Sophie Lee was dumped from the Love Island villa last night and former islander Olivia Hawkins has shared her thoughts on the situation following the latest episode
A former Love Island star has shared their thoughts on Sophie Lee becoming the first islander to be dumped on the new series. It’s included describing the situation as “brutal”.
Last night’s episode of the ITV2 show saw Sophie, 29, leave the villa after Harry Cooksley, who she had been coupled up with, recoupled with Shakira Khan. It meant that Sophie was left single and she had to leave the villa in Majorca, with her being dumped just days into the latest series.
Some fans were not impressed with the outcome of this series’ first dumping. Sophie, who has been described as inspirational, had been met with support after opening up about rebuilding her life in the aftermath of receiving burns in an accident involving fire in her early twenties.
Olivia Hawkins, 29, has said that it’s “such a shame” that Sophie didn’t get longer in the villa. The former islander, who appeared on Love Island back in 2023 before returning for All Stars earlier this year, said she’s a “big fan” of her.
Olivia told us: “I’m actually a big fan of Sophie. I’ve followed her for years, and her journey, and I think she’s so inspirational. When I saw she joined the cast, I was really excited, so it’s such a shame.”
She added that it’s “brutal” when someone has to leave so early on. Olivia said: “I love Love Island, I love the team, but it’s so brutal when someone gets dumped after 24 hours, especially when the process takes such a long time, like four or five months, you dedicate your whole world to it.”
Speaking on behalf of Mecca Bingo, Olivia added: “So, it’s such a shame, because I think she would have brought a different dynamic, and I know she would have been a fiery character. I think it’s a bit of a loss for the show, but someone had to go, didn’t they?”
Following her departure, Sophie said: “I just was myself, fully. My silly, wonderful and little bit cautious (but that’s just me) self.” She also said: “I don’t regret anything I’ve done. I did everything that I wanted to do. And summer’s not over!”
Fans shared their disappointed over her being dumped from the villa following the news last night. One wrote on X: “Sad to see her leave.” Another said: “They better bring Sophie back as a Casa bombshell. Justice for Sophie.”
A third said: “I feel bad for Sophie. I was [rooting] for her! She’s been through a lot and I wanted her to find someone.” Sharing their thoughts, someone else reacted to her departure by writing in a tweet: “Sophie leaving is so unfair.”
After landing back in the UK, Sophie expressed her gratitude for the support she’s received. She wrote in a post on Instagram today: “What a whirlwind. Thank you all so much for all the love and support. A short but sweet journey.”
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
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