Love Island Australia 2024 is turning up the heat, delivering drama and surprises that have fans hooked. One of the season’s most unexpected pairings is Em Miguel Leigh and Mercedes Knox. But are the two still together, or has their spark fizzled out since leaving the villa?
Let’s take a look at this Love Island couple, and see what clues we can piece together about their current status.
Em and Mercedes: Does this couple survive Love Island Australia?
It’s still early days for Em, a 26-year-old model and content creator, and Mercedes, former FBoy Island US winner, which leaves fans with little to go on when it comes to predicting whether their connection has lasted the distance.
While the couple appears to have chemistry, especially after being whisked away on a steamy date to Hotel Amor, where Mercedes called Em his “soul mate on the other side of the world,” some Islanders and viewers alike are questioning whether their connection is genuine.
In Episode 17, fellow Islander Krissy shared her doubts, saying: “I don’t want to say Em isn’t genuine, but I do feel like she’s scrambling to stay in the game, and that’s why she’s trying to talk to Mercedes.”
Fans on social media are echoing similar concerns. One Redditor commented, “[Em] is my winner, but I thiiiiiink she’s just there to be there. I think she thinks Mercedes is good-looking, but that’s about it.”
Em and Mercedes’ Love Island story
Mercedes entered the villa as a bombshell, initially exploring connections with Xanthe and Sophie. But things took a turn when Taylor gave him the green light to pursue Em.
The pair got together just minutes after Em ended things with Taylor, who wasn’t too pleased despite giving his blessing. As usual, things move fast in the villa!
Mercedes’ Reality TV Past
If Mercedes looks familiar, you might recognise him from FBoy Island America, where he won… twice. Yes, the Texan model made waves in the show’s second season by stealing a connection from his own brother, Marquise, in a move described as both “shocking” and “shady” by TikToker Leah Sauer (@positivelyuncensored).
@positivelyuncensored I need someone to discuss this niche topic with ð #loveisland #loveislandaustralia #loveislandusa #fboyisland #realitytv ⬠original sound – Positively Uncensored
Leah didn’t hold back, saying, “The only difference between Mercedes on FBoy Island seasons one and two and Love Island is he went and got himself some contacts.”
She also commented on his flip-flopping tendencies, pointing out his habit of tailoring his personality to suit different women. “Pick one!” she joked.
However, not everyone is convinced Mercedes is playing the same game. One Redditor speculated, “He’s acting like a completely different person on this show. It’s made me wonder how scripted FBoy Island was.”
Here’s hoping, for Em’s sake, they’re right!
Stream Love Island Australia Mondays to Thursdays on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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