The latest episode of Love Island: All Stars delivered high-stakes drama as Lucinda Strafford made a bold move during a tense recoupling, stealing Ciaran Davies from Samie Elishi and firmly establishing her position in the villa.
Lucinda's Shocking Decision Sparks Villa Tension
As the islanders gathered around the iconic firepit on Sunday night, newcomers Lucinda Strafford, 25, and Curtis Pritchard, 29, were called upon first to make their crucial decisions. In a moment that sent shockwaves through the villa, Lucinda addressed the group with confidence, stating: 'I feel like this guy is my type on paper, I can see myself with this guy on the outside as well. I need to go with my heart and my head.'
After announcing she had chosen Ciaran, 23, as her partner, the reaction from fellow islanders was immediate and palpable. Millie Court, Whitney Adebayo, and particularly Samie Elishi, 25, displayed visible discomfort and sour expressions. Not one to back down, Lucinda firmly told them: 'I've come to bombshell', to which Samie sharply retorted: 'Clearly'. Ciaran himself responded with measured acceptance, telling Lucinda she 'had to do what you had to do'.
Viewer Reactions Flood Social Media
The dramatic recoupling sparked intense debate among viewers watching at home, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts:
- 'Whitney and Leanne's faces when Lucinda picked Ciaran' – one observer noted the immediate visual reaction
- 'You see how Lucinda played it very coy with the girls, never let them know her next move and did what she went on Love Island to do - love or hate her she's great Love Island material' – praising her strategic approach
- 'The show literally started 10 days ago, they're a fling like they're married and closed off. I don't think Lucinda was wrong to pick Ciaran because he didn't shout it down' – defending her decision
- 'Lucinda ate and Jack is standing there like one fool. Don't get what the girls are getting mad for. She told Ciaran he was her type and he said he is open' – questioning the negative reactions
- 'Lucinda laughing at taking someone's couple in front of their face? Yeah I get why they fell out with her' – acknowledging the social dynamics at play
- 'Why is everybody upset? Lucinda clearly wasn't feeling anybody more that Ciaran... did they want her to pick somebody she doesn't like just for Sammy's sake?' – challenging the criticism
Curtis Pritchard's Parallel Journey
Meanwhile, fellow newcomer Curtis Pritchard made his own significant choice, selecting Millie Court as his partner. In his speech, Curtis revealed: 'One girl has made me feel a bit nervous, that's a positive thing. She has an amazing personality, is down to earth, she is something I'm really looking for in a woman and it could become something in the long run.'
Earlier in the episode, Curtis had clearly set his sights on Millie, whisking her away to the Secret Garden in a bid to turn her head. Their interaction included some light-hearted banter about Curtis's acting skills, with Millie quipping 'You needed it' when he mentioned attending drama club after his Hollyoaks stint. Unfazed, Curtis demonstrated his professional dancing skills, attempting to impress Millie with slick moves.
Experienced Islanders Return to the Villa
Both Curtis and Lucinda bring considerable Love Island experience to the All Stars villa, with this series marking their fourth appearances across the franchise. Professional dancer Curtis first entered the villa in 2019 for series five, finishing fourth with Maura Higgins. He returned in 2023 for The Games spin-off and most recently won All Stars in 2025 with Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu.
Lucinda, meanwhile, rejoined her season seven co-star Millie after participating in season five of the Australia edition in 2023 and winning season two of Love Island Games in 2025. Their extensive experience adds an intriguing layer to the villa dynamics, as they navigate relationships with both new and familiar faces.
The recoupling has undoubtedly shifted the social landscape within the villa, setting the stage for further drama and relationship developments as Love Island: All Stars continues to captivate audiences with its blend of romance, rivalry, and reality television spectacle.
