LOVE ISLAND contestant Lucinda Strafford has been kicked off the show after a shock elimination.

The 21-year-old from Ditchling, who was sent packing with her partner Aaron Francis, described her experience on the ITV dating show as “eventful, fun and exciting”.

In a surprise announcement on Sunday’s show, islanders were told that the public had been voting for their favourite couple, and it was revealed that Lucinda and Aaron had finished at the bottom of the pile.

The Argus: Lucinda and Arron left the Love Island villa together following a 'shock' dumpingLucinda and Arron left the Love Island villa together following a 'shock' dumping

The news of the public vote was delivered via text message to the Islanders and Lucinda broke down in tears after she heard that her time in the Mallorcan Villa was up.

But Lucinda, who previously dated Brighton and Hove Albion footballer Aaron Connolly, said she is “happy” to be leaving the Mallorcan villa with her new love interest.

She said: “I’m excited to see where life takes me. I left with Aaron which is amazing so I am happy.

The Argus: Lucinda Strafford from Brighton has left the Love Island villaLucinda Strafford from Brighton has left the Love Island villa

“It is bittersweet because I loved it there and you never want to go, but your time comes, and it does for everyone.

“I remember standing up and looking around seeing the couples standing up and thinking ‘Oh my God, if any of these couples leave it’ll be a big thing.’

“I’m going to be rooting for everyone. I can’t wait to watch my girls and my boys. It’s going to be so weird to watch everyone but I can’t wait.”

Lucinda had previously been coupled up with former contestant Brad McCelland before he was dumped from the Island earlier in the series.

Brad, a labourer from Northumberland, said he had hoped to continue his romance with Lucinda, however she seems to have called time on their relationship.

Lucinda, who attended Downlands Community School in Hassocks said: “I definitely want to continue things with Aaron.

“At the time when Brad left I was really upset but I’m happy that I stayed because I carried on and saw Aaron in another way.

“I feel like when I went in, there was Brad and Aaron and it was nice to focus on one person. It meant that I could connect with Aaron and we get on really well.

“No regrets. I live with no regrets. I was myself in there, there’s not much more I could have done.”

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