Love Island All Stars contestant Lucinda Strafford faced yet another drama outside the villa as her ex-boyfriend, Mert Okatan, publicly mocked her placement in the 2026 series final.
Lucinda, alongside her new partner Sean Stone, finished fourth in the South African villa, behind winners Samie Elishi and Ciaran Davies. Despite missing out on the crown, Lucinda and Sean appeared glowing and inseparable in their exit interviews.
Mert, who previously dated Lucinda during Love Island: The Games, where she won alongside Isaiah Campbell, has kept the tension alive.
Their relationship ended on bad terms, and Mert seemed keen to express his amusement at her latest outcome.
Following Monday’s finale, he took to Snapchat, sharing a selfie with a wide smile and holding up four fingers.
In the corner of the snap, a graphic displayed Lucinda and Sean’s “fourth place” standing. Captioning the post, Mert wrote: “Haha what a BDAY gift from ITV UK.”
The image quickly spread among fans after being shared on X (formerly Twitter). Responses were immediate, with some users pointing out that Mert appeared pleased that Lucinda did not win.
One fan referenced a previous feud, commenting: “Mert is so happy Scammer didn’t win,” recalling his prior claims that Lucinda was a “Number 1 scammer.”
Meanwhile, Lucinda remained focused on her relationship with Sean. Their romance, which blossomed in the villa, was initially controversial.
The couple faced backlash from fellow contestants, including Belle Hassan, due to their budding relationship developing behind her back.
Despite the criticism, Sean’s commitment never wavered.
In a romantic gesture during the series, he officially asked Lucinda to be his girlfriend and openly confessed his love, leaving both fans and co-stars impressed by the couple’s sincerity.
During the Love Island: The Morning After podcast, the pair gave further insight into their relationship. Co-host Indiyah Polack inquired about marriage plans, prompting Sean to tease listeners with a proposal hint.
“The way I move it will be soon!” he revealed, hinting that a proposal could be on the horizon. Lucinda, who appeared delighted, reaffirmed her happiness and excitement about the couple’s future together.
Lucinda and Sean have also shared plans to visit each other’s families, solidifying their commitment outside the villa.
Fans have praised the pair for staying true to themselves and building a relationship despite the villa drama and external commentary from ex-partners.
Mert’s reaction, while controversial, highlights the ongoing public interest in Love Island contestants’ lives beyond the show.
It also underscores the way social media amplifies post-show rivalries, particularly when past relationships intersect with public success in reality television.
Despite the ex’s online jabs, Lucinda and Sean’s romance appears strong, and viewers continue to support their genuine connection.
The Love Island All Stars 2026 finale not only celebrated new winners but also showcased personal growth and romance development for contestants like Lucinda and Sean, demonstrating that even amid criticism or ex-partner commentary, love can thrive under the public eye.