Love Island star Blu says he had 'a stronger bond' with the islanders than Shea after they DUMPED him from the villa in brutal recoupling

Daily Mail​

14-06-2025

Love Island's Blu Chegini became the second star to be dumped from the Mallorca villa during Friday night's brutal episode.
After a dramatic recoupling, Blu, 26, and Shea Mannings, 25, were left single and at risk of being sent home.
In a shocking twist, a text announced that they would have to decide between themselves who would leave – a first for the show.
However, after neither budged, the decision was handed to their fellow islanders, and ultimately, Blu was dumped from the villa.
Speaking in his exit interview, the construction project manager from London opened up about how he felt about the decision and his time in the villa.
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He said: 'We asked them for their point of view as we were both really stubborn in that situation. We weren't going to budge, so we had to get them to make the decision.
'I felt like I had a stronger bond with everyone in there, obviously, I'd been there a bit longer.
'I was constantly trying to make a connection and exploring everyone. I was making moves as quickly as I could, as opposed to Shea who was a bit more laid back.
'Everyone had their own thoughts. But listen, someone's got to go at the end of the day.
'The way it went was better than I thought it would have gone; I had some nice things said about me and that meant a lot to me.'
Blu also spoke about his relationship with Alima, 23, who he was initially coupled up with.
He admitted: 'I didn't have that initial spark, she didn't either. We spoke and it was fine. We left it amicable and on a friendly level - there's no hard feelings between us both.'
Asked whether he felt like he was leaving with unfinished business, Blu insisted he gave it his all.
He said: 'I don't think I could have done any more than I did. I wanted to go there and find a spark, and as much as I tried to see if I could get a connection or have that sort of flirty banter, I couldn't really find it'
Blu also shed light on who he thinks is the best couple in the villa, adding: 'Meg and Dejon have formed a connection straight away. Everyone wants to go in there and find that connection straight away.
'They've formed a bond that is nice to see and I think they can go far. It's between them and Tommy and Megan.
'Tommy is really trying with Megan and I think they could do well as well. But you just don't know because a bombshell could come in and choose Megan or Meg and it would stir the pot, so who knows.'
The exit interview comes after Blu and Shea were left raging when the new rule was introduced.
Blu was quick to state, 'I ain't f***ing leaving', with Shea also making it clear he wasn't willing to leave before they forced their co-stars to make the call.
Viewers were also particularly shocked that Shea was even put up for elimination, given new bombshells are usually immune during their first recoupling.
During Thursday's episode, Alima had kicked the recoupling off, giving Remell a shot after their earlier chinwag.
He said: 'We weren't going to budge, so we had to get them to make the decision. I felt like I had a stronger bond with everyone in there'
Toni was next, choosing Conor following a smooch they shared, while Megan stuck with Tommy.
Helena went for Harry amid their love triangle with Shakira, who went for Ben after the pair were originally coupled up.
Meg also stayed put with picking Dejon, leaving Blu and Shea not in a couple.
After just 24 hours in the villa, motivational speaker Sophie, 29, was the first star to be booted off the show.
Her departure came after the arrival of the first bombshell of the season, American beauty Toni Laites, 24, who decided to steal Ben, 23, off Shakira, 22.
This meant that Shakira was left single and had to try and find a connection with someone before the next recoupling ceremony.
She managed to leave a lasting impression on Harry, 30, who decided to come forward to recouple with her, leaving his then-partner Sophie single.
However, Shakira and Harry's connection wasn't to last as he dashed off to the Hideaway with Helena hours later while Shakira kissed Blu.
Three new bombshells also rocked the villa on Friday night as they crashed boys' night, with the girls able to watch their antics on TV in a shocking twist.
As day dawned in the villa, Harry got a text, saying: 'Boys, clear your schedules and get ready to leave the villa! #brotime #beersandbants.'
The lads were ecstatic, excited for the boys' night ahead - but the evening was not without fun for the girls either.
Walking into the garden, they were stunned to see a massive screen, allowing them to hear exactly what their partners were saying about them.
For the first time in worldwide Love Island history, the girls watched exactly what the boys get up to as it happens - and the lads had no idea.
As they gradually worked out the nature of the set-up, seeing and hearing the boys talking on the enormous screen, an astonished Meg said: 'F*** off!'
Alima added: 'We'll get to see how they act!'
What's worse is the lads' hangout was soon interrupted by three brand new bombshell girls - Emily, Malisha and Yasmin.
Megan shouted, 'There's three of them!', as Harry, on-screen, asked the newbies: 'Are you coming back with us?'
Malisha replied: 'Of course I am!'
The new ladies wasted no time getting to know the boys, with Yasmin saying: 'Tell us what your situation is in the villa at the moment.'
With the lads blissfully ignorant of the fact they were being watched, they did not hold back with their answers.
Malisha, 24, a teaching assistant from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, has a very clear idea of the kind of guy she is looking for: 'A tall, dark, handsome man.
'He has to be very tall. I'm 5ft7/5ft8. I want to be able to wear heels and feel feminine. He has to be funny, but not too funny; I have to be the funniest.
'I want someone that's caring and a bit loving, but then I like someone that can give me a bit of rude banter. I like to be a bit cheeky.
'I like nice teeth. Someone who's calm, but not too nonchalant. Someone that's really loving and is all about me.
'They need to know what they want. I like a determined man who is like, "I want you and I'm coming for you".'
The bombshell is determined to find love in the villa: 'If I want it, I'm going to get it. I always get what I want. I'm an only child, so of course I'm going to get what I want.'
Commercial banking executive Yasmin, 24, from London, does not have quite so many requirements, sharing: 'I'm looking for a guy who is fit, has a nice body and who is funny with a bit of banter.'
Meanwhile, she is immediately put off by any man who is 'stingy'.
Yasmin has many self-professed strengths to offer: 'Flirting. I'd definitely say it's all in the eyes.'
And, more unusually: 'I can make a really realistic cat sound...'
Emily, 24, an insurance development executive from Aberdare, Wales, has a clear vision for her time on the Island: 'Someone with emotional intelligence for one.
'Someone who is really confident but not cocky. They can hold a room, communicate… oh, and biceps!'
She is ultimately looking for a real sweetheart, adding: 'I want someone who is just really genuine and kind. I know that sounds so naff, but it's hard to find these days.
'I'd also like a man who genuinely cares about my wellbeing and my feelings and wants to look after me.'
Love Island continues Sunday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. First Aftersun episode follows.
Sophie Lee
NAME: Sophie Lee
AGE: 29
FROM: Manchester
OCCUPATION: Motivational Speaker and Author
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes and who is attentive. At the moment I'm only finding ones draped in red flags and 'do not cross' signs
IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of empowerment. I want women to feel beautiful and validated in themselves and feel their best self.
NAME: Dejon Noel Williams
AGE: 26
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy
CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice.
Megan Moore
NAME: Megan Moore
AGE: 25
FROM: Southampton
OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits!
NAME: Tommy Bradley
AGE: 22
FROM: Hertfordshire
OCCUPATION: Landscape Gardener
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A girl who is very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously. I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though.
WHAT WOULD YOU BE CEO OF? Taking hours to do my hair
NAME: Alima Gagio
AGE: 23
FROM: Glasgow
OCCUPATION: Wealth Management Client Services Executive
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A tall man with a handsome face. You know when you just look at a guy and they have that Disney prince look to them? That's it
WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I think she'd hire me because I'm a good flirt. I always ask guys on a night out to guess which country I'm originally from. If they get it right, they can get my number.
But they never guess correctly so it works really well if you don't want to give a guy your number. I'm originally from Guinea Bissau. If they're close and I really fancy them, I'll give them my number anyway.
NAME: Ben Holbrough
AGE: 23
FROM: Gloucester
OCCUPATION: Private Hire Taxi driver
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact - they're all the traits I look for. Oh, and also a cute smile, I just look at you and know I can be around you all day, every day.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt. I'd have been out of business a long time ago. That's exactly why I'm here.
NAME: Helena Ford
AGE: 29
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed.
WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract.
NAME: Megan Forte Clarke
AGE: 24
FROM: Dublin
OCCUPATION: Musical theatre performer and energy broker
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus.
I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really.
CLAIM TO FAME? Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto.
NAME: Blu Chegini
AGE: 26
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way.
WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl. The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting!
NAME: Shakira Khan
AGE: 26
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring.
NAME: Harry Cooksley
AGE: 30
FROM: Guildford
OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl.
CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing.
NAME: Conor Phillips
AGE: 23
FROM: Limerick
OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman.
WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course!
NAME: Toni Laites
AGE: 24
FROM: Connecticut
OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together.
I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners.
NAME: Kyle Ashman
AGE: 23
FROM: Stafford
OCCUPATION: Water operative
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone that's fun, confident and just themselves.
WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I'd say I'd be hired. I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there.
NAME: Shea Mannings
AGE: 25
FROM: Bristol
OCCUPATION: Scaffolder
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? She needs to be bubbly and we need to have that initial spark. She needs to have a nice personality - like I think I have - so that we match together. Also, I have a little boy, so I'll be taking him into consideration with who I couple up with, too.
WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I'm confident to go up and introduce myself and say, 'You look beautiful', to get a conversation flowing.
NAME: Remell Mullins
AGE: 24
FROM: Essex
OCCUPATION: Self Improvement Content Creator
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun girl. One feature that stands out to me is a nice smile, nice teeth and someone that can keep me on my toes.
IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of flirting. Sometimes it's just unintentional.
NAME: Malisha Jordan
AGE: 24
FROM: Broxbourne
OCCUPATION: Teaching Assistant
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A tall, dark, handsome man. He has to be very tall. I'm 5ft7/ 5ft8. I want to be able to wear heels and feel feminine. He has to be funny, but not too funny; I have to be the funniest. I want someone that's caring and a bit loving, but then I like someone that can give me a bit of rude banter. I like to be a bit cheeky.
WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? I have two; bad hygiene and snoring. I'm such an angelic sleeper.
NAME: Yasmin Pettet
AGE: 24
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Commercial Banking Executive
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for a guy who is fit, has a nice body and who is funny with a bit of banter.
WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? A guy that's stingy.
NAME: Emily Moran
AGE: 24
FROM: Aberdare
OCCUPATION: Insurance Development Executive
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone with emotional intelligence for one. Someone who is really confident but not cocky. They can hold a room, communicate… oh, and biceps!
WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST ICK? Bad manners, being rude, not saying please and thank you. I'd rather someone be overly polite than not say it at all.