Love Island executive producer Mike Spencer has confirmed that Jacques O'Neill's departure from the show was entirely his own decision.
The 23-year-old rugby player decided to leave the villa after his relationship with Paige Thorne hit the rocks due to his flirtation with another girl during his time in Casa Amor.
Jacques became increasingly shut off during his final days on the show and was in tears when he broke the news to Paige that he had reached the conclusion that he needed to leave.
Some fans had suggested online that Jacques was instead asked to leave by producers in scenes that were not broadcast, but showrunner Spencer has now denied that he intervened.
"Jacques is amazing," he told Deadline. "We love Jacques.
"When you date, your emotions are naturally up and down. Finding love is not a simple thing, that's why the show is so relatable.
"Jacques was on his own journey and he had a strong connection with Paige but sometimes you have to think about yourself and that's what Jacques did.
"We respected his decision to head home but I think he's excited to be on Aftersun on Sunday to discuss his journey."
He added: "I think Jacques felt like his time was up and as producers we have to respect his decision. Adam came in and got on with a lot of the girls. Did that impact Jacques' decision to leave? That would be something Jacques would have to explain."
Jacques will appear on spinoff show Love Island: Aftersun on ITV2 from 10pm on Sunday night.
Neil Wilkes
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