Luca Bish’s family ‘take comfort’ in ex-Love Islander’s messages that he is a ‘lovely, genuine friend’ amid backlash over his behaviour-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

Luca’s family said they ‘take comfort’ in the opinions of people who spent time with him in the villa (Picture: ITV)

Luca Bish’s family have shared that Love Island stars have been reaching out with kind messages to tell them ‘how Luca has been such a lovely, genuine friend.’

The 23-year-old fishmonger has received criticism after he blew up at partner Gemma Owen and accused her of ‘flirting’ with fellow islander Billy Brown, after watching clips during the bombshell Movie Night episodes. 

After seeing how Billy tried his luck with Michael Owen’s daughter, Luca was unimpressed with the pair’s behaviour and appeared to place much of the blame on Gemma, which sparked backlash from viewers.

However, Luca’s close family and friends who are running his social media accounts have now shared that ‘nearly everyone’ that has already left the villa have sent sweet messages of support.

Posting on Luca’s Instagram stories, they shared a screenshot of dumped Islander Jazmine Nichol’s message: ‘I am so sorry you and the family are having to go through all of this barrage of hate at the moment.

‘My experience with Luca was nothing but great. No one knows what a crazy intense experience it is in there and every emotion is x100.

Luca was seething after watching clips of Billy flirt with Gemma (Picture: ITV)

Billy had been trying to crack on with Gemma, although she made it clear she was invested in Luca (Picture: ITV/REX)

‘I know I behaved in ways I wouldn’t normally in the Villa,’ Jazmine continued, adding: ‘At my lowest Luca was the only person who stopped me running for the hills (literally).

‘I can only speak for myself but I will never have a bad word to say about him and will always be the winner in my eyes!

Luca’s family shared a sweet message from ex-Islander Jazmine Nichol (Picture: Instagram, Luca Bish)

Jazmine shared she had a ‘great experience’ with Luca (Picture: ITV)

‘People need to remember the show is edited for entertainment purposes and doesn’t always reflect people’s true character.’

Alongside the screenshot, Luca’s family wrote: ‘Nearly everyone that left the villa have messaged almost straighta way to tell us how Luca has been such a lovely, genuine friend to them during their time.

Luca and Gemma have been coupled up since the first few days, and recently shared ‘I love you’s (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

But, during movie night, Luca said: ‘I ain’t going f*****g near that bird’ (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

‘People that spend 24 hours with him (as opposed to an opinion based on a condensed episode) are the opinions we take most comfort in.

‘His behaviour on Sunday’s ep was very out of character for Luca. Flowers grow through dirt, and I just know he will grow positively from this experience.’

The message follows Luca’s family addressing his expletive-filled ranting, saying in a statement after the movie night episode: ‘I want to apologise on behalf of Luca for his insensitive reaction on last night’s episode. I know that when he watches it back, he will be embarrassed and deeply apologetic.

‘We as his family don’t condone his behaviour last night, but we do understand he is in an intense environment where his emotions are heightened. Last night was not reflective of the boy we all love at home.’ 

Luca’s family said the star is ‘in an environment where emotions are heightened’ (Picture: @lucabish, Instagram)

They continued: ‘Please be aware death threats and nasty comments totally overstep the mark and something we as a family should not have to endure, for this reason we have turned off the comments and messages. 

‘For all those who have sent messages checking in on us, we would like to thank you very much and we see you.’

Luca’s behaviour shocked viewers as he fumed to the boys while watching clips of Gemma and Billy (Picture: ITV)

After the episode, in which viewers watched uncomfortably as he fumed to the boys: ‘I don’t even want to talk to her tonight. Made me look like an absolute f*****g w****r  I ain’t going f*****g near that bird,’ Luca’s family shared some of the abuse they were getting on social media.

A story posted on Luca’s Instagram after Sunday’s episode (Picture: Instagram/@lucabish)

They wrote: ‘Please, please, please stop messaging abuse. Luca can’t even see it… the people that love him most can. 

‘I’ve just been sick from crying so much at the death threats (an hour on from that last story). How can people be so inhumane.’

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The person behind the account added: ‘The hardest night of my entire life. This is happening every second. Just so beyond grateful Luca isn’t here to read these. Heartbroken.’

Love Island continues tomorrow night at 9pm on ITV2.

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