Friday night’s instalment of Love Island saw the first recoupling of the season, and it didn’t disappoint.
The drama filled evening saw Luca Bish’s head being turned by Gemma Owen, choosing to recouple with her instead of current partner Paige Thorne.
The decision left Paige and Afia Tonkmor both single, as they avoided being dumped from the island.
Head turned? A recoupling shook up the Love Island villa on Friday evening as Luca Bish chose Gemma Owen to recouple with in a shock twist
Despite growing closer to Paige throughout the week, Luca admitted he wanted to get to know Gemma better in Thursday’s episode.
And making his feelings crystal clear at the recoupling, the 23-year-old said: ‘I said when I came in here, I’d stay true to myself and hopefully that pays off. So, the girl I’d like to couple up with is Gemma’.
Seemingly pleased with the decision, Gemma let out a smile before heading over to join her new partner, while previous partner Davide Sanclimenti appeared less than impressed with the decision.
Happy: Seemingly pleased with the decision, Gemma let out a smile before heading over to join her new partner
Vulnerable: The decision left Paige Thorne (left) and Afia Tonkmor (centre) both single as they avoided being dumped from the island
And putting on a brave face, Paige gave the group a smile – as she stood alongside Afia and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu.
Last to decide was Davide, who was earlier conflicted between Gemma and Ekin-Su, with the decision being made for him as he paired with the latter.
And while he may not have been impressed with his partner being snatched by another boy before he got to decide, cheeky chap Luca didn’t seem too bothered – sticking his tongue out at the Italian hunk across the firepit.
Elsewhere in the recoupling, the public-chosen couples remained strong, as Dami Hope stuck with Amber Beckford, Ikenna Ekwonna chose Indiyah Polack, and Andrew Le Page and Tasha Ghouri stayed together too.
Big choice: Luca was faced with the second last decision of the evening, as Gemma, Paige Afia and Ekin-Su remained
He explained: ‘I said when I came in here, I’d stay true to myself and hopefully that pays off. So, the girl I’d like to couple up with is Gemma’
Taking it well: Putting on a brave face, Paige gave the group a smile – as she stood alongside Afia and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
But while the recoupling usually ends with an islander being dumped, Paige and Afia were saved by the show as they received a text saying ‘good things come to those who wait’.
The saving was down to the departure of Liam Llewellyn, who decided to walk away from the show earlier in the episode, admitting he ‘isn’t myself at all’.
Gathering the islanders around the firepit, the Welsh native shared that he was not giving 100% of himself and was having a ‘hard time’ with his struggle to find a romantic connection.
He explained: ‘I literally feel like you’re missing out on 90% of what normal Liam offers. I’ve been thinking long and hard, like this isn’t a spur of the moment type thing. Trying to find someone to leave the villa with that you care about, like obviously, that’s a goal isn’t it?’
Cheeky: Davide may not have been impressed with his partner being snatched by another boy before he got to decide, the cheeky chap Luca didn’t seem too bothered – sticking his tongue out at the Italian hunk across the firepit
Last but not least: Last to decide was Davide, who was earlier conflicted between Gemma and Ekin-Su, with the decision being made for him as he paired with the latter
Conflicted: Davide seemed less than impressed with Luca’s decision, but went on to give a heartfelt speech to Ekin-Su
Following the shock departure, the islanders were reassured that no-one else would be leaving the villa, allowing Paige and Afia to have a sigh of relief.
The recoupling came after Luca reassured Paige that he was set on her during Thursday’s episode, before pulling Gemma for a chat on the terrace later in the evening.
And as the pair grew closer in Friday’s episode, Luca admitted he wouldn’t know his decision until he got to the firepit.
Strong: Elsewhere in the recoupling, the public-chosen couples remained strong, as Dami Hope stuck with Amber Beckford, Ikenna Ekwonna chose Indiyah Polack, and Andrew Le Page and Tasha Ghouri stayed together too
Shock: The episode earlier showed the departure of Liam Llewellyn, who decided to walk away from the show earlier in the episode, admitting he ‘isn’t myself at all’
LOVE ISLAND 2022: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Paige Thorne
Name: Paige Thorne
Age: 24
Location: Swansea
Occupation: Paramedic
Who is their type on paper? ‘In Swansea there is just no-one I can find.
‘I haven’t got to swipe. So, hopefully they can just come to me now!
‘I came out of a relationship and I was just so done with guys. Then I was like, ‘Ok, I’m bored now’
Indiyah Polack
Name: Indiyah Polack
Age: 23
Location: London
Occupation: Hotel waitress
Who is their type on paper? ‘It’s quite hard to date without being influenced by social media and stuff like that.
‘Love Island is a great place to get to know someone one-on-one.
‘I don’t think I have ever been out with two guys who are quite the same.’
Tasha Ghouri
Name: Tasha Ghouri
Age: 23
Location: Thirsk
Occupation: Model and dancer
Who is their type on paper? ‘My dating life has been a shambles.
‘This is an opportunity for me to find ‘the one’ and have a great summer at the same time.
‘I’m definitely ready for a relationship. I’m 23 now so I’m ready to get to know someone and travel with them.’
Gemma Owen
Name: Gemma Owen
Age: 19
Location: Chester
Occupation: International Dressage Rider and Business Owner
Who is their type on paper? ‘I am open to finding love, I’m wanting to have a really fun summer.
‘I would say I’m fun, flirty and fiery. I think I’m good at giving advice, I’m a good person to talk to, I’m very honest.
‘If I want the same guy, I’d do it but in a nice respectful way.
Andrew Le Page
Name: Andrew Le Page
Age: 27
Location: Guernsey
Occupation: Real Estate Agent
Who is their type on paper? ‘When I’m with someone I’m very loyal.
‘I’m a good boyfriend as when I’m with someone I’m all for them.
‘I’m actually single for once, so I thought why not?
This is the best time to give it a go.’
Luca Bish
Name: Luca Bish
Age: 23
Location: Brighton
Occupation: Fishmonger
Who is their type on paper? ‘I prefer to meet girls out and about. I think when you go looking for it, it’s not as easy though, it’s like you’re too desperate for it.
‘If I think you’re the one or I like you, I’ll take you out on a date but other than that, if we talk and I don’t like where it’s going – then I won’t be throwing out dates.’
Dami Hope
Name: Dami Hope
Age: 26
Location: Dublin
Occupation: Senior Microbiologist
Who is their type on paper? ‘I will be talking to different girls, it might not go well with some.
‘When I’m actually in a relationship, I think it’s a star sign thing.
‘I’m an Aries but I’m very passionate – I always used to put that person first. I’m really good at being in a team’.
Davide Sanclimenti
Name: Davide Sanclimenti
Age: 27
Location: Rome (lives in Manchester)
Occupation: Business owner
Who is their type on paper? ‘A lot of English girls actually love me.
‘They love to be around me and I love to be around them. I want to find my soulmate.
‘Find my person so I can actually build something in the future, grow with them, be a family. ‘
Ikenna Ekwonna
Name: Ikenna Ekwonna
Age: 23
Location: Nottingham
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales
Who is their type on paper? ‘I’ve only been in one past relationship but now I think I’m at the age where I could find someone.
‘Hopefully, I’m going to bring spontaneity and excitement.
‘I’m not really shy to speak to people I don’t really care too much about what people think.’
Amber Beckford
Name: Amber Beckford
Age: 24
Location: London
Occupation: Nanny
Who is their type on paper? ‘I don’t like guys that show off.
‘I don’t like flashy guys – just have a personality and make me laugh.
‘There was this one guy and he was trying to purposefully show off his car keys and we were literally in the middle of a restaurant!’
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Name: Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Age: 27
Location: Essex
Occupation: Actress
Who is their type on paper? ‘I’m quite picky and I’m not just looking for looks, I’m looking for brains!
‘I’m looking for someone with intelligence, someone who can have good chats. Nothing like cockiness!’
Afia Tonkmor
Name: Afia Tonkmor
Age: 25
Location: London
Occupation: Lounge Host at a Private Members Club
Who is their type on paper? ‘I love going on dates but I want to be in a relationship and just call it a day!
‘I like going on dates but I am just so done with it now, I just want the relationship, chill thing.’
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