Love Island All Stars viewers were stunned to find out about Tom Clare's unusually famous friends in Monday's final.
The 24-year-old Macclesfield FC footballer was crowned winner alongside Molly Smith, 29, in the live final, beating her ex Callum Jones, 27, and Jess Gale, 24.
But ahead of the result, both couples sat down with presenter Maya Jama to talk about their time on the show, with Tom receiving good luck via video message from football legends Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage.
On X, formerly Twitter, a viewer asked: “Tom is an amateur striker, why is he friends with Rio Ferdinand?”
While another wrote: “Tom's boyfriend is Rio Ferdinand??? 'WTF who is this guy?'.
Love Island All Stars viewers were stunned to find out about Tom Clare's unusually famous friends in Monday's final.
The 24-year-old Macclesfield FC footballer was crowned winner alongside Molly Smith, 29, in the live final, beating her ex Callum Jones, 27, and his partner Jess Gale, 24
But ahead of the result, both couples sat down with host Maya Jama to discuss their time on the show, with Tom receiving good luck via video message from football legends Rio Ferdinand (left) and Robbie Savage (right).
A third asked: “Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage shag Tom?” I have so many questions.
And: “Ro Ferndinand and Robbie Savage “Tom’s Friends””.
While another joked: “Tom being friends with Robbie Savage and Rio Ferdinand is the most random part of this year's series.”
After being declared winners, Tom told presenter Maya Jama: “I'm overwhelmed,” while Molly visibly shook as she shouted “What the f***!”
Ahead of the final result, Molly admitted the Love Island experience had “forced” her to be friends with her ex Callum.
She also said she was “grateful” that they had the chance to wrap things up, but insisted there would be no “fairytale ending” for either of them.
Speaking about how she managed a romance with her ex in the villa, Molly said: “I think from the outside looking in, people obviously won't understand.”
“We're in an intense environment and you have to get along, so it kind of forced us to be friends.”
On X, formerly Twitter, a viewer asked: “Tom is an amateur striker, why is he friends with Rio Ferdinand?”
“On the outside we probably wouldn’t have been at this stage, it probably would have just been a bit awkward, but I feel like it’s gotten us to a place we never would have gotten to and I’m really grateful for that.” .'
Presenter Maya spoke about viewers' desire to rekindle their relationship, saying she could “relate” as people had encouraged her to get back together with her former partner, grime star Stormzy.
She said: “I've had a lot of people say I should get back with my ex – sometimes it's not what you're ready for.”
Molly, who became emotional after being crowned winner, has admitted she sees a long-term future with Tom.
After being declared winners, Tom told presenter Maya Jama: “I'm overwhelmed,” while Molly visibly shook as she shouted “What the f***.”
Ahead of the final result, Molly admitted the Love Island experience had “forced” her to be friends with her ex Callum
After Tom and Molly's win, the Love Island All Stars cast rushed on stage to congratulate the couple
She said, 'It's all meant to be.' I wouldn't get involved if I didn't see from the outside that it was something serious.'
Tom is also determined to continue their romance in the outside world.
He said to Molly, “I really see you as my friend.”
After splitting in September 2020, Molly and Callum were stunned when they were reunited at the All Stars villa on a premiere night, but have both decided against exploring the prospect of rekindling their romance.
Viewers had hoped the couple would get back together after they entered the villa last month after they split after a three-and-a-half year relationship in September last year.
But in the grand finale, Molly was with Tom while Callum was with Jess, dashing any last-minute hopes of a reunion.