Love Island’s ‘controlling’ Joe booted off the show after leaving Lucie in tears

SANDWICH seller Joe Garratt has been sensationally booted out of Love Island — and is now being briefed in a safe house about how to deal with likely abuse outside the villa.

The 22-year-old, who’s been accused of using controlling behaviour, lost his place on the show after viewers chose to save his partner Lucie Donlan, 21, during a public vote.

The pair were deemed the least compatible by fellow Islanders after Joe accused Lucie of spending too much time with boxer Tommy Fury, 20.

A source told The Sun: “Joe has been in the safehouse since leaving the villa. There has been a backlash against him and as part of ITV’s new duty of care, they’re doing everything they can to help him deal with it when he comes out.”

To protect the evicted hunk even more ITV have cancelled the usual post-dumping interviews that occur when an Islander leaves the show.

Viewers gave Joe the boot after his controlling comments reduced Lucie to tears — with charity Women’s Aid warning that “abusive relationships often start off with subtle signs of control.”

Horrified fans demanded ITV step in over Joe’s ‘abusive behaviour’ after Lucie was seen crying almost every night. But after leaving last night, along with Essex girl Elma Pazar, Joe admitted that he hopes there’s still a chance for romance between him and Lucie.

He said: “I’ve definitely fallen for the girl. I do hope there is a future for us. Me and Lucie definitely had a lot more to give but it is what it is. You have to take it.”

Joe told Lucie to stay on the show during his final moments in the villa — but Lucie’s mum Celestine has been “distraught” over her daughter’s emotional appearance.

Love Island bosses have been in contact with her family “daily” to reassure them that they are offering her support from inside the villa.

Welfare team members have been on the phone to her mum to constantly keep her informed.

A Love Island spokesman said: “We have always ensured that the families of Islanders have the contact details of key members of our production team and there is always an open line of communication.

“We have always offered support to families where appropriate and when requested.”

What has happened to Joe Garratt so far on Love Island?

• Joe was the fourth boy to walk into the villa and immediately caught the eye of two girls – Lucie and Yewande. Lucie was already coupled up with Michael but ditched him for Joe. Later Anton told Joe he quite liked Lucie and Joe gave him permission to tell her – but lucky for Joe she stood by her man.
• Poor Joe was left single after Tommy stole Lucie from him when he had to choose a girl to couple up with.
• When Lucie went on a date with Tommy Joe did not handle it well, with many viewers branding him “possessive“.
• Things looked up for Joe when it was revealed Tommy would be going on a date with new Islander Molly-Mae Hague.
• When it came down to Lucie picking whether to re-couple with Tommy or get back with Joe, she chose the latter.
• Joe and Lucie enjoyed a romantic breakfast date where the catering company owner told her she reminded him of a chicken mayo sandwich… and they say romance is dead!
• Joe and Lucie then enjoyed their second date – paddling. The pair used the alone time to discuss how they really felt about each other. The result? These two are now exclusive.
• In episode nine, Joe and Lucie butted heads with Amy after she accused Lucie of spending too much time with Joe. The sandwich maker comforted his girl and made it clear that Amy’s opinion doesn’t matter to him.
• But he later cleared things up with Amy’s other half – Curtis Pritchard – revealing during a boys spa day that she was upset by her comments about their relationship.
• In episode 12, Joe  revealed he was having doubts about Lucie Donlan after watching her whispering to Tommy on the beanbags. He then gave her a harsh dressing down before telling her to become closer with the other girls. However despite their relationship hitting some bumps he still chose to remain coupled up with her during the recoupling.

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