We had been waiting with bated breath for an Irish face to appear in Love Island.
And he certainly did not disappoint.
Martin Akinola was announced to be joining the series during the Casa Amor section of the show, much like Jack Keating last year.
This can be a very hit-or-miss situation as they have to find a connection with someone in the original lineup to claim a place in the show.
Martin set his sights on Tanya immediately when they met. And his efforts didn’t go to waste as they officially coupled up.
It was a tough moment as Shaq, who Tanya had been coupled up with in the original villa, remained single.
“From the beginning, I was coupled up with Shaq and it was amazing,“ Tanya said after coming back to the villa with Martin.
“But I feel like it would be silly of me to not give it more time with Martin. But it’s definitely not the end.“
Shanya 💔 #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/WBxjDhqEfz
— Love Island (@LoveIsland) February 16, 2023
A clearly devastated Shaq: “Well it is the end for me. So good luck to you, but that situation is done and dusted.“
As for Martin, he said: “The work starts now. I understand they’ve got something, but that’s history. I feel like we have a better connection.
“I’m excited to see where this can go.“
Love Island continues tonight on Virgin Media 2 at 9pm
