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Wales Online
Wales Online
Lifestyle
Megan Nisbet

Love Island Paige Thorne's friends speak out on Welsh star's decision after Jacques quits

Paige Thorne's loved ones have reminded viewers to "be kind" following Tuesday night's explosive and emotional show. The Welsh paramedic was left in tears after rugby player Jacques O'Neill, who she coupled up with early on in the series, announced he would be quitting the 2022 series.

It had been a challenging week for the couple who had been trying to get their relationship back on track following Casa Amor. While they both decided to stick together Paige quickly learned that Jacques had "cracked on" with bomshell Cheyanne Kerr.

Jacques' emotional goodbye came after the arrival of Adam Collard, who viewers will recognise from series four. 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.

Read more: Why did Jacques leave Love Island and what did he say?

On Tuesday night tensions in the villa rose as the Castleford Tigers' player was told by his ex Gemma Owen that Adam had been talking about him behind his back. After sleeping on it Jacques ultimately decided to leave the villa.

Jacques and Paige say goodbye. on Love Island (REX/Shutterstock)

Speaking to Paige on the terrace a teary Jacques said: "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. 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." But after some fans on social media criticised Paige for not exiting with Jacques, her family have taken to social media to have their say.

Paige Thorne's family defend her on social media (Paige Thorne/Instagram)

Posting on Paige's Instagram stories those looking after her account wrote: "Little note that #BeKind applies to Paige too. If she decides to leave the villa that's her own decision, she has no obligation to follow Jacques – this is her experience just as much as his.

"There is only 2.5 weeks left of her once-in-a -ifetime experience – let's not see her come out to any negativity." 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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