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Kendall Jenner secretly celebrates 30th birthday with sisters at Tommy Hilfiger’s $125k-a-week villa on private island

KENDALL Jenner secretly celebrated her 30th birthday at designer Tommy Hilfiger’s luxury villa on a private Caribbean island, The U.S. Sun can reveal.

Supermodel Kendall began posting snaps on Monda after spending the weekend at the $125k-a-week property in Mustique.

Kendall Jenner is seen with Kim Kardashian dressed in brown silk on the beach with balloonsCredit: Instagram
The Kardashians celebrated Kendall Jenner’s 30th birthday on the beach in MustiqueCredit: Instagram
Kendall Jenner enjoyed a cream-covered white 818 Tequila-themed cake for the big dayCredit: Instagram

Kendall was joined by dozens of family members and friends, including her mom, Kris Jenner, and sisters, Kim, Kylie, and Khloe, although Kourtney was notably absent from the festivities.

She also celebrated with longtime friends, including Hailey Bieber, Fai Khandra, Renell Medrano, and Lauren Perez.

There was no expense spared as the large group enjoyed a lavish spread, an 818-themed birthday cake, and $500 bottles of Chateau Haut-Brion red wine, bottled in 1995 – the year Kendall was born.

She was also spoiled with decorations, including huge silver balloons reading, ‘Happy Birthday Kendall’ and cups with baby photographs emblazoned on them.

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There appeared to be a theme for the bash with everyone dressed in brown, black, and pink beach outfits for the fashionista.

Kendall joined the Tommy Hilfiger family by fronting the brand’s Spring Campaign last year.

His private property in Mustique is known as the Palm Beach Villa, and boasts seven en-suite bedrooms and two pool cottages with room for up to 18 guests.

A website claims the vacation home is situated on six acres on the beachfront land and costs between $125,000 and $130,000 per week to rent.

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‘BEACH SEATING’

“The Colonial design of the property is simple yet imposing, and the white facade gives a very welcoming feeling to guests,” the bio reads.

“The grand Palladian-style residence was built in 1999 and has undergone renovation works since.”

Kendall and the gang made the most of the private beach with a seating area set up on the sand, as photographs on Instagram showed pillows and tiki torches.

The bio online also explains, “The villa offers impressive views over the sea and the neighbouring islands from its balconies and terrace.

“Guests can enjoy the views from the large swimming pool, or soak up the rays from the surrounding sun loungers.

“The poolside gazebos are ideal for evening drinks, and there are plenty of spaces to relax throughout the perfectly manicured gardens.”

Services at the villa include a manager, chef, waiter, housekeeping, and laundry, according to the website.

Although food and beverage cost extra, along with grocery pre-stocking, spa and beauty treatments, and activities and excursions on the island.

Dee Hilfiger, Tommy’s wife, gave Marie Claire a tour of the house in 2024, with photographs showing her relaxing in the luxurious setting.

Although she admitted it was all about simplicity and guests being able to relax at the home, not worrying that they might damage antiques or expensive furnishings.

“We have a lot of furniture with slick covers,” she explained.

“We constantly change out all the lampshades in the house because it’s right on the ocean, so things rust.

BIRTHDAY TRIBUTES

“We don’t have anything too precious. It’s a family home and we also rent it a lot.

“I would describe it as a chic but user-friendly type of home where nothing’s too precious or expensive. It’s designed to walk through with sandy feet.”

The outlet explained that the villa sits on the shores of Mustique’s L’Ansecoy Bay and is named Palm Beach for the trees that surround it. 

Kim, 45, shared snaps from the getaway, writing, “Happy 30th Birthday @kendalljenner may this decade bring you the kind of love and joy you so freely give to everyone else. I love you more than you’ll ever understand! Here’s to 30 Kenny.”

Kim could also be seen joking around with a handful of tequila shots in one photograph as she threw her head back laughing.

Sister Khloe, 41, also wrote a lengthy tribute to Kendall, posting, “To my baby sister, my forever girl, happy 30th birthday. I can’t believe you’re thirty. It feels impossible and yet, here you are; more radiant, grounded, and beautifully you than ever before.

“Something I’ve always admired and respected about you is how deeply and unapologetically you live in your truth. In a world where so many try to fit in or please others, you’ve always just been yourself. […] You have this energy that can’t be replicated.

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“Gentle but strong, mysterious yet warm, and so full of love that it overflows into everyone lucky enough to know you.

“You make people feel seen, safe, and inspired just by being who you are. Kenny, I hope you know how endlessly proud I am of you. […] Happy birthday, my sweet angel. I love you with everything I am @kendalljenner.”

Kim Kardashian fooled around with mini bottles of 818 Tequila at the partyCredit: Instagram
Kendall Jenner is seen with family members Kris, Kim, Kylie, and Khloe on the beachCredit: Instagram
The Kardashians celebrated with expensive wine bottled in 1999 – the year Kendall was bornCredit: Instagram

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A guide to Highland Park: The best things to do, see and eat right now

Let’s just kick the elephant out of the room right away. It’s hard to write a guide to Highland Park without addressing the “G” word. The neighborhood has been described as a poster child of gentrification, and for anyone who spends time there, it’s easy to see why.

Get to know Los Angeles through the places that bring it to life. From restaurants to shops to outdoor spaces, here’s what to discover now.

Within the Northeast neighborhood nestled between downtown L.A. and Pasadena, you’ll see the Highland Park of the past: find remnants like the stone castle that was once the home of Charles F. Lummis, a poet and journalist who famously walked from Cincinnati to Highland Park — yes, you read that correctly — to accept a job at the Los Angeles Times in the mid 1880s. (He later went on to found the Southwest Museum, L.A.’s first museum, close by.)

You’ll see the Highland Park that remains: a working-class hub where bandas practice outside for all to hear, the smell of street tacos fills the air, multigenerational families play together at the park and iconic fixtures like the 22-foot-tall Chicken Boy statue that hovers over North Figueroa like a friendly mascot.

And you’ll see the Highland Park that’s emerging: an L.A. hot spot where young people flock to sip on fancy cocktails along York Boulevard and hang out at a chic Prohibition-era bowling alley.

Somehow, all these versions exist together. These days, it’s common to see luxury companies like Le Labo, which sells candles for upward of $90, move next door to small businesses such as the beloved Mexican family-owned Delicias Bakery & Some that has been serving fresh pan dulce for nearly 35 years. The community collectively mourned when its 100-year-old historic movie theater closed last March.

As one of L.A.’s first suburbs, Highland Park began the 20th century as an artsy oasis that was dotted with charming Craftsman homes. By the 1960s, the neighborhood had transformed into an epicenter for Latino life. The evolution of Highland Park has brought all the usual tensions between longtime residents and newcomers, many of whom were priced out of areas like Silver Lake and South Pasadena.

In spite of that, Highland Park has managed to hold onto its roots and small-town charm. This is in part thanks to nonprofits like the Highland Park Heritage Trust and community members who have been working to preserve the neighborhood’s rich history and cherished cultural hubs.

“A lot of the identity is still here, things that just make it feel like home,” says Michael Nájera, 35, whose family has lived in the neighborhood for three generations. He and his wife co-founded a running club called Tofu Scramble that meets at local coffee shops on Friday mornings.

“There’s a strong sense of community here. Even with everything going on these days, it’s amazing to see people out — some of us because we can, and others at risk because they have to,” he adds, referring to the recent ICE raids. “And still, this feels like a place where it’s OK to be brown and to be outside.” It’s common to see local businesses displaying Know Your Rights cards in support of their neighbors.

Rocio Paredes, a director and photographer who attended Franklin Middle School and High School in Highland Park, adds that “Chicanoism is very engraved in our DNA here.” You can see the culture’s influence in spaces like the Centro de Arte Público and the Mechicano Art Center, both of which were home to Highland Park’s Chicano Arts Collective, an organization that helped advance the political aims of L.A.’s Chicano movement in the 1970s. And also at local restaurants. At Las Cazuelas, a family-run Salvadoran pupuseria that’s been open since 1985, Parades says, “It’s like a f— time capsule.”

From historic Craftsman homes, beautiful hills, bountiful green spaces, cuisine from various cultures, vintage shops of varied prices and a vibrant nightlife scene, there’s so much to appreciate about Highland Park.

What’s included in this guide

Anyone who’s lived in a major metropolis can tell you that neighborhoods are a tricky thing. They’re eternally malleable and evoke sociological questions around how we place our homes, our neighbors and our communities within a wider tapestry. In the name of neighborly generosity, we may include gems that linger outside of technical parameters. Instead of leaning into stark definitions, we hope to celebrate all of the places that make us love where we live.

Our journalists independently visited every spot recommended in this guide. We do not accept free meals or experiences. What L.A. neighborhood should we check out next? Send ideas to [email protected].

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Maccabi Tel Aviv will not accept Aston Villa Europa League tickets

Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv say they will not accept any ticket allocation from Aston Villa should the decision to ban their supporters from next month’s Europa League match be overturned.

Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) – the body responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches – last week informed Villa no travelling fans would be permitted at the match in the city.

The decision was widely condemned, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy pledging that the government will “find the resources” to allow Maccabi fans to attend earlier on Monday.

But Maccabi Tel Aviv now say supporters will not travel for safety reasons – that “a toxic atmosphere has been created which makes the safety of our fans wishing to attend very much in doubt”.

A club statement said, external: “The wellbeing and safety of our fans is paramount, and from hard lessons learned we have taken the decision to decline any allocation offered on behalf of away fans and our decision should be understood in that context.

“We hope that circumstances will change and look forward to being able to play in Birmingham in a sporting environment in the near future.”

“We are deeply saddened Maccabi Tel Aviv have turned down their away fan allocation but we respect their right to do so,” a government spokesperson said.

They added it was “completely unacceptable” that the match has been “weaponised to stoke violence and fear by those who seek to divide us”.

“The government has been working around the clock to defend a basic principle – that football fans should be able to enjoy a game without fear of intimidation or violence.”

On Thursday, West Midlands Police said it had classified the fixture as “high risk” based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including “violent clashes and hate crime offences” between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a match in Amsterdam, in November 2024.

Nandy said ministers were working together to fund any necessary policing operation to allow away fans to attend, and the SAG would review the decision if West Midlands Police changed its risk assessment.

Nandy said the matter was wider than matchday security, adding it came “against the backdrop of rising antisemitism here and across the world, and an attack on a synagogue in Manchester in which two innocent men were killed”.

On Sunday, the Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was cancelled before kick-off, after what police described as “public disorder and violent riots”.

Maccabi say the decision to call that game off was not down to their supporters and thanked the UK government for its efforts.

They said: “We believe that football should be about bringing people together not driving them apart.

“Our fans regularly travel all over Europe without incident and to suggest that the reason our fans cannot be allowed to travel is due to their behaviour is an attempt to distort reality.

“We acknowledge the efforts of the UK government and police to ensure both sets of fans can attend the match safely, and are grateful for the messages of support from across the footballing community.”

Aston Villa previously told their matchday stewards they did not have to work at the Maccabi Tel Aviv fixture, saying they understood some “may have concerns”.

Following Thursday’s announcement by the club about the impending fixture, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the move “wrong” and said: “We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets.”

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Government ‘doing everything’ to overturn Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban at Aston Villa match

The government has said it is “doing everything in our power” to overturn a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a football match in Birmingham and is exploring what additional resources could be required.

On Thursday, Aston Villa said the city’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) decided that fans of the Israeli club should not be permitted to attend the Europa League fixture on 6 November over safety concerns.

Facing mounting pressure to resolve the situation, the government said it was working with police and exploring what additional resources are required.

A meeting of the SAG to discuss the match is expected next week, the Home Office said.

“No one should be stopped from watching a football game simply because of who they are,” a government spokesperson said.

They added the government was working with police and other bodies to ensure the game could “safely go ahead with all fans present”.

After it was announced on Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer called the move to block fans attending “wrong”, adding “we will “not tolerate antisemitism on our streets”, while there has also been criticism from other party leaders.

The SAG – which advises the council on whether to issue safety certificates – will review the decision if West Midlands Police changes its risk assessment for the match, Birmingham City Council said.

On Thursday, West Midlands Police said it had classified the fixture as “high risk” based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including “violent clashes and hate crime offences” between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans before a match in Amsterdam in November 2024.

More than 60 people were arrested over the violence, which city officials described as a “toxic combination of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger” over the war in Gaza, Israel and elsewhere in the Middle East.

The Home Office was briefed that restrictions on visiting fans might be imposed last week, but the BBC understands officials were not informed about the final decision until Thursday.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the revelation left the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, with “serious questions to answer” about why her department did “nothing” to avert the ban.

She said: “This is a weak government that fails to act when required.”

A source close to Mahmood told the BBC that “this is categorically untrue”.

“The first time the home secretary knew that the fans were being banned was last night,” they added.

Ayoub Khan, an independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr who campaigned on a pro-Gaza platform in last year’s general election, had pushed for the match to be cancelled due to safety concerns and welcomed Thursday’s decision.

Khan told BBC Newsnight “nobody should tolerate antisemitism” but added: “We cannot conflate antisemitism when we look at what some of these fans did in Amsterdam in 2024. The vile chants of racism and hatred, the chants that there are no schools left in Gaza because there are no children left in Gaza.”

Andrew Fox, honorary president of Aston Villa’s Jewish Villans supporters’ club, said he thought Khan’s comments on Amsterdam were “shameful”, describing what happened there as a “premeditated Jew hunt”.

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No Maccabi Tel Aviv fans allowed at Aston Villa for Europa League tie

West Midlands Police said the upcoming game has been classified as “high risk” following a “thorough assessment”.

A spokesperson said: “This decision is based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.

“Based on our professional judgement, we believe this measure will help mitigate risks to public safety.

“While the safety certificate is issued by Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police supports the decision to prohibit away supporters from attending.”

Football’s European governing body Uefa said it wanted fans to be able to travel and support their team in a “safe, secure and welcoming environment”.

Uefa told Reuters: “In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory.”

Arrests were made after violence broke out before the match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in November last year.

Amsterdam officials described the violence as a “toxic combination of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger” over the war in Gaza, Israel and elsewhere in the Middle East.

A ceasefire in Gaza came into effect on 10 October.

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Aston Villa: Unai Emery backs England striker Ollie Watkins to end goal drought

When Morgan Rogers handed Ollie Watkins the ball, the Holte End chanted the striker’s name.

Seconds after his weak penalty was saved by Bologna’s Lukasz Skorupski, Watkins’ name was again chanted in support.

The England striker is enduring a 10-game goal drought for club and country at a time when Villa need him at his sharpest, despite Thursday’s Europa League win.

His nine games without scoring in the club shirt is the joint longest he has gone without a goal in his Villa career, having previously had nine-game dry spells in 2020-21 and 2022-23.

His second-half spot kick was the ideal chance to end that but the scuffed strike lacked confidence and allowed Skorupski to save with his legs.

Watkins has now failed to score three of his last five penalties for Villa, including missing in the Champions League against Celtic last season.

Ultimately – thanks to Marco Bizot’s late save from Martin Vitik – it mattered little as Villa earned their first win of the season thanks to John McGinn’s early strike.

It allowed boss Unai Emery to relax after victory and assert with confidence that Watkins will end his drought.

“He didn’t score, okay, it doesn’t matter, the goal is coming through the work he did today,” Emery said.

“I am happy because he played doing his task. He worked, this is the most important.

“He pressed, he was getting in duels, he got chances, he got a penalty, he missed but the most important [thing] is how he played in 30 minutes doing his task and he did a fantastic job.

“He has to feel after each match like I am feeling now, be happy because he did his work. He has to feel the same and if he is scoring he is going to feel better.

“The most important thing is how he is working in his tasks for the team. Today he played a good match, not enough because he didn’t score but he played good. This is the first step.”

Watkins’ struggles can be charted back to the second half of last season when he scored just four times in Villa’s final 19 games.

The 29-year-old started 13 of those but was left out of the starting line ups for their Champions League quarter-final defeat by Paris St-Germain, playing just 25 minutes across both legs.

This season he has missed all five of his big chances, has managed just 40 touches in the opposition’s box across his nine appearances and is averaging less than one shot on target per game.

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MAFS UK star Erica Roberts reveals she entered Love Island villa in ‘unaired scenes’

Ex Married At First Sight star Erica Roberts has taken to TikTok to spill all the behind the scenes tea on the E4 show – and another dating show she was ‘secretly’ a part of…

Former Married At First Sight bride Erica Roberts has taken to TikTok to spill all the BTS tea on the E4 show – and her stint on Love Island that was never aired.

Erica rose to fame on the 2023 series of the show when she entered as an intruder, tying the knot with Jordan Gayle. Despite hitting it off after saying their vows, the couple called it quits less than a year after entering the experiment.

However, Married At First Sight isn’t the only “dating show” the star has taken part in. In fact, Erica took part in a Love Island dry run before her stint on MAFS.

READ MORE: MAFS UK gets a major schedule change ahead of Celebrity Traitors and fans are worriedREAD MORE: MAFS UK honeymoon disaster as bride walks off and ‘demands to go home’

For those who don’t know, refers to a pre-show rehearsal where a group of people who applied or were scouted, move into the villa to test out all the production elements before the actual cast arrive. Some of them will in fact make it to the main cast, with Casa Amor bombshells Lauren and Ty from this season revealing they had met in there before.

Now, Erica has revealed she was in a dry run a year before MAFS, which is how she got scouted for the E4 show. Taking to TikTok, she said: “I was actually meant to go on Love Island. I got flown out to Majorca. This was the year before,” explaining that “essentially it’s actually an audition for Casa Amor”.

However, Erica said she would never have wanted to go into Casa, and would have turned it down if it was offered to her.

“So the girl that cast me for Love Island then got back to me a couple of months later and was like, ‘Erica, please, please, please, can I put you forward for MAFS?’

“Initially, I was like, absolutely not. Nah, it’s not the show for me. I don’t think I want to do that. I’m good. They contacted me again not long after, maybe two months later, and I was in a bit of Heartbreak Hotel so when she came to me, I was like, yes, yes, let’s do it,” she continued.

“But I’m gonna be honest, I really didn’t think anything of it at first. I was like, you know what? F*** it. Let’s just do it.”

Elsewhere on her TikTok page, Erica revealed that the cast had absolutely no idea where they were going on honeymoon beforehand, but were told by producers what type of clothes to bring.

“People that ended up going to like, Lapland, they would have been told to bring warm clothes. Honestly if they sent me somewhere like that I’d be so fuming. I got to go to Antigua and it was unreal!”

Former MAFS groom Thomas Kriaras joked in the comments: “When they told me I needed to bring a jacket for my honeymoon, I was fuming!”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.



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Aston Villa: Unai Emery was right to call us lazy, says Ezri Konsa

Asked if Emery had called his players lazy privately, Konsa added: “No. The boss is not a big speaker. Sometimes he keeps himself to himself.

“As players, we have been in the game a long time and we know what we need to do. It is down to us at the end of the day. We are on the pitch, not the manager. We have to figure it out for ourselves as well.”

Speaking before Bologna’s visit to Villa Park in the Europa League on Thursday, Emery said he was “angry” after the match against Sunderland.

“I was frustrated and disappointed but when I analysed it I was getting the balance,” said Emery.

“I am demanding and always trying to understand how we can feel stronger. After the match I told the players we have to be more demanding.”

The draw against Sunderland left Villa 18th in the Premier League and winless in their opening five games, out of the Carabao Cup and having scored just one league goal.

Konsa, though, says the club are not in “crisis”.

“I don’t think we are at the stage where we need to have meetings,” he said. “People will talk about crisis meetings and things like that but we have got a great captain in John McGinn, who really takes the lead in stuff like that.

“After the game, he said a few words to keep us going, to keep encouraging us. Look, we haven’t started the season well. We know that. But I’m sure it’s going to go well soon.”

“It shows how far we have come over the last three years [that people have criticised Villa’s start to the season]”.

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Love Island All Stars line up fiery former islander for villa – as controversial boy drops out of talks

LOVE Island bosses are eyeing up a controversial girl from the most recent series to return for All Stars. 

The Love Island spin-off will be back for a third series early next year and producers are working hard to find memorable Islanders to sign up for the show. 

And The Sun can reveal Helena Ford is among those on the wish list and is in early discussions for her second villa stint. 

Editorial use only. No merchandising. No commercial use. Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (15416249ab) Helena Ford 'Love Island' TV Show, Series 12, Episode 42, Mallorca, Spain - 27 Jul 2025

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Helena is in talks to appear in the next series of All StarsCredit: Shutterstock
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Helena Ford attends the NTA's 2025 at The O2 Arena on September 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for the NTA's)

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Her villa antics mean she can’t return to her day jobCredit: Getty

An insider told us: “Helena was a huge hit on the last series of the show and her on/off relationship with Harry and her deadpan jokes were a hit with viewers. She’s been in super early talks. 

“Tyrique from series 10 was also in tentative talks before leaving for Love Island Games in the US.”

Helena recently revealed she won’t be able to return to her old job as a flight attendant after her time on Love Island. 

Speaking the Daily Star, she said: “I don’t think they will take me back after that roast I did.

“Plus all the passengers will think, ‘Oh no, I’m going to get roasted now.’ Never say never but I’m not looking to go back at the moment, definitely not.

“I think I need take a break and to do some therapy first – I watched a lot of things back that I didn’t like in myself, so there’s that to work on first.”

Helena paired up with Harry Cooksley on Love Island, but after they split, he started dating another Love Islander Shakira Khan.

Shakira accompanied Harry to the recent NTA Awards, while Helena attended alone.

During her time on the ITV show, Helena became known for her catty comments and not taking any nonsense from fellow contestants, ensuring she became one of the more memorable cast members in recent times.

But despite believing her on-screen antics may have put a return to her old job in jeopardy, Helena is more than happy with how things have turned out.

She said: “It’s been mad since leaving the show.

“I’ve had so many new opportunities and people recognise me everywhere.

“For me, it’s about moving forwards and seeing where this crazy journey takes me.”

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Love Island’s Shakira Khan says divide between villa girls was fuelled by more than drama

Shakira Khan opened up about her experience on Love Island during a chat on Paul C. Brunson’s We Need To Talk podcast. She spoke about feeling like an outcast and the divide in the villa.

Love Island star, Shakira Khan, 22 has opened up about what life inside the Love Island villa was really like, claiming the show’s “outcasts” all had one thing in common.

Shakira took to Paul C. Brunson’s We Need To Talk podcast to delve into how she and other women of colour were pushed to the margins in the villa saying a troubling “outcast” pattern quickly emerged.

She revealed that she, along with fellow Islanders Toni Laites and Yasmine Pettet called themselves “the outcasts” after feeling pushed out by the main group but soon noticed it wasn’t just them.

“People couldn’t sit there and say there was no divide, there was a divide and that’s okay,” she explained. “As much as people want to sh*t on that, that was my lived experience and my friends will say the same.”

READ MORE: Love Island’s Yasmin, Shakira and Toni are redefining what post-villa success looks likeREAD MORE: Love Island’s Shakira Khan makes brutal dig at co-stars weeks after leaving villa

“Me, Toni and Yas call ourselves the outcasts but you could collectively add Billykiss to that, Malisha, Andrada, Emma and there’s a pattern here which I don’t think anyone wants to talk about,” she said. “Women of colour.”

It was clear during the season there was a divide in the show, many viewers took to social media to share their opinions and what side of the fence they were sitting on. Shakira said viewers weren’t wrong to sense a divide on the show, but insisted it ran far deeper than what made it to air.

The divide started on one of the very first days, when Shakira found herself single in the villa, therefore putting her at risk of being sent home. After she pulled islanders for chat’s with each conversation being reciprocated which led to girls began to talk and the quickly there was a shift – the divide began.

According to Shakira, anyone seen as a “threat” to the main group was quickly isolated. “We banded together, the outcasts,” she said.

She drew a direct link between her villa experience and wider society, saying it reminded her of segregation growing up. “It boils down to childhood, people were banned from the community, even in my hometown,” she said.

“We talk about the segregation of white communities, Asian communities people find community in their own and people they have shared experiences with.”

Shakira revealed that these moments in the villa soon had an impact on her. “If you get told 100 times a day ‘you’re wrong, you’re irrelevant’, that’s what you start to internalise. You believe that’s the opinion on the outside because you’ve got nothing else to go off,” she said.

Luckily there has been a change for Shakira and her fellow Islanders, Toni and Yasmin. In just a small amount of time they’ve redefined what post-villa success looks like

For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror’s Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.

Who is Shakira Khan?

Shakira Khan, 23, from Burnley is an former contestant from season 12 of Love Island She was one of the main villa girls, starting from day one. Throughout the season, we watched Shakira face many challenges from a chaotic love triangle to villa rivalries, however she made it all the way to the Love Island final despite feeling her being mixed heritage, Pakistan and White may hinder her experience.

“I went to a predominantly white high school, I was not the beauty standard, so I was thinking, ‘What have I signed up for?’ she told I-D Magazine. “Everyone’s gonna love the blonde hair, blue-eyed girls, we see year in year out on Love Island. I thought, based on initial attraction, it wasn’t going to go well for me, but I was pleasantly surprised.”

Where can I listen to the We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson podcast?

The podcast can be watched on multiple platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and the We Need To Talk Youtube channel here.

Did Shakira win Love Island?

No, Shakira did not win Love Island 2025, however she came second place with her partner Harry Cooksley. Toni Laites and Cash Mercer won the show and the £50K prize.

Are Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley still together?

Yes the pair are still dating and going strong since the Villa, Shakira explained on the podcast he treats her well. “He’s witty, he’s charming, he’s intelligent – all those things that I said I look for in a partner.”

“We’re dating each other, can’t put a label on it.” she said, “I’m not dating anyone else, he’s not dating anyone else so you can say we’re exclusively dating each other.” she added

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‘They’re not the team they were’ – should Aston Villa be worried after winless start?

Villa launch their Europa League campaign at home to Bologna on Thursday, and will have to juggle the demands of playing Thursday-Sunday matches.

Their failure to finish in a Champions League position meant restrictions were put in place during the summer to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

In addition, the loss of loan signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio has impacted the depth of quality in the attacking department.

They were able to bring in Nice striker Evann Guessand for £26m plus £4.3m in add-ons, but the Ivory Coast forward has registered just two attempts on target.

“After playing 11 against 10 it should be easier to dominate and take advantage, but we were not playing with our identity,” added Emery.

“I’m disappointed and frustrated, more for how we are not achieving our identity, playing the football we’ve been successful with.”

Looking at positives for Emery, the next two Premier League games offer a decent chance of kick-starting their season.

Villa have back-to-back home games against Fulham on 28 September and Burnley on 5 October.

“We’re not happy,” goalscorer Cash told Sky Sports.

“As a team we’ve got to be better. With the quality we have, we need to be higher up the league.

“Over the last few years we’ve had a lot of highs at the club and at the minute we’re in a bit of a tough period.”

There is no doubt Emery’s spell at Villa has been impressive overall and no-one will be pressing the panic button yet.

However, time and patience remains in short supply in the Premier League.

Emery will know that unless Villa pick up a win soon, the pressure will increase.

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Aston Villa ‘killed’ by financial restrictions, says England defender Ezri Konsa

Villa were sixth in the Premier League last season as they missed out on fifth spot and Champions League qualification by finishing below Newcastle United on goal difference.

According to FootballTransfers.com, Villa had the third lowest outlay in the top-flight this summer as they spent £57.5m and recouped £47m to end with a £10.5m surplus.

“We’re going to have to deal with what we’ve got now,” said Konsa.

“I definitely didn’t watch that [transfer deadline day]. It’s been tough, especially for us.

“I knew that signing players was going to be difficult for us so I did not look at transfer deadline day.

“Around eight o’clock I went on Villa’s social media to see what happened. I saw that we signed three players, who are really good and have Premier League experience.

“I think that’s what we needed as well.”

Villa have gained just one point – which came from a goalless draw against Newcastle – from their first three games of this season.

Konsa is hopeful they can turn their fortunes around after the international break.

“We’ve a great squad, I believe in our squad. I believe in our manager,” he said.

“Hopefully the boys who have come in can really help us and push us on.”

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Controversial Love Island bombshell in talks for Games spin-off just weeks after villa backlash

A CONTROVERSIAL Love Island bombshell is in talks for the Games spin-off series – just weeks after causing chaos in the villa. 

Remell Mullins was dumped from the Love Island villa after furious Alima Gagigo discovered he’d snogged Poppy Harrison during the sleepover. 

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jonathan Hordle/ITV/Shutterstock (15376562b) Remell Mullins 'Love Island: Aftersun' TV Show, Series 12, Episode 3, London, UK - 29 Jun 2025

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Remell is in talks to sign up for Love Island GamesCredit: Shutterstock
ALL IMAGES AND INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL THURSDAY THE 12TH OF JUNE, 10:00 PM...From ITV..Love Island SR12 Ep4 on ITV2 and ITVX..Pictured: ALIMA, REMELL...This photograph is (C) ITV plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms..For further information please contact:.michael.taiwo1@itv.com

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He left Alima furious when she discovered he’d snogged PoppyCredit: ITV
Selfie of a muscular man in pink sweatpants at the gym.

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He also teased his TV future with this post on social mediaCredit: Instagram

But The Sun can reveal fans may soon get to see him back on TV as he’s in the running to appear on Love Island Games when it returns later this year. 

An insider said: “Remell has had talks about heading over to Fiji to film the popular US spin-off. He is well up for it. 

“There are said to be around eight British islanders heading over and the final cast hasn’t been fully confirmed yet but he is a definite contender. 

“He proved very controversial on Love Island UK over the way he treated Alima and Poppy and bosses really want a few bad boys in the mix.”

And Remell has also hinted at something big coming up for him.

He shared a snap taken during a gym session and teased: “Just know I have been preparing for more than the gym.”

After being dumped alongside Megan Forte Clarke when they were voted the least favourite boy and girl by the public, Remell assured fans he wouldn’t be gone for long.

He wrote on Instagram: “And just like that… I’m officially out of the love island villa. What a mad, unforgettable ride.

“First off, thank you to every single one of you who’s supported me—whether you were backing me to find love, keeping up with the show, or just curious from what you’ve seen online—I’m genuinely grateful.

“My journey might’ve been shorter than expected, but I walked in as me and walked out as me. No regrets,” he continued.

Dumped Love Island star Remell confirms he’s dating villa girl he wasn’t coupled up with as they ‘soft launch’ romance

“I got to meet some incredible people, make real bonds and live out something most only dream about.

“Seeing my name in headlines has been surreal to say the least—but trust, this is just the beginning.”

“I’m walking out with my head high and my heart full. Can’t wait to show you lot what’s next.”

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Aston Villa 0 Crystal Palace 3: Marc Guehi nets STUNNER on what could be last game for Eagles as Liverpool eye transfer

MARC Guehi struck a blow for the good guys as he left Eagles’ boss Oliver Glasner with something to remember him by.

The Palace captain may be moving to pastures new inside the next 24 hours if his proposed move to Liverpool gets the green light.

Marc Guehi scoring a goal during a soccer match.

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Marc Guehi scored a superb goal on what could be his final Crystal Palace appearanceCredit: Reuters
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace celebrating a goal.

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The captain could still leave before the transfer window closesCredit: Getty

But his farewell present was a curling shot that underlined the star quality the Reds are paying for as Unai Emery’s chaotic summer imploded at Villa Park.

Guehi struck Palace’s second goal, building on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-half penalty on a night to forget for Villa’s boss.

And Ismaila Sarr rubbed salt into very open wounds by adding a third 12 minutes from time, nodding home after the hosts’ defence had followed the example of keeper Emi Martinez – and gone AWOL.

The Argentinian was left out because his mind was “elsewhere”.

The two-time winner of the world’s best keeper award was nowhere to be seen – apparently his mind was unable to cope with the prospect of a potential move away from Villa Park with Manchester United mulling over an offer.

He was declared unfit to play. And that went too for Emery’s side who spent a large chunk of this going around in circles.

Not so Guehi who may have a money-spinning switch to the champs in the offing.

His name was sung loud and proud by the visiting supporters who were appreciative of his professionalism.

And he had the benefit of celebrating in front of them as Villa’s proud unbeaten record was shattered.

Before tonight, Emery’s side were unbeaten on their own patch in the Premier League over the past 12 months.

How Newcastle’s Woltemade deal impacts Chelsea, Liverpool & Wolves | Transfers Exposed

But Palace are Villa’s bogey side – and they had a field day.

Glasner’s men have held the upper hand against Villa recently, winning four and drawing one of their last five encounters, including in the FA Cup semi-final four months ago.

As if to hammer home the point, the visiting contingent reminded the hosts of that 3-0 defeat, taunting them with “Did you cry at Wembley?” within seconds of the game getting underway.

By that stage, Villa’s stadium announcer had put a red line through his usual pre-match script which involved introducing the “world’s best” keeper Martinez to the home crowd.

Emery also mumbled his way through a pre-match television interview in which, when quizzed about the Argentinian’s absence, merely repeated the name of the Argentinian’s replacement, saying: “Marco Bizot, Marco Bizot.”

It was a bizarre reply to a fair question. Villa’s boss confirmed last Friday that he “didn’t expect” any of his main stars to leave the club.

It was almost as if any late interest had completely thrown the Spaniard – knocked him out of his stride. Palace then did the same to his team out on the green stuff.

Despite the excitement of a trip to Norway to face Fredrikstad in the Conference League on Thursday evening, Palace came with a game plan that stifled Villa at every turn.

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace match stats infographic.

The Eagles looked polished and took a 21st-minute lead when Mateta pulled away from Villa’s two centre-backs to receive a ball from Tyrick Mitchell on the left flank.

The Frenchman spotted Daichi Kamada making a run and threaded a pass into him.

The Japan international pushed the ball past Bizot whose outstretched leg clipped him. Stuart Attwell pointed to the spot.

The Dutch keeper couldn’t stop himself moving as Mateta dithered during his run-up and the Frenchman rolled the ball into the net.

Emery chose to blood Evann Guessand, a £26million signing from Nice, from the start. He showed some nice touches but it was the evergreen Ollie Watkins who posed the greatest threat.

The England international made something out of nothing when John McGinn simply booted the ball down the middle of the pitch, Dean Henderson standing up well to the striker’s shot.

Emery chose to shake it up at the interval. By that stage, Villa were yet to find the net and it was to another Argentinian – a forgotten one – that he turned.

Emi Buendia sparked a response – but it was all huff, puff and no end product.

Guehi then showed them how to do it as Villa failed to clear a Mitchell cross.

Palace moved forward on the left and Guehi took aim with a stunning effort that left Bizot grasping at thin air.

Sarr then sealed the points with a close-range header following a long throw allowing the visiting skipper to leave on a high.

Aston Villa's goalkeeper dives to try and stop a Crystal Palace player from scoring.

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Marco Bizot fouled Daichi Kamada to concede a penaltyCredit: Reuters
Aston Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot misses a save during a Premier League match.

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Jean-Philippe Mateta rolled in the spot kickCredit: Getty
Jean-Philippe Mateta kicking the corner flag after scoring a goal.

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He produced his trademark celebration to kick the corner flagCredit: PA
Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace scoring a goal.

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Ismaila Sarr headed in the third at the back postCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Injured soccer player receiving medical attention on the field.

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Adam Wharton limped off injuredCredit: Reuters
Crystal Palace and Aston Villa managers gesturing on the touchline.

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It was a contrasting night for the two managersCredit: PA

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Conference League draw LIVE: Crystal Palace await opponents after Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest learn Europa fate

Eden Hazard’s humility

It’s nice to see Eden Hazard is humble in retirement!

The Belgian was just asked about Estevao Willian wanting to emulate him at Chelsea.

Hazard responded, channelling his inner Zlatan: “They wanna be like me, but they won’t be like me.”

MONACO, MONACO - AUGUST 29: Eden Hazard poses with the UEFA Conference League trophy during the 2025/26 European Club Football Season Kick-off¿ at Le Méridien Beach Plaza on August 29, 2025 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Claudio Lavenia - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

A new special guest

Jurgen Klinsmann has departed stage left, and been replaced by Eden Hazard!

The Belgian will presumably take over the extremely important button pushing duties.

Conference League pots

While a bizarre VT plays recounting last year’s Conference League campaign, here is a reminder of the pots.

Conference League draw

Blimey, we’re onto the Conference League already!

It’s all eyes on where Crystal Palace will land.

Nottingham Forest’s draw in full

Here’s a recap of Nottingham Forest’s draw in full.

Nuno’s men will take on; Porto (h), Real Betis (a), Ferencvaros (h), Braga (a), Midtjylland (h), Sturm Graz (a), Malmo (h) and Utrecht (a).

Meanwhile, in Monaco, we’re being treated to a cover of Believer. Lovely.

Pot 4 fixtures in full

I still can’t believe how faff free this has been! Other than the magician of course.

Here are the Pot 4 fixtures in full.

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Jacob Ramsey: Newcastle United sign Aston Villa midfielder for £40m

Jacob Ramsey is a player Newcastle United’s coaching team “loved” from afar.

Ramsey is athletic, versatile and hungry to get better – and it is not hard to envisage the 24-year-old developing further under Eddie Howe.

This will have been an emotional move for Ramsey, a boyhood Aston Villa fan who had been on the club’s books since the age of six.

But it felt instructive that the midfielder referenced the pull of working with Howe after completing his move to St James’ Park.

Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have all become full England internationals after an extended period working with Howe and his staff.

Do not rule out Ramsey following in the quartet’s footsteps.

Newcastle may be well-stocked in the middle of the park and out on the left, but it is not hard to envisage Ramsey playing his part given the depth the club will need to fight on four fronts this season.

It was a frustrating start to the window for Newcastle, but Howe has now brought in Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw and Aaron Ramsdale to increase competition in some key areas.

The one position that still needs to be addressed, though, is up front.

Newcastle already needed a goalscorer following Callum Wilson’s departure last month and it fell to Anthony Gordon to lead the line in Alexander Isak’s continued absence on the opening day.

Brentford star Yoane Wissa remains one to watch.

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Jacob Ramsey: Newcastle agree £40m deal to sign Aston Villa midfielder

Nick Mashiter, BBC Sport

It is a deal Aston Villa and Unai Emery would have preferred not to have done in an ideal world.

However, this is not that world but one in which teams must abide by profit and sustainability rules, and finances are tight at Villa Park.

A youth product like Ramsey would always be the asset to sell to generate pure profit and £40m will undoubtedly help Villa comply with the rules.

It was the same last year when they had to sell Douglas Luiz despite qualifying for the Champions League.

It would be churlish to call Villa purely a selling club now but they are not immune to financial pressures, as has been obvious over the past 18 months, and the failure to reach the Champions League this season will naturally have an effect.

Emery was a fan of Ramsey – he would have like to have kept him – but the manager is living in reality. He knows the landscape Villa must navigate, even if it may seem rocky.

Striker Evann Guessand has joined from Nice and there are likely to be more arrivals, perhaps even the return of Marco Asensio after his successful loan last season, but Villa must continue to outthink the bigger spenders.

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Jacob Ramsey transfer: Newcastle in advanced talks with Aston Villa over midfielder

Newcastle are in advanced negotiations with Aston Villa over a move for midfielder Jacob Ramsey, who will hold key talks with the Midlands club in the next 24 hours.

The two clubs are in negotiations over a deal for Ramsey to move to St James’ Park before the transfer deadline, with an agreement described as close.

The 24-year-old will hold talks with Villa before making a decision on his future, with Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe keen to secure his signature.

If the clubs reach an agreement and the ex-England U21s midfielder decides he wants to leave, he will enter into talks with the Magpies over personal terms.

Ramsey has also courted serious interest from West Ham this summer, but if he does leave Villa Park then Newcastle is believed to be his preferred destination.

He has scored 17 goals in 167 appearances for Villa since earning his senior debut in 2019 and was a regular for Unai Emery’s side last season.

Newcastle have made two permanent signings this summer with winger Anthony Elanga arriving from Nottingham Forest and defender Malick Thiaw joining from AC Milan, while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has also linked up with the Magpies on loan from Southampton.

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Love Island star Yasmin suffers heartbreak just days after leaving villa

Love Island star Yasmin found love with now-boyfriend Jamie and they finished third on the ITV2 reality show but she has been dealt with heartbreak just days later

Yasmin Pettet and Jamie Rhodes
Love Island star Yasmin Pettet has been dealt with fresh heartbreak just days after finishing third with Jamie Rhodes (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)

Love Island’s Yasmin Pettet has been dealt with heartbreak just days after leaving the villa. The reality star, 24, made it to the final of the latest series of the ITV2 reality dating show, and finished in third place with now-boyfriend Jamie Rhodes but just days after the programme drew to a close, she has revealed that her cat Miaow Miaow passed away while she was filming.

On Wednesday, she wrote on a black background on her Instagram story: “As I’ve spoken about her on the show I’m sure a lot of you will know I have a cat called miaow miaow who’s been by my side for 11 years now. When I was filming Love Island I had a bad gut feeling something was off and when my mum and sister came into the villa I asked them and still felt like something was off.”

Revealing that her family chose not to tell of her of the tragedy at the time and she was informed by her sister once filming had finished, she added: “Rightfully they didn’t tell me because I was still in the villa but after the final I called my sister and she told me that miaow miaow had cancer and died whilst I was away filming Love Island.” It comes after Love Island fans fume as third place couple announced as Yas and Jamie.

READ MORE: Love Island viewing figures revealed for final as ITV2 show receives ratings boostREAD MORE: Love Island fans spot star’s ‘salty’ reaction to winners Toni and Cach’s big news

Yasmin and Jamie
Despite the heartbreak, Yasmin recently spoke of her positive experience in the villa after finishing third with boyfriend Jamie (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)

The commercial banking executive assured her fans that she was trying to keep up with her social media as much as possible but also explained to her near-350,000 followers that she needs time to deal with the ‘heartbreak’ she has had to endure. She added: “I’m trying to be as active as I can on socials, but am taking time for myself to process this heartbreak., RIP to my beautiful baby girl, you were so loved and will always be in my soul.”

Yasmin’s feline friend had been mentioned several times during her time in the Love Island villa, and her fans flooded social media as they sent her their sympathy. Many had been moved to tears by the news, and one admitted: “Yasmin sharing the news that her cat passed away whilst in the villa is actually the most gut-wrenching thing I could imagine and my heart is breaking for her imagine being so excited to see her miaow miaow and her baby isn’t there anymore.”

Clearly shocked at the news after the cat had been a topic of conversation during the Meet the Family segment on the show, one said: “I’m crying cos she straight away asked her mum and sister how Miaow miaow was when they visited the villa and they had to lieeeeeeeee,” whilst another viewer said: “Nooo Yasmins cat Miaow Miaow died while she was in the villa and she was talking about how excited she was for Jamie to meet her.” Another fan wrote: “Not the icon miaow miaow passing away. It was Yasmin’s cat from love island that died while she was in the villa.”

Despite the sad news, Yasmin’s first post upon exiting the villa spoke of her positive experience on the show, and she thanked some of her co-stars throughout her time in the competition. She wrote: “My love island journey has been crazy to say the least but I really wouldn’t have been able to do it without my Jamie, Toni and Shakira. I feel so grateful and blessed and can’t wait to see what the future holds.” When she and her significant other were announced as the third place couple, were not overly impressed that they had finished behind Harry and Shakira before Cach and Toni claimed the £50,000 prize.

One user said on X/Twitter: “Not my winners third,” while another person: “Harry sneaking to top 2 over yas and jamie someone hand me a gun.” One disappointed fan commented: “I’m lowkey shocked yas and jamie are 3rd.”

“Yas and Jamie 3rd place???? Can the UK do anything right,” one said and one posted: “I wasn’t expecting yas and jamie as 3rd actually.” Meanwhile, Angel and Ty were announced as the fourth place couple. The two are now ‘exclusive’, with Ty said: “It’s definitely going in the right direction,” before adding he was looking forward to the outside world with her.

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