Love Island UK has come to the end of its eighth season, and it was definitely up there among some of the best entries in the series. While the drama wasn’t quite as intense as in other years, there were a fair few arguments to get stuck into that changed the dynamic of the relationships as the season evolved.
Fans love the drama — it’s why they turn to the reality show again and again — but some of the conflicts that arose this year were also controversial, with claims of bullying plaguing the series. The fights, their resolutions, and the reasons behind them will all be detailed, alongside why they were defining moments for the islanders involved.
Davide vs. Ekin-Su
Davide and Ekin-Su seemed always destined to be together. Their love story absolutely rocked the villa, with audiences gravitating toward their love-hate relationship. They would go on to win the show and are continuing to nurture their growing love, but it was all built on the back of one infamous argument.
While they might continue to bicker in the weeks since, the conflict that kicked it all off saw Ekin-Su sneaking behind Davide’s back and turning her head for Jay. The connection wasn’t to last, but the row that ensued continues to be quoted ever since, with Davide claiming that she was a liar and an actress. It pretty much set the tone of their partnership moving forward.
Dami vs. Luca
Dami and Luca have remained firm friends despite the ups and downs of the show. But they did come to blows during their outing at Casa Amor, where the stick-or-twist choice was looming. Dami was moving mad, deciding to couple up with Summer rather than sticking with Indiyah, while Luca remained loyal to Gemma.
Dami’s behavior didn’t impress Luca much, who called him out on it. However, in return, Dami pointed out that Luca had been egging all the boys on while keeping his hands relatively clean. It was an argument that would go on to haunt the duo, who continued to disagree on how to proceed in the villa, but their friendship would be mended.
Nathalia vs. Ekin-Su
Nathalia came into the villa as a late bombshell. She had her eyes on Davide immediately and felt as if she was a worthy rival for Ekin-Su. The latter wasn’t going to allow her couple to be broken up without a fight and so the war was on. Plenty of conflicts ensued that saw egos clash with surprising fury.
It would all be settled by one final decision. In a slightly cringey Love Island scene, Nathalia and Ekin-Su competed in a pancake-off, the winner of which would be decided by Davide. It was put to an end with Davide choosing Ekin-Su’s pancakes over her rival’s, despite the fact that he would later admit that Nathalia’s cooking was better.
Danica vs. Billy
Danica had some terrible luck in the villa, continuing to get rejected or choosing the wrong people. It seemed like things were going quite smoothly with Billy, who had made his way to Love Island after being introduced in Casa Amor. But they clearly had different ideas on what they would discuss with the rest of their friends.
After exploring the physical side of their relationship, Billy decided to report back to the other couples. Outraged that he was so open about it without talking to her, Danica let her point be known in a brilliant boss moment. It would end the relationship for the pair, but Danica would later find happiness while Billy would be dumped from the villa soon after.
Luca vs. Gemma
Luca and Gemma adored each other in the villa and were surefire finalists since they first came together. The runner-ups definitely came into some problems though, with Luca’s jealousy often getting the better of him, despite the fact that Gemma was remaining as loyal as he was.
When cinema night arrived, there was always going to be something that was taken out of context. After watching the footage Luca was incredibly unhappy with how Gemma behaved, with a massive fight breaking out. It didn’t last long and things largely got resolved. While audiences might have very specific views on how it all played out, ultimately the duo continued to thrive together.
Jacques vs. Paige
Jacques chose to leave the Love Island villa after struggling with his mental health, and thus made the correct choice for his well-being. While he was in the villa he did clash with Paige a few times, but one particular event stood out, that was based on the catalyst of the unusual situation that had arisen.
Jacques and Gemma were actually exes, which made things a little complicated. With Jacques reacting stronger to Gemma’s performance than Paige’s in the heartbeat challenge, the two came to blows over what that could really mean. It led to Jacques essentially admitting that he was still thinking about Gemma, but the two persevered on until Jacques would leave, and Paige would couple up with fellow finalist Adam.
Andrew vs. Tasha
Andrew and Tasha would go on to be finalists in their own right. They had some turbulent times in the villa, and it would all come to a head in Casa Amor. Tasha continued to entertain other options throughout the early days of Love Island and Andrew was constantly warned about potentially getting betrayed.
Once Casa Amor took place, all the newcomers told Andrew that he was being mugged off. Distraught with the situation he moved on with Coco instead, returning to the villa to see that Tasha had also decided to couple up with someone else. The fight that ensued was huge, with Andrew suggesting she lies more than Pinocchio. They eventually made up and are now boyfriend and girlfriend, putting the past behind them.
Indiyah vs. Dami
Indiyah and Dami were also subjected to the troubles of Casa Amor. They were moving pretty firmly together before leaving for a different villa, but nothing was ever set in stone. Both Indiyah and Dami decided to try out new connections, but the latter tested himself quite a bit more.
Disrespecting Indiyah in the process, the fights that came about because of the initial twist, and the heartbreaking behavior in the villa, continue to haunt their relationship. They might now be exclusive, but even Indiyah and Dami’s families were unimpressed by his actions in Casa Amor.
Summer vs. Coco
Neither Summer nor Coco had been a part of any of the standout couples on Love Island, largely acting as Casa Amor bombshells that didn’t last too long in the villa after initially coupling up with mainstay islanders. However, their biggest argument would come with each other.
The two clashed on the reunion show over Coco’s comments about Summer’s newest relationship. Claiming that she fancied her latest lover, Josh, who was also in the show, Summer would take issue with a few of Coco’s claims. They eventually had to be separated during the filming of the reunion.
Luca And Dami vs. Andrew And Tasha
Luca and Dami continued to warn Andrew of what they thought was questionable behavior from Tasha, even after Casa Amor. It was a constant reminder that the pair perhaps shouldn’t work out, and Andrew had eventually had enough. Audiences felt as if it got to the point where the duo were bullying Tasha.
They would make up, suggesting they were still friends but they were just looking out for Andrew. It was a complex argument and one that had to be dealt with carefully, with many assuming that the producers eventually stepped in. Tasha seemed a lot more herself after the conflict was finished.
