'Love Island USA' fans divided as Nic and Olandria return to villa as a couple in new episode

Love Island USA season 7 episode 21 aired last night, delivering a surprising twist that saw Nic and Olandria return to the villa as a couple.

After being dumped earlier in the season, the two were shown on a date where they received a message presenting two options: remain single and leave the show or re-enter as a couple.

Olandria responded, “Me and you couple up?,” before declaring that returning to the villa was the only right decision. Nic, meanwhile, admitted he had wanted to get to know her from the beginning but felt they never got the chance.

Fans quickly took to social media with mixed reactions. Some questioned the authenticity of the move, noting that online support for the pair may have influenced the producers. One viewer wrote, “this nic and olandria date is definitely scripted.” Another said, “The producers forcing Nic & Olandria to couple up or go home is the most fan serviced thing I have seen in reality tv in all my years.”

Despite scepticism, many were excited to see the unexpected pairing. Others described the moment as a “fever dream,” while tweets detailed their enthusiasm over the pair holding hands and sharing playful banter.

Nic reflected on their missed opportunity earlier in the season, and Olandria admitted she had wondered about his repeated interest despite his involvement with other islanders. 

New episodes of Love Island USA air daily, except Wednesdays, at 9 pm PT on Peacock.