Love Island's Jess White has addressed some of the viewer reactions that surrounded her time on the ITV2 dating show.
In an exclusive interview with Digital Spy following her exit, Jess revealed that she'd received comments about how opinionated she had been in the villa – adding "not everyone is going to like an opinionated woman".
When asked about whether any of the public's takeaways from this season of Love Island had surprised her, Jess said: "Something that surprised me about viewers perception is maybe some of the comments where people have said [things] like I'm 'too upfront' and I'm 'too honest'.
"I don't feel that there is such thing as being too upfront and honest."
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"That's what we want women to be. We want women to be strong women who voice their opinions and, you know, aren't afraid to say what's on their mind," Jess continued. "And I think that's something that we should be championing, and not really tearing down."
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Jess went on to say that she had "equally" had "some wonderful comments" from the audience.
"People have been like, 'We need more people like you', and it's like role-modelling to young girls how we want the future women to be," she said.
Related: Love Island's Samantha defends Jess from fan reaction
"It's hard. Obviously everyone is always going to have an opinion, and not everyone is going to like an opinionated woman, and I get that," Jess reflected.
"But for me, I'm just going to take away the positives, and even if I can make one person feel a bit more confident and feel like they can have their opinions then I've done something right."
Jess and her Love Island partner Hugo were sent home in a particularly brutal dumping, along with two other Islanders, in scenes that aired last week (July 10). The announcement was revealed to the fire pit by text following a public vote, which also saw Casa Amor newcomers Blade and Emma leaving.
As for the couples that still remain in the villa, the Love Island 2024 final is now just right around the corner.
Love Island airs on ITV2 and streams on ITVX.
TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
