Love Island's Jess Gale breaks silence on rumours Callum Jones 'is still in love' with ex Molly Smith
The first ever series of Love Island: All Stars might have come to an end (*cries*), but apparently, we don't have to bid adieu to the dating show drama just yet.
Millions of viewers tuned into the eagerly-anticipated grand finale on Monday night (19 February) to see presenter Maya Jama crown this year's 'King and Queen' of the villa.
The five favourite finalist couples flocked around the fire-pit (try saying that after a few drinks!) one last time, where they were joined by 13 of their 'dumped' Love Island co-stars, as well as a live studio audience.
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After host Maya endured some 'painfully awkward' interviews with eliminated contestants, Georgia Harrison and Anton Danyluk were announced as the fifth place duo.
Georgia Steel and Toby Aromolaran then came in fourth, and Sophie and Joshua landed in third.
This meant that battling it out for the top spot were Callum Jones and Jess Gale, and Molly Smith and Tom Clare.
But this was to be a finale like none we've seen before, being that Callum and Molly previously dated for three years, after having fallen in love on the first ever 'winter series' back in 2020.
So, being that the former fan-favourite couple had only called time on their relationship last summer, viewers wondered throughout the duration of the All Star version whether they could one day rekindle their romance.
Their hopes were soon dashed, however, when Molly and Callum appeared to form connections with some of their returning co-stars.
Blonde beauty Molly quickly felt a connection with footballer Tom, who appeared on last year's 'winter' edition.
Manchester lad Callum, meanwhile, enjoyed brief 'flings' on the hit ITV2 dating show with the likes of Georgia S and Arabella Chi before settling down with his former 2020 cast-mate Jess.
So, you can only imagine viewers' shock when the Molly and Callum were forced to go head-to-head in the grand finale.
At the end of the episode, Molly and her sportsman beau Tom were crowned the 'King and Queen' of the villa and handed the £50k cash prize.
And though many couldn't help but comment on the exs' chemistry during Monday night's instalment - even after Molly's win, others couldn't help but feel bad for Callum's partner Jess.
Even during presenter Maya's catch-up with the runner-up couple, all questions seemed to be centred on Callum's experience in the villa with Molly.
And when the winner was announced, many fans claimed that Callum appeared more interested in seeking his ex's attention than consoling Jess.
"The interview being only about molly and Callum was so awks for Jess and Tom," one viewer penned on social media.
"We all know Callum is not into Jess one bit #LoveIsland he just used her to stay in the villa so he doesn’t get dumped," wrote another.
A third hit out: "Wtf they didnt even allow Jess to speak?!!!! Nah that's just rude."
And today (21 February), Jess has broken her silence on the matter, opening up about her experience on the show amid speculation that her love interest Callum was secretly still pining for his ex.
Speaking on The Morning After podcast, she admitted: "Obviously when I first heard I was very shocked by it.
"And I thought was there anything I was overlooking? I didn’t want to be naive.
"I was scared of being perceived as really bad if Callum and Molly were this 'love story' and I was standing in the way."
Jess went on: "So yeah I was a bit nervous about the whole thing. But Callum was very reassuring and he put it to bed quickly.
"So it was smooth running after that."
Topics: Love Island, Sex and Relationships, Celebrity, TV And Film, ITV
Rhianna Benson