Love Island: All Stars is just getting into its stride, and there’s already been enough dramatic moments to fill a season. Including, right from the get-go exes Marcel Somerville, 39, and Gabby Allen, 32, coming face-to-face after he cheated on her in a hotel they were both staying in. However, as Marcel leaves the villa with 29-year-old Olivia Hawkins, his pal JJ Anisiobi shares his thoughts.
How do you think Marcel got on in the villa?
I was worried after the first episode. It felt like, behind closed doors, Gabby was saying everything was cool and giving him a hug, but then she was slagging him off and giving him a hard time in front of the girls. She was also saying to the girls that she thought he looked great. So instantly, I thought they weren’t going to touch him out of loyalty to Gabby.
Do you think Marcel was surprised to see Gabby in the villa?
He would have been surprised. If Love Island had said to him prior that they wanted him to come back onto the series, but Gabby would be in there alongside him, I don’t think he would have gone on. They broke up seven years ago, but they have spoken in the outside world. He’s apologised, and they quashed it and both moved on. So, it felt disingenuous to me that Gabby’s now gone on the show and is making out that he never apologised.
Do you think he would be interested in getting back with her or has that ship sailed?
No, I think that’s done. I don’t think she wants to get back with Marcel and I don’t think he wants to get back with her.
How would his friends and family react if they did eventually get back together?
I think we would all support Marcel with whatever he wants to do. If they did end up back together, this is not the same Marcel that was in Love Island eight years ago. He’s more mature and considerate, he knows what’s right for him and what’s wrong for him. If he did get back with Gabby most friends and family would welcome her back into the fold just like we did back in the day.
Do you like Marcel and Olivia together?
I did not see that one coming! I think they make a good pairing, Olivia is very good looking, Marcel’s good looking. His personality is quite chilled, and I think Olivia will do well going with somebody who is more chilled out compared to somebody who will give her drama. I’ve only seen him with Gabby and with his estranged wife, but he can get nervous around someone he likes. So, if he is getting nervous around Olivia then that shows me that he genuinely has feelings for her. He’s not able to be smooth like he usually is and that’s a good sign. I just hope she doesn’t mess him around.
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Georgina Terry is digital editor of Closer and has worked in entertainment journalism for over a decade. She's watched Love Island right from the start, including the 2015 Jon Clark series that no-one watched, and the celebrity versions in 2005 and 2006.