Love Island stars Elicia and Ethan have spoken out for the first time about the romance rumours that have followed them since the live final of the ITV dating show, confirming they are now exploring a connection away from the villa.
'We're breaking the rules'
The pair, who entered the villa as simultaneous bombshells during series 13, addressed speculation at the National Reality TV Awards. Speaking to London Beautiful Life, as reported by OK!, they confessed they are now breaking the bombshell rule.
When asked whether there was anything about her villa experience she would change, Elicia said: "Probably being able to explore things with Ethan." Ethan explained the rule: "It's known that when you go in together, bombshells can't explore bombshells - it's a universal rule within Love Island." Elicia then joked: "We're breaking them (the rules) now."
Ethan added: "Yeah, we're doing it now. But look, I think I would I would change anything from my journey. I don't think you would either. We went in, we stay true to ourselves. And I've said to everyone, the only way you can go wrong in Love Island is if you fake something or you don't stay true to yourself. If you're just you, you can't go wrong."
A connection that happened after the villa
Rumours first began swirling after the live finale, when presenter Maya Jama caught up with eliminated Islanders. Tommy Murphy confirmed he had locked lips with Irish influencer Charleen Murphy, while on the final Aftersun episode it was disclosed that Elicia and Ethan were pursuing a connection.
While in the villa, Elicia and Ethan had each tried to pursue connections with Finley and Priya respectively. Ethan said: "Everybody knows the rules. Bombshells can't be with bombshells, which is fine. Look, we respected that. At the same time, I went in with the intention to speak to Priya. So, I roll with that. And the same with Elicia, right?"
He continued: "We've come out now. We had a great journey. And I'm happy to be here. Look, she's beautiful. She looks unbelievable. And I'm so happy to be here now. Obviously, we we did a little reveal, a little exclusive at the final."
Supporters were quick to share their backing for the pair. One remarked: "Both look great together, hope it works out for you both." Another responded: "They really compliment each other. Ethan is such a lovely guy. Good for them."
Love Island is streaming on ITVX.
