Friday night's Love Island episode saw Jake Cornish finally tell Liberty Poole he loved her after she confronted him over his true feelings for her.
In recent days, Liberty has questioned Jake's genuineness over their romance, with her doubts heightened in the latest challenge in which they were voted the couple with the most one-sided relationship.
And after a candid make-or-break conversation, Jake finally said those three little words four weeks after Liberty first uttered them, but viewers at home were not convinced and accused him of saying 'what she wants to hear'.
Declaration: Friday night's Love Island episode saw Jake Cornish finally tell Liberty Poole he loved her after she confronted him over his true feelings for her
Sitting him down on the roof terrace, Liberty was determined to hear Jake's real feelings for her once and for all and questioned him on why he hadn't said 'I love you' despite her saying it a month previously.
She also confronted him on how much he actually liked her and how much was him playing up to the cameras, while she claimed she didn't want to feel like a 'mug' if their relationship was one-sided.
Arguing his point, Jake said that he didn't want to 'throw out' the words 'I love you' and said that making her his girlfriend meant more than him saying it.
Not convinced: After a candid make-or-break conversation, Jake finally said those three little words four weeks after Liberty first uttered them, but viewers at home were not convinced and accused him of saying 'what she wants to hear'
He also said that he didn't want to make the grand declaration after his return from Casa Amor as it didn't 'feel right'.
On whether their relationship was genuine, he told her that he'd never said anything that implied she had doubts, while he asked her to directly tell him if she didn't feel OK and for him not to have to hear it from other people.
And after Liberty said how she felt about him, he finally told her the words that she longed to hear.
He said: 'I don’t feel like I’m going to get hurt from you but I haven’t told you how I feel... we are well suited and made for each other…you are a part of me, I feel like I’ve found what Iv’e been looking for because I love you.
Tough: In recent days, Liberty has questioned Jake's genuineness over their romance, with her doubts heightened in the latest challenge in which they were voted the couple with the most one-sided relationship
Showdown: Sitting him down on the roof terrace, Liberty was determined to hear Jake's real feelings for her once and for all and questioned him on why he hadn't said 'I love you' despite her saying it a month previously
Tense: She also confronted him on how much he actually liked her and how much was him playing up to the cameras, while she claimed she didn't want to feel like a 'mug' if their relationship was one-sided
'I love you for you, it’s scary to say but I love you.. Liberty Amor Poole I love you, you make me so happy.'
At this the couple leaned in for a passionate kiss, with Liberty overwhelmed by her boyfriend's declaration.
However, despite the sweet moment, viewers at home were not convinced by his words, with some accusing him of saying only what she wanted to hear.
Defence: Arguing his point, Jake said that he didn't want to 'throw out' the words 'I love you' and said that making her his girlfriend meant more than him saying it
Finally! And after Liberty said how she felt about him, he finally told her the words that she longed to hear
Happy? At this the couple leaned in for a passionate kiss, with Liberty overwhelmed by her boyfriend's declaration
One person tweeted: 'Liberty coerced again with three little words that she wants to hear, while Jake was choking on them.'
While another shared: 'Liberty he’s bulls***ting you hun!!! Only telling you what you want to hear other wise he would of said it 4 weeks ago too.'
'Love Island play JoJo - Too Little Too Late because this confession is 4 weeks overdue' tweeted a third.
Reaction: However, despite the sweet moment, viewers at home were not convinced by his words, with some accusing him of saying only what she wanted to hear
While a fourth simply put: 'that whole speech was planned out.'
'Liberty if you have to ask for someone to say they love you, THEY DON’T!' said another, with a different viewer sharing: 'All that stuttering and giggling because he was nervous because he knew he was about to tell a lie.'
With another adding: 'Hmmmm is he saying love you now just because He’s been called out or is he lying.'
Earlier in the show, Liberty was left disturbed as she and Jake were voted as having the most one-sided relationship, as well as the couple most likely to split when they leave the villa.
Uh oh: Earlier in the show, Liberty was left disturbed as she and Jake were voted as having the most one-sided relationship, as well as the couple most likely to split when they leave the villa
Stunned: In the beach hut she expressed her shock, remarking: 'Never in a million years I expected us to be up there, at all, it's mind-blowing. I'm really confused'
As the other islanders were shocked into silence amid the one-sided vote, Liberty tried to brush off their viewer vote as she said 'not cool' and joked it was' savage'.
But in the beach hut she expressed her shock, remarking: 'Never in a million years I expected us to be up there, at all, it's mind-blowing. I'm really confused.'
Elsewhere, other islanders began to question their relationship, with Faye telling beau Teddy that she believed the water engineer was a 'showman'.
She told him that he only did the whole 'girlfriend thing' because 'he's a showman', before telling Teddy: 'I promise that they won’t work on the outside’.
Opinion: Elsewhere, other islanders began to question their relationship, with Faye telling beau Teddy that she believed the water engineer was a 'showman'
Later on, Kaz, Chloe and Millie also shared their doubts over Jake, with Chloe remarking that he's 'very aware he's on a TV programme' and that his 'intentions are not what Lib deserves.'
While Millie suggested his actions were 'calculated', and Kaz admitted that she's 'starting to see' what others may see.
Following the declarations of love, Sunday night's teaser clip sees all the girls hold an intervention with Liberty as they urge her to think about her romance with Jake.
The tense scene sees Liberty ask the girls if they think she was an 'idiot' for believing Jake's words to her, before the screen cuts away.
Love Island continued Sunday at 9pm on ITV and ITV Hub.
Doubts: Later on, Kaz, Chloe and Millie also shared their doubts over Jake, with Chloe remarking that he's 'very aware he's on a TV programme' and that his 'intentions are not what Lib deserves'
Questions: Following the declarations of love, Sunday night's teaser clip sees all the girls hold an intervention with Liberty as they urge her to think about her romance with Jake
LOVE ISLAND 2021: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
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.'
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.'
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.'
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.'
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.'
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!'
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?'
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.'
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.'
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".'
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.'
Name: Georgia Townend
Age: 28
Location: Essex
Occupation: Marketing executive
Why did you sign up for Love Island? 'I've been single for a really long time. Five years. I haven’t done the maths but it’s at least that. I feel like I’ve exhausted all the other options on how to meet people.'
Name: Mary Bedford
Age: 22
Location: Wakefield
Occupation: Model
Why did you sign up for Love Island? 'I have the worst luck, ever, with boys. Genuinely the worst ever. I always get dragged into the same circle of boys. So I was like, I need to go in another direction.'
Name: Kaila Troy
Age: 28
Location: Dublin
Occupation: DJ
Why did you sign up for Love Island? 'Real life dating has not been doing me any favours at all. I’ve had it.'
Name: Matthew Macnabb
Age: 26
Location: Belfast
Occupation: Strategic Marketing Consultant
Why did you sign up for Love Island? 'I feel like I’m pretty chilled and very adventurous. I’m very laid-back in the sense I like to laugh and I don’t care too much about what people think.'
Name: Amy Day
Age: 25
From: Surrey
Occupation: Performer
Why have you signed up for Love Island: I’m clearly not very good at dating myself. I’m looking forward to the experience and the potential of finding someone I might not have met.
Name: Lillie Haynes
Age: 22
From: South Shields
Occupation: Trainee accountant
Who have you got your eye on in the villa? I’ve definitely got my eye on Jake. He’s 100% the type of boy I would go for at home. It’s too good of a match not to just go for. Liam is definitely a dark horse for me, he’s like James Bond when you look at him, absolutely gorgeous. So he could be a very close second.
Name: Jack Barlow
Age: 26
From: East Sussex
Occupation: Racing driver/coach
Who have you got your eye on in the villa? I’m very much a connection type of person so I’ll be able to tell more in person. From what I’ve seen and going off their energy, Chloe has been top of my list. It’s been nice to see her be herself and not care what anyone thinks. I think she’ll be a lot of fun.
Name: Aaron Simpson
Age: 24
From: Kent
Occupation: Footballer
What is it like dating as a footballer? Does it make things easier or does it stand in the way? A lot of people have an assumption of me as being a typical player, but I got all of that out of my system when I was younger and now I’m a lot more laid-back when it comes to dating. A lot of people would assume that I go on lots of dates but I’m actually quite picky when it comes to who I date. Sometimes it can be hard to know if someone is genuine or not. My mum is really protective over me. The approval is always needed from mumsy, for sure.
Name: Brett Staniland
Age: 27
From: Derbyshire
Occupation: PhD student and model
Why have you signed up to Love Island? I've never had a serious relationship and the last 18 months has been really stagnant in terms of meeting new people and dating. Lots of my friends have settled down, had kids. I'm kind of the one that's left back from all of that. Now is the right time.
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.
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.'
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.'
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 very spontaneous and adventurous '
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.
Name: Abigail Rawlings
Age: 27
Location: Bournemouth (from Beaconsfield)
Occupation: Tattoo artist
Will you stir things up? 'Even if I didn’t go in with the intention of stirring things up, it’ll happen regardless.'
Name: Tyler Cruickshank
Age: 26
Location: Croydon
Occupation: Estate agent
What will you bring to the villa? 'More energy I think. I’m a person that doesn’t take myself too seriously. I like messing about. I like jokes. I’m not just going to be there just lazing around.'
Name: Medhy Malanda
Age: 24
Location: Luton (originally from Belgium)
Occupation: American footballer
What girl have you got your eye on? 'Definitely Kaz. Kaz’s personality is fiery, she’s got energy, she’s funny and she’s got a beautiful smile and she’s a nice girl in general.'
Name: Salma Naran
Age: 20
Location: Dublin
Occupation: Model and Influencer
Why did you sign up for Love Island? 'I’ve never been in love. What better place to have a tunnel vision and really finding your one? '
Name: Harry Young
Age: 24
Location: Glasgow
Occupation: Car Salesman
What girl have you got your eye on? 'Kaz has always been in my top three. But once I’m in there and speaking with people, it could change.'
Name: Clarisse Juliette
Age: 23
From: London
Occupation: Brand owner/influencer
Who have you got you eye on in the villa? Teddy - he’s tall, confident and smooth. I don’t like horrible, cocky guys. If they are honest, that’s what I’d prefer
Name: Dale Mehmet
Age: 24
From: Glasgow
Occupation: Barber
Will you step on toes to get who you want? It is what it is, isn’t it? I’m not a bad guy who is going to steal somebody’s girl. But if I want something then I’m going to pursue it. I would go about it all in the right way. Everybody would be well aware of what I was doing.
Name: Sam Jackson
Age: 23
From: Clitheroe
Occupation: Maintenance engineer
Will you step on toes to get who you want? That doesn’t bother me. I’m happy to step on someone’s toes to get what I want. If that’s what I’ve got to do, I’ve got to do it. I am looking forward to meeting the boys as well, I’m a proper lads’ lad. I see myself getting on with the boys as well - it’ll be good to meet some new people and get a few bromances going!
Name: Priya Gopaldas
Age: 23
From: London
Occupation: Med student
Who is your celebrity crush? This is a very strange answer but Boris Johnson. I have a soft spot for him. It’s the confidence but he is a total sweetheart on the inside and that’s what I like in a boy. He’s the prime minister, very driven but then on the inside he’s a cuddly bear. I also love his blonde hair, that does it for me!