The latest episode of ITV2's Love Island, airing on June 11, 2025, delivered a rollercoaster of emotions and tensions as the villa grappled with the fallout from Sophie Lee's shocking early exit and the arrival of new bombshells. The drama unfolded amid shifting alliances, unexpected confrontations, and a game of dares that stirred the pot even further.
Just a day prior, Sophie was unceremoniously dumped from the villa after Shakira Khan, who had been left single following Ben Holbrough's coupling with newcomer Toni Laites, chose to recouple with Harry Cooksley. This decision left Sophie vulnerable and ultimately led to her departure, shaking up the dynamics among the islanders.
In the aftermath, tensions ran high between Ben and Toni, whose relationship had sparked controversy from the start. Toni had entered the villa on June 9 and swiftly 'stole' Ben from Shakira, leaving the latter single and at risk. The situation escalated during a casual group chat when Toni teased the boys, saying, "Boys, it's your turn, just saying - I don't think you're gonna be safe." Ben, feeling targeted, retorted, "Are you saying me in particular?" Toni quickly clarified, "No, it's about boys, not everything is about you."
Ben's reaction was swift and dramatic; he stormed off, leaving the other islanders stunned. Meg later approached him, puzzled, saying, "That was a bit much... I don't get what she said that was really offensive?" Ben admitted, "She said, 'Not everything is about you...' I just got the ick." This phrase, popular among the younger generation to express sudden aversion, marked a turning point in their budding romance.
Ben confided in Shakira about his feelings toward Toni, who in turn was informed and encouraged to confront him. Toni did not hesitate, pulling Ben aside to ask, "I've heard from people you said I'm giving you the ick?" The conversation did little to mend fences, and the relationship appeared on the rocks before it truly began. Adding to the tension, Toni's attention soon shifted toward Dejon, whom she pulled for a chat the following day, leaving Meg—Dejon's partner—potentially unsettled.
Meanwhile, Ben sought to clear the air with Shakira in the villa's Hideaway, a private retreat for candid conversations. Shakira expressed surprise at his change of heart, saying, "I thought you weren't interested in me so where's this switch up come from?" Ben confessed, "I was a little bit smug... you know I like you." Despite this admission, Shakira remained cautious, acknowledging an attraction but noting, "I feel like you need training." Blu, another islander, later pulled Shakira aside, complimenting her personality and looks, further complicating the romantic web.
Elsewhere, Helena and Harry shared a lighthearted moment in the Hideaway, joking about the area's rules—specifically that at night, one could sleep with someone not in their couple. Harry quipped, "So there might be a bit of corridor creeping tonight." Their flirtation added a playful layer to the villa's charged atmosphere.
The evening brought fresh excitement with the arrival of two new bombshells: semi-pro footballer Shea Mannings and fitness influencer Remell Mullins. The girls met them at the Firepit while the boys observed from the terrace, sizing up their competition. Toni wasted no time probing the newcomers about their plans, with Remell coyly stating, "I'm not gonna say too much about myself because I've got to ease in where I'm at..." Alima, one of the islanders, responded with a teasing, "We'll see!" Harry noticed an immediate spark between Remell and Alima, commenting, "He's on Alima!"
The group then dived into a lively game of 'dares in a box,' which served to heighten tensions and reveal hidden dynamics. Alima kissed Remell after being dared to kiss the islander she would couple up with if given the chance. Conor was tasked with kissing every islander of the opposite sex, impressing the girls with his skills. Ben kissed Shakira when dared, watched closely by Harry. Megan had to fake an orgasm in front of her chosen islander, while Shea seductively sucked the finger of the islander he would use handcuffs with. Harry gave Helena a lap dance, injecting humor and flirtation into the evening. However, the mood shifted when Remell was asked to reveal a secret about himself, a confession that didn't sit well with Alima, hinting at potential future conflicts.
Amidst the villa's romantic entanglements, Ben's behavior drew significant criticism both inside and outside the villa. Earlier in the series, he had made a controversial comment to Toni about having 'humbled' Shakira, suggesting she "needed that." This remark sparked outrage among the hosts of the Love Island podcast, Love Island: The Morning After. Indiyah Polak described it as akin to "horror stories of guys wishing these things on women," while Amy Hart pointed out that Shakira had only tried to make the relationship work. Fans on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) echoed these sentiments, calling for Ben's removal from the show and labeling him a "weirdo" and a "huge red flag."
The tension between Ben and Toni culminated in a frank conversation where Toni confronted Ben about his 'ick' comment. When Ben admitted it, Toni shot back, "You're giving me the ick," signaling a likely end to their short-lived romance. Viewers have taken note, with many describing Ben as sensitive, short-tempered, and unable to take a joke, further fueling debates about his suitability for the villa.
As the episode closed, an unexpected duo slipped away to the Hideaway, setting the stage for more drama in the coming days. With new arrivals, shifting loyalties, and simmering tensions, the Love Island villa remains a hotbed of intrigue and romance.
Love Island continues to air nightly at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX, captivating audiences with its blend of love, rivalry, and unexpected twists.
