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I’ve been single for a really long time. Five years. I haven’t done the maths but it’s at least that. I feel like I’ve exhausted all the other options on how to meet people.’
Mary Bedford
Name: Mary Bedford
Age: 22
Location: Wakefield
Occupation: Model
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I have the worst luck, ever, with boys. Genuinely the worst ever. I always get dragged into the same circle of boys. So I was like, I need to go in another direction.’
Kaila Troy
Name: Kaila Troy
Age: 28
Location: Dublin
Occupation: DJ
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘Real life dating has not been doing me any favours at all. I’ve had it.’
Matthew Macnabb
Name: Matthew Macnabb
Age: 26
Location: Belfast
Occupation: Strategic Marketing Consultant
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I feel like I’m pretty chilled and very adventurous. I’m very laid-back in the sense I like to laugh and I don’t care too much about what people think.’
Amy Day
Name: Amy Day
Age: 25
From: Surrey
Occupation: Performer
Why have you signed up for Love Island: I’m clearly not very good at dating myself. I’m looking forward to the experience and the potential of finding someone I might not have met.
Lillie Hayes
Name: Lillie Haynes
Age: 22
From: South Shields
Occupation: Trainee accountant
Who have you got your eye on in the villa? I’ve definitely got my eye on Jake. He’s 100% the type of boy I would go for at home. It’s too good of a match not to just go for. Liam is definitely a dark horse for me, he’s like James Bond when you look at him, absolutely gorgeous. So he could be a very close second.
Jack Barlow
Name: Jack Barlow
Age: 26
From: East Sussex
Occupation: Racing driver/coach
Who have you got your eye on in the villa? I’m very much a connection type of person so I’ll be able to tell more in person. From what I’ve seen and going off their energy, Chloe has been top of my list. It’s been nice to see her be herself and not care what anyone thinks. I think she’ll be a lot of fun.
Jack Barlow
Name: Aaron Simpson
Age: 24
From: Kent
Occupation: Footballer
What is it like dating as a footballer? Does it make things easier or does it stand in the way? A lot of people have an assumption of me as being a typical player, but I got all of that out of my system when I was younger and now I’m a lot more laid-back when it comes to dating. A lot of people would assume that I go on lots of dates but I’m actually quite picky when it comes to who I date. Sometimes it can be hard to know if someone is genuine or not. My mum is really protective over me. The approval is always needed from mumsy, for sure.
Brett Staniland
Name: Brett Staniland
Age: 27
From: Derbyshire
Occupation: PhD student and model
Why have you signed up to Love Island? I’ve never had a serious relationship and the last 18 months has been really stagnant in terms of meeting new people and dating. Lots of my friends have settled down, had kids. I’m kind of the one that’s left back from all of that. Now is the right time.
Brad McClelland
Name: Brad McClelland
Age: 26
Location: Northumberland
Occupation: Labourer
Who is their type on paper? Sommer Ray from Instagram. Zara McDermott, she’s a good-looking lass. Or Megan Fox.
Toby Aromolaran
Name: Toby Aromolaran
Age: 22
Location: Essex
Occupation: Semi-pro footballer
How would he describe himself? ‘Optimistic. I always see the bright side in the worst situations. I’m a fun guy when I go on a night out. Responsible guy as well.’
Chuggs Wallis
Name: Chuggs Wallis
Age: 23
Location: Surrey
Occupation: Hat entrepreneur
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I just feel like it’s now or never. I’m only 23 but I’m scared of aging. Especially as half of my last year of uni was taken away and we had so many fun plans. With Covid and the pandemic, I feel like I’ve missed a year of my youth, so I’m really gagging to get it all back.’
Millie Court
Name: Millie Court
Age: 24
Location: Essex
Occupation: Fashion buyer’s administrator
Why did you sign up for Love Island? I’ve been single for over a year now. I’m ready to find ‘The One’. I’m very spontaneous and adventurous ‘
Teddy Soares
Name: Teddy Soares
Age: 26
Location: Manchester
Occupation: Senior financial consultant
What girl do you have your eye on? I want to get to know all of the girls. I’m not afraid to step on toes to get the girl I want.
Abigail Rawlings
Name: Abigail Rawlings
Age: 27
Location: Bournemouth (from Beaconsfield)
Occupation: Tattoo artist
Will you stir things up? ‘Even if I didn’t go in with the intention of stirring things up, it’ll happen regardless.’
Tyler Cruickshank
Name: Tyler Cruickshank
Age: 26
Location: Croydon
Occupation: Estate agent
What will you bring to the villa? ‘More energy I think. I’m a person that doesn’t take myself too seriously. I like messing about. I like jokes. I’m not just going to be there just lazing around.’
Medhy Malanda
Name: Medhy Malanda
Age: 24
Location: Luton (originally from Belgium)
Occupation: American footballer
What girl have you got your eye on? ‘Definitely Kaz. Kaz’s personality is fiery, she’s got energy, she’s funny and she’s got a beautiful smile and she’s a nice girl in general.’
Salma Naran
Name: Salma Naran
Age: 20
Location: Dublin
Occupation: Model and Influencer
Why did you sign up for Love Island? ‘I’ve never been in love. What better place to have a tunnel vision and really finding your one? ‘
Harry Young
Name: Harry Young
Age: 24
Location: Glasgow
Occupation: Car Salesman
What girl have you got your eye on? ‘Kaz has always been in my top three. But once I’m in there and speaking with people, it could change.’
Clarisse Juliette
Name: Clarisse Juliette
Age: 23
From: London
Occupation: Brand owner/influencer
Who have you got you eye on in the villa? Teddy – he’s tall, confident and smooth. I don’t like horrible, cocky guys. If they are honest, that’s what I’d prefer
Dale Mehmet
Name: Dale Mehmet
Age: 24
From: Glasgow
Occupation: Barber
Will you step on toes to get who you want? It is what it is, isn’t it? I’m not a bad guy who is going to steal somebody’s girl. But if I want something then I’m going to pursue it. I would go about it all in the right way. Everybody would be well aware of what I was doing.
Sam Jackson
Name: Sam Jackson
Age: 23
From: Clitheroe
Occupation: Maintenance engineer
Will you step on toes to get who you want? That doesn’t bother me. I’m happy to step on someone’s toes to get what I want. If that’s what I’ve got to do, I’ve got to do it. I am looking forward to meeting the boys as well, I’m a proper lads’ lad. I see myself getting on with the boys as well – it’ll be good to meet some new people and get a few bromances going!
Priya Gopaldas
Name: Priya Gopaldas
Age: 23
From: London
Occupation: Med student
Who is your celebrity crush? This is a very strange answer but Boris Johnson. I have a soft spot for him. It’s the confidence but he is a total sweetheart on the inside and that’s what I like in a boy. He’s the prime minister, very driven but then on the inside he’s a cuddly bear. I also love his blonde hair, that does it for me!