One pair from this year's Love Island contestants have been handed a near devastating blow just hours before the live final as they find themselves on the brink.
The finale of ITV's 13th season of the dating show is set to take place tonight (July 27), wrapping up eight weeks of dramatic turns and romantic entanglements to crown one couple as the champions. Not only will they secure the sought-after title, but they'll also split a whopping cash prize of £50,000 between them. However, the series unveiled a final, ruthless twist in the latest episode.
Twist shakes up odds
As Mica and Samraj were given the boot following a vote by their former castmates, they received a text message. It told them that before they bid farewell to the villa for good, they would need to select one couple to join them in leaving, as only three duos could progress to the final. Their choice is due to be disclosed in the initial moments of Monday evening's final.
According to BOYLE Sports, Lorenzo Alessi and Julia Majchrzak are still the clear favourites to win at 1/3, having gained significant momentum in the latter stages of the series. Kavan Murphy and Jasmine Muller are their nearest rivals, but stand at just 7/2 despite Jasmine's strong standing in the individual market throughout the season.
Meanwhile, Simba Kudyiwa and Angelista Gunda have seen their odds slashed dramatically to 11/2 - down from 14/1 just last week - as they appear to sense a boost in their prospects following the twist.
Tommy Stagg and Yasmin Hadlow have suffered a massive setback at 14/1. Disclosures about Tommy's previous romance before applying to feature on Love Island have apparently crushed his hopes.
Bookmaker comments on final twist
Lawrence Lyons, spokesman for BOYLE Sports, said: "Lorenzo and Julia are still firmly in the driving seat, but the final has one major complication before the public gets to decide. Mica and Samraj now have the power to choose one couple to dump, so the odds could look very different by the time voting opens."
He outlined this poses a particular threat to one pairing: "Tommy and Yasmin are the clear outsiders at 14/1, and the recent chatter around Tommy's former relationship has certainly kept the spotlight on them. Whether that turns viewers away or creates a last-minute rallying cry remains to be seen, but their fate may ultimately rest with Mica and Samraj before the public gets a say."
"If Mica and Samraj take out one of the frontrunners, Simba and Angelista look best placed to capitalise after their late move in the betting. Lorenzo and Julia remain the pair to catch but on Love Island, one final villa decision can change everything."
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
