Love Island fans in tears as Jacques O'Neill shares emotional goodbye with Luca Bish

Love Island's Jacques O'Neill and Luca Bish

(Image credit: ITV)

published 12 July 2022

Tonight's installment of Love Island 2022 was an emotional one all round, with one of the season's biggest characters leaving the show. Viewers were shocked as Jacques O'Neill announced to his fellow Islanders that he needed to head home to focus on himself and get his mental wellbeing back to a better place.

Those at home (that could be you—here's how to watch Love Island) first saw him tearfully break the news to love interest Paige Thorne, with whom he is currently coupled up with, who also started to cry. He insisted that he wanted her to stay and enjoy the rest of her time on the show, and promised that he would be waiting in the outside world for her.

Jacques then proceeded to announce the news to the whole Love Island line-up by the firepit. However, fans really started to blubber when the 23-year-old pro rugby player said his goodbyes to Luca Bish, with whom he had developed a close friendship in the villa—despite the fact that the fishmonger, 23, is romantically coupled up with his ex-girlfriend Gemma Owen. As their one-to-one chat progressed, they both started to bawl.

The moving moment drew many fans watching to start tearing up as well. Posting on Twitter, one person wrote: "I’m sorry but that hit me right in the heartstrings." Another shared: "Jacques crying literally broke my heart." A third admitted: "Listen I actually shed tears." And a fourth added: "Jacque’s and Luca’s friendship, I’m gonna CRY."

I’m sorry but that hit me right in the heart strings🥺💔 #LoveIslandJuly 12, 2022

Jacques crying literally broke my heart bro wtf #LoveIslandJuly 12, 2022

Listen I actually shed tears 😹 #LoveIsland https://t.co/pDsIRmPab3July 12, 2022

Luca and Jacques man #LoveIslandJuly 12, 2022

Jacques and Luca sharing their brothers moment 🥺🥺🥺 #LoveIsland #BromanceJuly 12, 2022

That scene of Luca And jacques crying together💔 #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/oVOnYXZ3CuJuly 12, 2022

Love Island's Jacques O'Neill and Paige Thorne

Earlier today, ITV released a statement about the latest surprise twist in Love Island UK season 8. They wrote: "Jacques has made the decision to leave the Villa. He will explain his reasons to the Islanders during tonight’s episode. We fully support his decision and look forward to seeing what’s next for Jacques."

The final days in the villa were tumultuous ones for the Islander. He had worked to win back Paige after having his head turned in Casa Amor. Then, the arrival of Adam Collard—who took a shine to the 24-year-old paramedic—caused a heavy dose of tension.

As the latest bombshell, the hunky Geordie was seen in this evening's episode continuing to get to know his preferred female Islanders—which as well as Paige includes Danica Taylor. Which he'll pick, you'll have to tune in tomorrow to see...

Lauren is a freelance writer and editor with more than six years of digital and magazine experience. Most recently, she has been the Acting Commissioning Editor of Women's Health—where she co-produced the Going For Goal podcast—and has previously also written news and features for titles including The Telegraph, Grazia, Stylist, Dazed, The Sun's Fabulous, Yahoo Style UK and Get The Gloss. She covers all aspects of lifestyle, specializing in health, beauty, and travel. Can't live without: oat milk lattes, new podcast episodes, long walks, and great skincare.