This year’s Love Island has been truly unexpected.
We weren’t expecting Michael Owen’s daughter Gemma to walk through the villa doors. We weren’t expecting Ronan Keating’s son Jack to try his hand at the dating reality show. We weren’t expecting Jacques’ sudden departure. We weren’t expecting to be let down so thoroughly by the majority of men in the villa, and we certainly weren’t expecting the return of Adam bloody Collard.
The Welsh man infamously took part in the 2018 season of Love Island, where he coupled up with Kendall, Rosie, Zara and Darylle before being dumped from the villa on Day 33.
During his time on the show, many viewers took issue with Adam’s behaviour, with some describing it as gaslighting and emotional manipulation.
When his return was announced, the domestic violence charity Women’s Aid issued a statement which read: “We hope that ITV recognise how serious this issue is and that it must be learned from, considering they have asked Adam to return to the show.
“Love Island is watched by many young people and we know what a huge influence it has.
“Producers must make sure there is support for contestants throughout, and intervene if relationships become unhealthy or abusive.”
Needless to say, Adam’s mere presence rattled some of the contestants, even though, in his own words, he hadn’t even “started yet”. Having said that, the behaviour of some of his fellow contestants has been a real point of contention, with many describing Luca’s relationship with Gemma as controlling, while others have shared concerns that Tasha is being bullied by Dami and Luca.
With fans calling out Dami and Luca’s actions, Adam has been getting to know Paige well, and, right now, it looks like they could be serious contenders for the grand prize.
When you consider the couples’ current standings, there is no denying that Dami and Luca have jeopardised their chances, despite being coupled up with very popular girls, Indiyah and Gemma. While Andrew and Tasha appear to be winning fans, they haven’t had the strongest record, and ranked among the bottom three at each public vote.
Davide and Ekin-Su have been a popular couple recently, but many fans have turned on them after they felt that Davide was slut-shaming Ekin-Su after sharing a bed with George in Casa Amor. The nation’s favourite project manager Danica is currently coupled up with Billy, but Deji has also expressed interest in her. However, with the final just around the corner, one wonders if Danica will have enough time to form a strong enough bond to win. Summer, meanwhile is officially single.
This complicated situation could set Paige and Adam apart as potential winners, and their chances of making it are enhanced when you consider the fact that Paige is one of the most popular islanders in there. So, will they go on and win? It all remains to be seen.
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on Virgin Media Two and on the Virgin Media Player.
