The most dramatic recoupling of the series saw tensions rise in the latest episode of Love Island. New bombshell Danica was given the unenviable task of going first in announcing who she wished to couple up with.
Not afraid to rock the boat, the 21-year-old dancer stunned islanders and viewers alike by choosing Luca, who has seemingly only had eyes for current show partner Gemma, rather than Davide or Remi who were the two openly available islanders from the roster. Danica said: “I've decided to couple up with this boy. I have not even been here 24 hours so this is a really weird situation for me to be in.
“I've barely got to know any of you. You're all lovely boys, but I didn't come in here to play safe. I need to sort-of follow my heart. I can kind of only go on what I can see at face value and somebody who I feel like is usually my type.
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“I need to explore that unfortunately so I'm going to have to follow my heart on this one. The boy that I want to couple up with is… Luca.”
Upon being chosen, Luca looked visibly disappointed, first going over to console Gemma before reluctantly sitting beside his new partner. Throughout the rest of the process, Luca continued to make noises of annoyance, even having to be calmed down by Ekin-su next to him.
Once they all left the firepit, Luca and Gemma were seen to share a kiss, with the 23-year-old keen not to let Michael Owen’s daughter out of his arms. Luca said: “I’ve got eyes only for you, you make me feel like a young kid who hasn’t experienced anything before.”
The domino effect meant Gemma had the ultimate say on who would depart the ITV series. She chose to save former couple Davide, who clashed with former couple Ekin-su, resulting in Remi being dumped from the villa, after Indiyah predictably chose Ikenna to seal his fate not long after entering.
Reaction on Twitter included @04bigdan who said: "How can she pick someone that made it clear he don’t want her #LoveIsland" and @TitiRGlitz who added: "I knew it would be Luca and lol at his face. Danica set herself up for an early exit. #LoveIsland."
Love Island continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.