Love Island star Elicia Bailey has described her shock at being 'job shamed' on national television by fellow contestant Priya Jaswal. Speaking at the National Reality TV Awards, the 23-year-old team organiser for National Rail told the Mirror: “In the moment, it was not something I expected to be fair. It was very reactive.”
Comment sparks classism row
Priya, a 25-year-old business development manager, made the remark after Elicia called her the "biggest game player" on the show. Priya said: "I don't care what Elicia says. I don't care. It's cringy. Go back to National Rail." She added: "Elicia, you work for the National Rail, why are you f***ing sitting on Aftersun?"
The comments led to accusations of classism among viewers, with some accusing Priya of using Elicia's working-class background against her.
Hatchet buried
Despite the row, Elicia said the pair have moved on: “She’d just seen the clip, but there’s no hard feelings and we’ve put everything under the carpet.”
Elicia entered the villa on day 32 and coupled up with Aidan Murphy, 23, who had previously been in a couple with Priya. After Aidan and Priya reaffirmed their connection, Elicia was left vulnerable and was dumped from the island on day 38.
New romance
Since leaving the show, Elicia has appeared to start dating fellow bombshell Ethan Ellis, who also had an interest in Priya. The two kissed while returning to Majorca for the final and attended the National Reality TV Awards together. Ethan, who praised Elicia's look, said: “It’s surreal being back in normal life. We’re normal people, we’re working people, we come from the working class. So it’s a privilege just to be here.”
Public apology
Priya later apologised to Elicia during the live final, saying: "I want to publicly apologise to Elicia because I think that comment about the National Rail, 'Go back to the National Rail', completely out of line, completely a catty comment." She added: "I do want to publicly apologise to Elicia, that was completely out of line, completely out of character and yeah I do regret saying that."
