There were tears on and off-screen as the latest episode of Love Island aired on Tuesday night (July 13). It was announced earlier in the day that Jacques O'Neill had decided to leave the villa after a dramatic week on the ITV2 dating show.
A show spokesperson confirmed the news and fans of the show saw the moment the rugby star made his decision last night. He said he needed to "get back to himself" as he revealed he was leaving, just as he appeared to be reconciling with Paige Thorne. Jacques was seen explaining to her that he felt the best thing for their relationship was for him to return home so he could be at his "best" for her.
Jacques and Paige, 24, went for a chat on the terrace alone where he got emotional as he explained that over the past two weeks things had been getting to him. Holding back tears, he said: "I just wish I could finish my journey off with you in here but I’m going to go home today."
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His revelation prompted Paige to cry and as they embraced he added: “You’ve got to still enjoy your time here. Just do what you need to do and I’ll be waiting for you.” Through tears, Paige replied: “I don’t want you to go but also I want you to be happy and it hurts me seeing you in this way.”
Jacques added: "I just know for us to work I need us to get back to myself and the only way I’m going to get back to myself is going home." In the beach hut, he admitted: "I’d say in the last week, the only thing keeping me in this place was Paige. That’s the only thing I was staying for. I’ve never felt this way for anyone so I just want to get home, be myself again and carry things on the outside."
He added: "It’s just not fair on the girl she deserves better than me. It’s not the end of me and Paige because everyone knows what she means to me." To announce the news to his fellow islanders, he gathered everyone around the firepit and explained with Paige by his side: "I just feel like lately, I just can’t be myself.
"I’m trying my best but I’m not a fake person and I’m not going to start faking things and act like I’m okay when things inside aren’t actually okay. 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 then that I’m going to do."
His admission left the other contestants shocked and emotional with his close friend Luca Bish saying "It’s not going to be the same without you" through tears, as Andrew Le Page told him he had "been a brother" to him. Jacques and Luca, 23, later shared an emotional moment where they both cried before embracing one another.
As he prepared to exit, Jacques and Paige shared some final moments alone together before all of the islanders collectively hugged to see him out of the villa. And the whole thing left Love Island viewers in tears and offering Jacques support.
@billycxff tweeted: "To see 2 men crying to eachother on tv i think is super important! Jacques looking out for his own mental health is super admirable #LoveIsland." @Emma48491320 said: "Jacques leaving has me sobbing!!! Poor lad!!!! #LoveIsland."
@chrishansendrums2529 commented: "Was in tears when everyone said goodbye what a sad episode that was." @sophie.l.xx shared: "Massive respect to Jacques for doing what was right for him." @ denni._xo added: "My god I have never cried at love island that was so sad I wish him all the best I really do and I hope Paige stays loyal to him."
Earlier in the episode, Jacques got riled up as the other islanders told him that new arrival Adam Collard had been talking about his behaviour in the villa to Paige. While confronting Paige about the situation he became short with her and rudely told fellow contestant Billy Brown to leave which caused further tension among the couple.
After they discussed his brash response to the situation, he appeared withdrawn and he could later be seen leaving the bedroom in the middle of the night to go sit outside by himself. The next morning Jacques told Luca that he was going to “try and get back to myself” but he finally came to the conclusion that he wanted to leave.
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