Jacques O'Neill has quit Love Island. During an episode that aired on Tuesday, July 12 the rugby player told Welsh paramedic Paige Thorne he would be heading home.
Prior to the show, a spokesperson for Love Island confirmed Jacques had decided to leave the villa. The statement read: "Jacques has made the decision to leave the Villa.
"He will explain his reasons to the Islanders during tonight's episode. We fully support his decision and look forward to seeing what's next for Jacques."
Read more: Love Island fans in tears as Jacques gathers contestants for emotional goodbye after quitting
And in emotional scenes on Tuesday night, Jacques took Paige to the terrace to tell her he no longer felt like himself and wanted to be the best version that he could be.
He explained: "You mean so much to me, you know that. I've been trying to put a brave face on but things are getting to me. Basically, like, I just wish I could finish my journey off with you in here, but I'm gonna go home today."
"I still want you to enjoy your time in here, just do what you need to do and listen, I'll be waiting for you," Jacques then said as Paige burst into tears. He added: "Just do what you have to do, don't even think about me."
With her voice wobbling, Paige told him: "Obviously I want you to be happy and it hurts me seeing you this way."
"I just know for us to work I need to get back to myself and the only way I'm gonna get back to myself is going home, so that's what I'm gonna do because I can't carry on like this," Jacques said.
The pair shared a hug before heading down to the fire pit to tell the rest of the group. Speaking to everyone, Jacques said: "So I feel like lately, I just can't be myself so I'm trying my best but I'm not a fake person and I'm not gonna start faking things and act like I'm, okay when things inside are not okay, so I'm gonna be leaving today."
He continued: "I just can't stick around and not be myself, it's not fair to me and it's not fair to Paige. For me and Paige to work I need to be at my best and if that means removing myself from the situation and waiting for Paige when she gets out, that's what I'm gonna do, so I'm gonna be leaving now."
Jacques' decision came after the arrival of newcomer Adam Collard, who viewers will recognise from series 4. The 26-year-old entered the villa as a bombshell in a shock twist at the beginning of the week and set his sights on Paige.
On Tuesday night tensions in villa rose as the Castleford Tigers' player was told by his ex Gemma Owen that Adam had been talking about him behind his back.
"If he wants to f**king go, I'll go mate," he was heard saying before pressing Paige for the details.
"I've never been massively upset over a girl, in life I'd rather get away from things before I get hurt," Jacques explained the next morning before deciding to leave.
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.
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