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Brad McClelland has admitted he 'wished he said a bit more' to Lucinda Strafford before he left the Love Island villa.

The labourer, 25, chose to walk away from the villa and let Lucinda have a chance at finding love during Wednesday's episode of the ITV2 show, after they were voted the least compatible couple in a public vote.

Speaking on Sunday's episode of Love Island: Aftersun, Brad said he may have thought more about leaving alone had he had more time while his former partner in the villa Rachel Finni appeared on the show from home as she is self-isolating.

Candid: Brad McClelland has admitted he 'wished he said a bit more' to Lucinda Strafford before he left the Love Island villa

Host Laura Whitmore asked: 'She didn't leave with you when she could have. You were such a gent but wast here a bit of you thinking, 'come with me?''

Brad said: 'I didn't really think too much into it. The next day, I wish I had said a bit more but you just didn't get the time.' 

Brad added that Hugo Hammond and Aaron Francis were also both vying for Lucinda's affections as soon as she entered the villa.

The TV star also took a playful swipe at Aaron after Lucinda swerved away from him when he tried to kiss her in Sunday's main show.

Fling: The labourer, 25, chose to walk away from the villa and let Lucinda have a chance at finding love during Wednesday's episode of the ITV2 show, after they were voted the least compatible couple in a public vote

Brad's former partner in the villa Rachel Finni appeared on the show from home as she is self-isolating

He said: 'Me, Aaron and Hugo were all into Lucinda. To be fair, who isn't? We all had a three horse race and I came out on top and she didn't swerve me, did she?'

Recently dumped islander Rachel also appeared on the show and avoided an awkward run-in with Brad who she was previously coupled up with before he chose Lucinda.

Laura revealed Rachel had been told by the track and trace app to self-isolate since landing back in the UK.

When Rachel entered the villa, she had to choose between Brad and Oliver 'Chuggs' Wallis to couple up with.

Interview:  Brad added that Hugo Hammond and Aaron Francis were also both vying for Lucinda's affections as soon as she entered the villa

However, she revealed both men later admitted to her she wasn't their type.

Rachel said: 'The honest truth is, both guys admitted to me that I wasn't their particular type. There wasn't anything more special with Brad, I picked him because I was more attracted to him. 

'I knew I'd be a placeholder, I was a placeholder for Brad to get Lucinda. I wish I gave myself as much of an opportunity as I gave other people. I would've gone for Aaron.' 

Rachel added that she was surprised to see Aaron was now eager for Lucinda's affections.

Awkward: The TV star also took a playful swipe at Aaron after Lucinda swerved away from him when he tried to kiss her in Sunday's main show 

At home: Host Laura Whitmore revealed Rachel had been told by the track and trace app to self-isolate since landing back in the UK

She said: 'Never in a million years, that was completely shocking to me and I felt so bad for him when she swerved his kiss. Aaron and I had some great chats but it was more of a friendship thing for me.' 

Meanwhile, Laura looked incredible in a black jumpsuit ahead of presenting the spin-off show from London.

 The presenter, 36, wowed in an effortlessly chic ensemble which she paired with black platform heels. 

Gorgeous: Laura looked incredible in a black jumpsuit ahead of presenting the spin-off show Aftersun from London on Sunday

The star oozed confidence as she posed for a slew of snaps on set ahead of Sunday's show. 

Her stunning outfit was embellished with silver buttons on the waistline and she accessorised gold rings.   

She chatted to a slew of famous faces in the Aftersun studio including the gorgeous Mollie King. 

The Saturday's star looked incredible in a lemon shirt dress which she paired with her beige heels. 

 Wow! She chatted to a slew of famous faces in the Aftersun studio including the gorgeous Mollie King

Beautiful: The Saturday's star looked incredible in a lemon shirt dress which she paired with her beige heels

Style: The stunning AJ Odudu also showed off her toned pins in a short off-the-shoulder floral dress

Pose: She accessorised with a bright pink lip and gold hoop earrings, she also embellished with a coin chain and rings

Catch up: The star wowed as she chatted to Laura on the Aftersun couch 

The stunning AJ Odudu also showed off her toned pins in a short off-the-shoulder floral dress. 

She accessorised with a bright pink lip and gold hoop earrings, she also embellished with a coin chain and rings.    

Singer Hrvy also made an appearance, looking casual in a graphic T-shirt and jeans. 

He completed his look with blue trainers with black stars on them and stud silver earrings.

The villa: Laura recently hit back at fan speculation as to why she has not been present in the villa for re-couplings

Cool: The singer looked in his comfort zone as she joined the couch to discuss the villa

Casual: Singer Hrvy also made an appearance looking casual in a graphic T-shirt and jeans

Comfortable: He completed his look with blue trainers with black stars on them and stud silver earrings

Impressionist Luke Kempner wore a stylish olive green shirt floral shirt and black jeans. 

Laura recently hit back at fan speculation as to why she has not been present in the villa for re-couplings. 

She was not present when Brad left the show while she also remained in London for Sharon Gafka's eviction on Sunday.  

Although Laura didn't specify when she would next be in the villa, she pointed out that she has been hosting Aftersun weekly. 

Looking well: Mollie King had a great time as she laughed with the presenter 

Gorgeous: She looked effortlessly chic in her lemon ensemble 

Looking good! Impressionist Luke Kempner wore a stylish olive green shirt floral shirt and black jeans

Stunning: The presenter, 36, wowed in an effortlessly chic ensemble which she paired with black platform heels

Must watch: Last week Laura cheekily responded to a fan: 'Hosting live show from London weekly, think you'd enjoy it if you watched!

A Love Island viewer on Twitter asked: 'When is @thewhitmore going back into the villa? She's literally been in once.'

Laura responded: 'Hosting live show from London weekly, think you'd enjoy it if you watched!

She jokingly added: 'I've got great roaming package for the aul Spanish texts at the mo'.

Laura, who welcomed her daughter with husband Iain Stirling in March, previously said she will 'fly back and forth' between the UK and Spain with the tot.

Wow! The star oozed confidence as she posed for a slew of snaps on set ahead of tonights show

Beautiful: Her stunning outfit was embellished with silver buttons on the waistline and she accessorised gold rings

Criticism: She recently hit back at fan speculation as to why she has not been present in the villa for re-couplings

Staying out of it: The presenter was not present when Brad McClelland left the show to save his partner Lucinda Strafford getting axed during Wednesday's episode (pictured on the launch show) 

Keeping busy: Although Laura didn't specify when she would next be in the villa, she pointed out that she has been hosting spin-off show Aftersun weekly from London

Speaking to Grazia, she said: 'Every time I fly over, she'll go with me because I'm breastfeeding.'

Love Island fans were left baffled when Laura failed to enter the villa yet again during Wednesday night's episode.   

The presenter - who is reportedly being paid £600,000 to host - has not been present for any of the four dumpings that have happened thus far and has only featured for 12 minutes of the programme over the last three weeks.  

Laura was forced to miss part of the first Aftersun show due to quarantining upon her return from Spain where the show is filmed.  

Elusive: Laura - who is reportedly being paid £600,000 to host - has not been present for any of the four dumpings and has only featured for 12 minutes of the programme 

The presenter's absence did not go unnoticed by fans, with one joking that she must have been 'furloughed', while another penned they 'totally forgot' she was the host.

Taking to Twitter, viewers noted: 'Laura Whitmore gets £600k to present love island and I genuinely can't remember the last time I saw her in the villa'; 'We haven't seen Laura Whitmore since the first episode I just realised ??? #LoveIsland';

'I've not seen Laura whitmore enter the villa once this series ?? #LoveIsland'; 'I feel like we haven't had an appearance from Laura Whitmore in a while and I want her back tbh'

'Totally forgot that laura whitmore presents this show where is she lmao??'; 'Is Laura Whitmore on furlough this series orrr? #LoveIsland'; 'me trying to work out where laura whitmore is #loveisland';

'But wait … when was the last time we saw Laura Whitmore? Thinking face #LoveIsland'; 'is laura whitmore in this series? like at all? they just keep sending texts #loveisland'; ' Not Laura Whitmore getting presenter credits while never showing up #LoveIsland [sic]' 

No show: Laura featured on episode one for the initial coupling ceremony but has not returned to the villa since (Brad McClelland and Lucinda Stafford pictured)

Laura took on the role of Love Island host for the first winter series of the show, which began in January 2020, weeks after former host Caroline Flack was charged with assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton at her London home.  

Former MTV host Laura, whose husband Iain narrates Love Island, admitted she was reluctant to take the job, telling Cosmopolitan UK: 'I love doing live TV. 

'I'd worked with most of the crew doing I'm A Celebrity... and MTV, so it just felt very comfortable. The show was the easiest thing.

Where is she? The presenter's absence did not go unnoticed by fans, with one joking that she must have been 'furloughed', while another penned they 'totally forgot' she was the host

'It was everything around it that I couldn't cope with. When I got the call I was like, 'I need to talk to Iain, I need to talk to Caroline..'. It's a weird one because you think you should just jump at it. 

'Obviously you're delighted that ITV trust you to do such a big show, but a friend of yours is also going through hell... Caroline had messaged me first to say, 'I hope you get it', which was really nice.

'You're like, 'Oh yay, I get to do this but, no, this isn't how I want to get to do it. It was a really weird way to get a job.'

In February 2020 Caroline died by suicide and Laura stayed on as permanent host of the ITV2 series. 

Tragic loss: Love Island was hosted by Caroline Flack but she stepped down after being charged with assaulting her boyfriend in January 2020. She took her life the following month

Which Love Island couples are still together? 

Full list of Love Island 2021 Contestants: Series 7 cast members 

Where are the Love Island winners now - and what are they worth?

LOVE ISLAND 2021: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

 Sharon Gaffka

Name: Sharon Gaffka

Age: 25

Location: Oxford

Occupation: Civil Servant - Operations Lead for Department of Transport

Who is their type on paper? 'I tend to date someone who is taller than me, even though my last long-term partner, he was actually someone who was shorter than me. 

'I'm quite an intellectual person so I want someone who can kind of match that.'

 Aaron Francis

Name: Aaron Francis

Age: 24

Location: London

Occupation: Luxury Events Host

Who is their type on paper? 'I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing - from scientist to anything - you can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. I love that. 

'I don't like when people are doing a job just to make money and then they kind of just live for the weekend. Especially because I work on the weekends.'

 Liberty Poole

Name: Liberty Poole

Age: 21

Location: Birmingham

Occupation: Nando's Waitress and Marketing Student

Who is their type on paper? 'So I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky chappy sort of guy. 

'But obviously that's always usually combined with player types, which is where I go wrong. So I am trying to change my ways and go for more of a nicer guy that is going to treat me right.' 

 

 Hugo Hammond

Name: Hugo Hammond

Age: 24

Location: Hampshire

Occupation: PE Teacher

Who is their type on paper? 'I've been single for a while now. With the current climate, it's been really hard to get back into dating. 

'I saw it as an opportunity to have an amazing fun summer and put myself back out there.'

 

Liam Reardon 

Name: Liam Reardon

Age: 21

Location: Wales

Occupation: Bricklayer

Are you competitive? 'I am competitive to a certain extent. I’m not over the top. It’s always nice being a winner. If I’m in competition for a female, I want to try my best, but I won’t go too far out of my way. If she liked you that much she wouldn’t have to make a choice.'

Jake Cornish

 Name: Jake Cornish

Age: 24

Location: Weston-super-Mare

Occupation: Water Engineer

Who is their type on paper? 'Looks wise, always gone for blondes. But for me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be loyal to you...

'I've had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why I don't trust anyone. Someone who is loyal really. But when I'm single, I like having a good time!'

Kaz Kamwi

Name: Kaz Kamwi

Age: 26

Location: Essex

Occupation: Fashion Blogger

Who is their type on paper? 'I like meeting new people, I'm ready to be in a relationship. Why not be in a place where people are looking for the same things as me?' 

Chloe Burrows

Name: Chloe Burrows

Age: 25

Location: Bicester

Occupation: Financial Services Marketing Executive

Who is their type on paper? 'I like a good build. I go to the gym. I want someone who is funny. Really funny and caring and will do nice little things for you. 

'And then obviously someone who you can depend on to not ditch you. Because I am quite a big character and quite loud, they would have to be as loud, if not more. 

'I could never be with someone who is quiet. Someone that gives you a bit back'

Faye Winter

Name: Faye Winter

Age: 26

Location: Devon

Occupation: Letting Manager  

What is her type on paper? 'Someone that will put me in my place. Someone that makes me laugh. But also someone that takes my banter. I’m like a five-year-old in a playground, if I like you, I will make a mockery of you and laugh and joke. That is my really terrible flirting skills. I need someone who can take that.' 

Rachel Finni

Name: Rachel Finni

Age: 29 

Location: London

Occupation: Luxury travel specialist 

Why did you sign up for Love Island? I've scraped the bottom of the dirtiest barrels, that’s how I describe my dating life. So I thought "why not? Let’s apply. If it happens, it happens".'

  

Lucinda Strafford

Name: Lucinda Strafford

Age: 21

Location: Brighton

Occupation: Online fashion boutique owner

Which boy do you have your eye on? I really fancy Brad. And then possibly Liam. But obviously I’m open to getting to know any of the other boys. 

 Name: AJ (Andrea-Jane) Bunker

Age: 28

Location: Hertfordshire

Occupation: Hair extension technician 

Why did you sign up for Love Island? 'I’ve had the worst luck with men. I feel like this is the one thing I haven’t tried. I thought why not? Let’s give it a go.'

Brad McClelland

Name: Brad McClelland

Age: 26

Location: Northumberland

Occupation: Labourer

Who is their type on paper? Sommer Ray from Instagram. Zara McDermott, she's a good-looking lass. Or Megan Fox.

Toby Aromolaran 

Name: Toby Aromolaran

Age: 22

Location: Essex

Occupation: Semi-pro footballer

How would he describe himself? 'Optimistic. I always see the bright side in the worst situations. I'm a fun guy when I go on a night out. Responsible guy as well.'

 

 

  

 

Chuggs Wallis

Name: Chuggs Wallis

Age: 23

Location: Surrey

Occupation: Hat entrepreneur

Why did you sign up for Love Island? 'I just feel like it’s now or never. I’m only 23 but I’m scared of aging. Especially as half of my last year of uni was taken away and we had so many fun plans. With Covid and the pandemic, I feel like I’ve missed a year of my youth, so I’m really gagging to get it all back – make the most of it.'

Millie Court

Name: Millie Court

Age: 24

Location: Essex

Occupation: Fashion buyer’s administrator

Why did you sign up for Love Island? I’ve been single for over a year now. I’m ready to find ‘The One’. I’m a very spontaneous and adventurous person. I’m always up for doing something new and challenging myself. I’ve never done anything like this before. I just want to throw myself into it and have fun with it'

Teddy Soares

Name: Teddy Soares

Age: 26

Location: Manchester

Occupation: Senior financial consultant

What girl do you have your eye on? I want to get to know all of the girls. I’m not afraid to step on toes to get the girl I want.

 

 

 

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