There was plenty we expected would unfold on this season of All Stars. Firepit arguments, tense challenges, ex’s brought face to face… And the redemption of controversial islander Luca Bish? Now that’s one thing we didn’t see coming.
When Luca entered the All Stars villa, fans didn’t expect much from the Brighton-born star. However, in his own words, Luca really does seem to be hitting 'more 180’s than Luke Littler.’
That is, a complete personality 180.
To even the most casual of Love Island viewers, the lore of Luca Bish is certainly something. Making it to the final with a then 19-year-old Gemma Owen in 2022, Luca – who was 23 at the time - found himself facing accusations of misogyny and controlling behaviour. In fact, some scenes left fans so concerned that they even reached out to Ofcom over the difficult viewing. After finishing the season, Luca told Grazia how he 'went too far' with his actions.
Now on All Stars, the islander received two red flags from his female islanders during episode one - an ironic turn of events, given viewers were quick to spot red flags during his 2022 villa stint. And yet, the cheeky chappy is fast making a name for himself as one of the villa’s more mature offerings.
Questioning whether All Stars may well be the redemption of Luca, one fan wrote, ‘Guys, am I seriously starting to develop a crush on Luca Bish?’
Another added, ‘Luca being kind to women was not on my Love Island bingo card.’
Others couldn’t quite believe that Luca had been playing it chill for the first few episodes – to the point that some even questioned whether he was ‘bored.’ ‘I prefer the way Luca is going about it, and that he isn’t kissing or cuddling just for the sake of it,’ said one fan, defending Luca’s relaxed demeanour.
And asking the question that weighed heavy on the minds of many, one viewers asked, ‘Why do I actually like Luca this season? Either he’s really grown up since his season or the producers aren’t doing him dirty this year.’
After Kaz Crossley told Olivia Hawkins that Luca couldn’t get past the fact she had been messaging one of his friends on the outside world, Liv confronted the star about his ‘muggy’ comments. While many expected to see his defensive side, Luca took the chat on the chin – earnestly saying, ‘Yeah, I’m sorry.’
Later, others found themselves warming up to Luca during his recoupling speech – in he was left to pick Kaz, after Ronnie Vint pursued Elma Pazar instead. Standing round the fire pit, he said to Kaz, ‘Firstly, I just want to say that you’re a beautiful girl. I know things haven’t gone plain sailing. I think everyone deserves a chance in here, I don’t think you’ve really got that.'
While recent scenes did seem to hark back to Luca’s old ways – sharing a smooch with Tina Stinnes right after a heart-to-heart with Kaz – others argued that Luca went about it in a considerate way. That is, as considerate as one can be while juggling multiple women in the villa.
‘At least Luca didn’t take her to the terrace, but did it in full view,’ wrote one. ‘More guys should go with that strategy.’
Frankly, Luca Bish may well redeem himself enough to give up seat on the infamous Do Bits society - and perhaps this change isn’t quite as surprising as it initially seems. Ahead of his All Stars stint, it appears Luca did some major growing up.
Talking to press ahead of entering the villa, Luca revealed, ‘I watched [my series] back. I think my mum forced me too. Obviously there’s some great moments and things I really laughed about, and obviously some not so good.’
Admitting that he ‘couldn’t disagree’ with what people were saying about him following his 2022 appearance, he said, ‘I definitely look back and think, “What a knob,” but that’s why I’m coming on again. I get a second chance to show you guys the more real me.’
And his comments seem to be ringing loud and clear in his head, even while faced with an abundance of beautiful women. Talking on last night’s episode (Sunday 19th January), Luca admitted that he was finally beginning to lower his guard and explore his connections with the girls – saying, ‘My Love Island experience romantically started yesterday. My options are very much open. I just want to be as respectful as I can and also go with what I’m feeling.’
Is the new and improved Luca Bish, who takes women’s feelings into consideration and says the word 'Sorry' without so much as an eye roll, here to stay? Only time will tell, but we’ve certainly got our fingers crossed.
Charlotte Roberts is a news and entertainment writer at Grazia UK. She spends her days covering everything celebrity, culture, and entertainment.