LOVE Island star Laura Anderson has backed Toni Laites and Cach Mercer to win when the series reaches its climax tomorrow night.
The Scottish beauty, who was runner-up in the 2018 series, believes former Las Vegas cabana server Toni and dancer Cach deserve to scoop the £50,000 prize.
Toni brought Cach back from the other villa, Casa Amor, but left him in tears after deciding to reconcile with lothario Harrison Solomon.
However, since Harrison left the show, Toni and Cach have become the bookies’ favourites after winning the hearts of viewers with their rocky romance.
Laura said: “I think if Toni and Cach won, the general public would be very happy.
“Toni is my favourite and watching Cach get upset and then seeing them get back together . . . it was a lovely little story.”
Speaking about the Meet The Parents episode, in which sees the contestants’ families visit the villa, Laura said: “It was incredible to see Toni’s mum say such lovely words to Cach.
"It was a really nice moment. I thought it was really sweet.”
And her thoughts on their rivals for the prize, such as Yasmin Pettet and Jamie Rhodes, and Shakira and Harry?
Laura says: “Yas has really surprised me and I just think she is great, she is just so authentic. Her and Jamie seem really happy and sweet.
“I love Harry and Shakira as a couple. I really hope Harry can prove himself and I think Shakira is really emotionally mature.”
Laura’s comments come as it was revealed Love Island has been hit with more than 9,000 complaints in just one week, mostly about alleged bullying behaviour towards Shakira.
The villa had been split into two girl groups, with Shakira, Toni and Yasmin on one side and Helena, Meg Moore and Megan Clarke on the other.
Laura said: “I think Toni and Shakira’s relationship has honestly been the real highlight of this series, which has been quite nice to see.
“ Normally it is the bromances that hit the headlines.
“There has been a divide between the girls and I think this ‘mean girl energy’ is unacceptable.”
Laura also believes that Love Island is a healthy way to encourage conversations around relationships.
She said: “I think holding young people accountable for their behaviour is a great thing and I hope that filters through into real life.
“My favourite thing, apart from just watching people fall in love, is watching them grow and develop.
“I honestly think Love Island made me a better person. You become more self-aware.
“There has been so much switching around of couples this series.
“ I don’t think there has ever been so many couples – and that causes a lot of different emotions.
“It has been an emotional rollercoaster.
“There has been a lot of drama, and it is entertaining for us at home.
“I think the after-care will be ramped up a little bit this year just because so much has happened.”
