Sunday 12 June 2022 11:58 PM Love Island's Liam Llewellyn gives first interview since shock exi trends now
Love Island's Liam Llewellyn spoke candidly about his decision to leave the show during an emotional interview on Sunday's AfterSun.
On Friday the Welsh student, 21, gathered everyone around the firepit ahead of the first recoupling, where he admitted he was not giving 100% of himself and was having a 'hard time' with his struggle to find a romantic connection.
The reality star also revealed how he always knew Gemma Owen, 19, who the public chose to couple up with him, was not feeling a romantic connection with him.
Exit: Love Island's Liam Llewellyn spoke candidly about his decision to leave the show during an emotional interview on Sunday's AfterSun
Speaking from Newport, he said: 'I was buzzing when I coupled up with Gemma. I got the feeling her head was elsewhere. I can't believe who her dad was. I can't believe I didn't work it out
'It's crazy. I didn't expect the support. It's a big eye-opener for me how many people were on my side and had my back.
'I was looking at Gemma when I walked in and hoping it was her I would couple up with.'
Discussing the arrival of Italian bombshell Davide Sanclimenti, who recoupled with Gemma before recoupling once more with Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Liam said: 'The minute he walked in I had a gut feeling he would go for Gemma.'
Not to be: The reality star also revealed how he always knew Gemma Owen, 19, who the public chose to couple up with him, was not feeling a romantic connection with him
Liam's father jetted out to Mallorca to be with his son following his shock departure from the show.
Devoted dad Dai, a professional rugby player, set off to comfort his son - after the family said they couldn't be 'prouder'.
Just days before his departure, the Italian hunk stole Michael Owen's daughter from him, while Liam also found it difficult to woo newcomers Afia Tonkmor and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, who've expressed interest in Ikenna and Davide since their arrival in the villa.
A source told The Sun: 'Liam's confidence was totally knocked when he lost Gemma [Owen] so when he then also didn't manage to catch Ekin-Su [Cülcüloğlu] or Afia's [Tonkmor] eye he started to totally overthink everything he did.
'He just began to worry about everything and then felt guilty that he wasn't enjoying the whole experience like he felt he was meant to, so called it quits.
Fan favourite: Liam became a fan favourite during his very short time on the reality show
He said: 'It's crazy. I didn't expect the support. It's a big eye-opener for me how many people were on my side and had my back'
'We couldn't be more proud of him':Liam;ss father jetted out to Mallorca after his son's shock exit from the show (pictured in April)
Shock: Liam shocked his fellow Islanders when he announced he was leaving
They added: 'At this point Liam feels really upset. His dad David flew straight out to Majorca to be with him.'
Liam previously admitted his greatest fear on the show was being rejected.
He said: 'Something I am most nervous about is probably the feeling of not being wanted , in a recoupling or something, not being picked'.
Early bath: On Friday the Welsh student gathered everyone around the firepit ahead of the first recoupling, where he admitted he was not giving 100% of himself and was having a 'hard time' with his struggle to find a romantic connection
Bye! Liam broke the news to his fellow islanders that he was leaving the villa on Friday, hours after MailOnline revealed that he had quit the show
He continued: 'Everyone wants to be wanted, and wants to be picked, so it's the feeling of not being picked that is a nerve-wracking thought for me'.
'It puts you in a vulnerable position and that's in front of the whole world. I think that's a position I don't think anyone would want to find themselves in.'
Taking to Liam's Instagram the family penned a heartfelt tribute and thanking his fans.
They wrote: 'Thank you so much for all your love and support you have shown Liam during his time in the villa and since making his decision to leave. he has stayed true to himself throughout and we couldn't be more proud of him'.
Pride: Taking to Liam's Instagram the family penned a heartfelt tribute and thanking his fans
Liam broke the news to his fellow islanders that he was leaving the villa on Friday, hours after MailOnline revealed that he had quit the show.
As they sat down, he said: 'So, I've got to speak to you all, obviously we all came here for the same sort of reason but I haven't really been feeling like I've been giving 100% Liam. I know what 100% Liam looks like and I am miles off that.
He continued: 'I literally feel like you're missing out on 90% of what normal Liam offers. I've been thinking long and hard, like this isn't a spur of the moment type thing. Trying to find someone to leave the villa with that you care about, like obviously, that's a goal isn't it?
