Jacques O'Neill looked like he was having a whale of a time while Love Island fans watched his former love interest go on a date with her new man. The 23-year-old was all smiles as he hit the fairground in Manchester following his emotional exit from the ITV2 dating show.
Since leaving the villa, Jacques has said that taking part in the show was the 'worst decision of his life'. The former rugby star made his exit amid the fallout of Casa Amor which saw him in the 'dog house' after testing his relationship with Paige Throne by getting to know other girls.
But just as the pair appear to be making progress in their new relationship, Love Island 2018 contestant Adam Collard made a surprise return as a bombshell. He quickly set his sights on Paige and Jacques was unhappy to learn the ex-islander had been 'slagging him off'.
READ MORE: ITV Love Island fans have one-word verdict for Paige and Adam's date which left them 'seasick'
After a restless night, things then came to a head and a tearful Jacques ended up telling Paige he needed to "get back to himself" and was seen explaining to Paige that he felt the best thing for their relationship was for him to return home so he could be at his "best" for her.
He told her that he'd wait for her but Love Island viewers have since seen her striking up a connection with Adam and during Thursday night's edition of Love Island (July 28), viewers claimed Paige had 'erased' Jacques from her memory.
It came as she told Adam during their sun-soaked boat trip: "Obviously, my journey started off a little bit different. But since you’ve come in I’ve been non-stop smiling. Even if everyone was still in the villa, it would be you out of them all, that I can see a potential future with for sure."
She added: "And I’ve just honestly enjoyed every second, " to which Adam replied: "It just feels so normal, so natural."
As viewers reeled from her comments, Jacques was enjoying a night in Manchester with another former islander. He attended the Trafford Centre where a VIP event was held to officially launch the opening of Summer Daze, the centre’s biggest outdoor entertainment to date.
Sicilian sandwich delight Mira, Korean favourite Ram Yum and The Churro’s Shop are all part of the new outdoor summer entertainment offering. And there are still many family-friendly activity for all ages to enjoy including the iconic funfair which has undergone an upgrade.
And Jacques appeared to be enjoying it as he hit the rides with former Love Island star Mary Bedford who starred in the 2021 series as a bombshells contestant. They were joined at the opening party by Taylor Ward and Manchester City star fiance Riyad Mahrez and former professional football player Wes Brown. Emmerdale alum Danny Miller and Chris Bisson also showed up to enjoy the fairground fun at Trafford Centre with their families.
Jacques' latest appearance in the city comes after he was spotted out and about again with Antigoni Buxton. The singer filmed herself in the car alongside Jacques as they headed to the city. "Made it to Manchester but this taxi driver is a bit of a rebel," the blonde beauty said before turning the camera on a smiling Jacques.
Jacques. who recently signed to former islander Scott Thomas' PR group Social PR, then showed his cheeky side as he appeared to photobomb a stunning snap of Antigoni as she modelled her natural curly lock while donning a figure-hugging white dress with a super-high thigh split. He could be seen in the background, posing with his arms crossed in a pair of grey joggers and black and yellow hoodie.
The pair then headed off for a meal at Peter Street Kitchen, tucking into the restaurants newly launched menu and sipping a few cocktails. "Just call me a rugby lad," Antigoni captioned the post as she dined with one of Jacques' pals.
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