Former Love Island contestant Eyal Booker has praised Longford lady, Maura Higgins, for how she carries herself in the villa.
Last night’s dramatic episode saw Maura leap to Anna’s defence, telling her all about love-rat Jordan, even if it meant jeopardising her relationship with Curtis.
Twenty-three-year-old Eyal who appeared on the show last summer, admits he’s “a big fan of Maura” and wants to see her do well.
“I think she’s gone in there from the start and really won the nation over,” he told VIP Magazine.
“I think she empowers women everywhere. She’s a strong, bold, independent woman who I think portrays a very current, 21st-century female, who uses their voice more than ever.”
Despite having her eye on Curtis before even entering the villa, Maura waited until he ended things with Amy to tell the dancer how she felt about him. Now, they’re one of the strongest couples in there.
As someone who’s been in the villa and knows a thing or two about romances and showmances, Eyal reckons Maura and Curtis are the real deal, and is interested to see how they’ll progress.
“I believe they’re genuine,” he told us.
“I think Maura has always secretly fancied Curtis and Curtis was happy with Amy and was a nice guy and didn’t want to upset her, but really he could have been happier and I think he’s happier with Maura.”
Speaking of the bonds that form in the villa, Eyal notes that even though it can be very tough, couples can last in the outside world, if contestants put enough effort into their relationships.
“I think it’s all real. I don’t believe anyone is playing a game. It’s a love gameshow,” he began.
“I think the real test is when they come out into the outside world and people are pulling you in different directions and there’s a lot more temptation.
“At the moment, they’re only tempted by what they have inside those four walls.
“Love can definitely last though, just look at Alex and Olivia Bowen who were in season two.
“I’m good friends with them and I was at their wedding. They’re married and more in love than ever, and it’s so amazing to see.
“Then you’ve got people like Dom and Jess who are engaged and having a baby. There are definitely love stories from it.”
Eyal is currently over in Dublin with essence for the launch of new lip collection, #EssenceLipSaviours, which boasts a whopping 52 products.
The range, which contains 18 lipsticks, 14 lip glosses, 13 lipliners and 7 liquid lipsticks, is available from Penneys and pharmacies nationwide, with prices under €4.