As Love Island super fans who have watched all 11 series of the ITV2 show, we have to admit we have a special place in our hearts for Love Island 2022. After all, it introduced us to iconic Islanders like Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, Indiyah Polack and Andrew Le Page.
Another 2022 Islander that made a lasting impression on viewers is Jacques O’Neill, who entered the villa as Gemma Owen’s ex. Jacques sparked a whirlwind romance with Paige Thorne during his time on the show, but things all came crashing down after he shared a kiss with Casa Amor bombshell Cheyenne Kerr.
The former rugby player quit the villa soon after to focus on his mental health and later called Love Island “the worst decision” of his life. But two years on, he’s thriving as a social media influencer and recently went public with his new girlfriend.
Here’s everything you need to know about Jacques…
Who is Jacques O'Neill?
Jacques O'Neill is best known for appearing on Love Island 2022. He entered the villa as a bombshell on day seven.
How old is Jacques O'Neill?
Jacques is 25 years old. He was born 8 May 1999, which only feels like yesterday to us, so perhaps this explains why he's having trouble wiping (if you know, you know).
Where is Jacques O'Neill from?
Lots of Islanders seemed to struggle with this one upon Jacques' arrival, so allow us to clarify; Jacques is from Cumbria, so grew up close to the Peak District. He now lives in Leeds.
What is Jacques O'Neill's job?
Jacques was an English professional rugby league player who most recently played as a hooker or loose forward for the Castleford Tigers in the Betfred Super League. He's now an influencer, of course, after sky-rocketing to fame post-villa.
Who is Jacques O'Neill's girlfriend?
Jacques is dating model and influencer Ellie O'Donnell.
"Jacques and Ellie are really good match and love spending time together. They recently went on a romantic trip together, which made them even more smitten than before and they are now thinking about moving in together," a source told The Sun.
"Jacques gets on really well with her sister Daisey as well and they often all hang out together."
When did Jacques O'Neill date Gemma Owen?
Jacques entered the villa with BAGGAGE; a small carry on we've come to know as Gemma Owen, daughter of England football legend, Michael Owen.
Yep, unsurprisingly, these painfully attractive human beings managed to find each other and make it work over lockdown – well, until it didn't. The pair dated for eight months in 2020 and, according to Gemma, broke up at the beginning of 2021.
So, plenty of Zoom dates and romantic, socially distant strolls to nowhere then? Jokes aside, this does mean that the reacquainted pair were brought back together in one of the least socially-distant environments on the planet - Love Island.
Was Jacques O'Neill misrepresented on Love Island?
During an exclusive chat with Charlie Radnedge, he said that Jacques didn't have the best edit on the show.
"I haven't had the chance to fully watch everything back but just based off of what people are saying, I feel like Jacques has been given a bad rep but he's actually a lovely guy.
"I think he means really well and sometimes he just gets carried away because he's a bit loud," Charlie told us on Closer's Love Island Secrets.
What happened with Jacques O'Neill and Anna-May Robey?
When winter Love Island 2023 star Anna-May Robey was brutally turfed out of the villa, Jacques shared a cheeky message on Instagram suggesting that he'd be waiting in the wings.
Shortly after the dumping was aired, Love Island posted a video montage of the pair's heart-wrenching goodbye, captioning the post, "A teary farewell 😢 #LoveIsland."
Jacques was quick to comment on the post, writing, "I’ll make sure @annamayrobey is okay." In our minds, that counts as sliding into her DMs – and then some.
Naturally, Jacques and his comment attracted a lot of attention. One fan commented, "Still lolling at this comment. You’re a legend Jacques. @annamayrobey you’re a beauty 😍. You two would actually be insanely good looking together. I 100% approve ❤️❤️❤️🙌🙌🙌."
Another wrote, "We really do need this 🙌."
While another commented, "You guys would be a great match!! @annamayrobey is a BABE 🔥🙌❤️👏😍."
According to one rogue comment, Anna-May has already said that Jacques is fit, although this is an Instagram comment, so take that source with a pinch of salt.
Does Jacques O'Neill have Instagram?
Yes, yes he does; Jacques and his abundance of shirtless selfies have a home called Instagram. Follow him at @jacques9oneill_.