Welsh Love Island contestant Liam Llewellyn has broken his silence after his shock exit from the villa. The student, who hails from Newport, left the show after telling his fellow Islanders he hadn't been giving "100% Liam".
The 22-year-old, who is the son of a Welsh rugby i nternational, announced he was leaving on Friday's instalment of the ITV2 dating show. And now, the contestant has issued a public message and thanked fans for their "love and support".
Taking to Instagram after getting his phone back, Liam said: "Yes people, it's Liam!
Read more: Love Island's Luca Bish in awkward Michael Owen blunder as Gemma discusses her dad
"I'm back. I am absolutely blown away by the love and support that has been shown to me whilst I was in the villa and since I’ve been out. I appreciate you all like you wouldn’t believe #loveislandbaby."
Liam also appeared on the latest episode of Love Island: Aftersun to speak to host Laura Whitmore about his early exit. He also revealed his shock after learning that Gemma Owen's dad was footballer Michael Owen.
Appearing on a video link from Newport, Liam said: "I was buzzing when I coupled up with Gemma. I got the feeling her head was elsewhere. I can't believe who her dad actually was. I can't believe I didn't work it out."
He added: "It's crazy. I didn't expect the support, I'm so appreciative.. It's a big eye-opener for me how many people were on my side and had my back."
And on her famous father, Liam said: "I can’t believe who that actually was. That's mad.
"I'm a United fan. I actually have one of his tops when he came to the club. That first night, we were chatting about football and her family. I was so close. I can't believe I didn't quite work it out."
During his exit on Friday's show, Liam summoned his fellow contestants to the fire pit and explained: "Obviously we all came here for the same sort of reason, but I haven't been giving 100 per cent Liam. I know what 100 per cent Liam is and I'm miles off that.
"Trying to find someone you leave the villa with that you love, that's the goal. But when you're not feeling that, it makes it a very hard sort of time to find that. I've been thinking long and hard, it isn't spur of the moment, so I've made a decision I'm going to leave the villa."
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.
