Mike lands in hot water with Priscilla as viewers react to subdued episode of Love Island

Love Island viewers were left unimpressed when Mike Boateng patted Priscilla Anyabu’s head as the programme returned with a more subdued episode than usual on Monday, following the passing of Caroline Flack

Priscilla was clearly miffed during the the game where the couples had to vote on each other’s qualities.

After Priscilla read out: ‘Which couple is the most grumpy?’ Mike patted her on the head and said, ‘that’ll do donkey,’ in an apparent reference to the Shrek film series.

Awkward: Love Island viewers were left unimpressed when Mike Boateng patted Priscilla Anyabu’s head during a challenge

Priscilla immediately shook her head in disapproval while the other islanders cringed at the comment.

Speaking afterward in the beach hut, Jess said: ‘I know Priscilla will not have liked that. She’s a strong woman, she does not want to be patted on the head. Mike is going to have to graft harder now.’

After the challenge, Jess and Priscilla spoke about Mike’s words and the operations manager made it clear she was not happy.

Mike had sensed something was wrong and approached Priscilla for a chat, telling her he was sorry.

Return: Love Island was back with a more subdued episode than usual on Monday, following the passing of Caroline Flack, 40

Return: Love Island was back with a more subdued episode than usual on Monday, following the passing of Caroline Flack, 40

He said: ‘I’m making you look bad and I’m not trying to do that. I said in my speech that you bring out the best in me and I’m trying to do the same thing.

‘For someone that says that and acts the way I acted, that’s very silly and stupid and I’m sorry.’

Speaking in the beach hut, Priscilla said: ‘I do think he was a bit on edge, maybe I was a bit too firm. But it seems that when I do actually talk to him and grill him, it definitely sinks in.’

After accepting Mike’s apology, Priscilla warned him not to make the same mistake again, saying: ‘I mean, I do forgive you, but it can never happen again.’ 

Making amends: Mike had sensed something was wrong after the challenge and approached Priscilla for a chat, telling her he was sorry

Making amends: Mike had sensed something was wrong after the challenge and approached Priscilla for a chat, telling her he was sorry

Apology: After accepting Mike's apology, Priscilla warned him not to make the same mistake again, saying: 'I mean, I do forgive you, but it can never happen again'

Apology: After accepting Mike’s apology, Priscilla warned him not to make the same mistake again, saying: ‘I mean, I do forgive you, but it can never happen again’ 

Reaction: Viewers praised Priscilla for how she handled the moment with Mike

Reaction: Viewers praised Priscilla for how she handled the moment with Mike 

Reacting to the moment, one viewer said: ‘Priscilla will soon get the ick with Mike’, while another added: ‘Priscilla is amazing at communicating and holding Mike accountable for actions she was not happy with.’

Several others shared memes in support of the model explaining to Mike why he had hurt her feelings.

Elsewhere, many viewers noted it felt strange to watch Monday night’s episode as it was the first to be broadcast since former host Caroline passed away on Saturday after taking her own life.

Narrator Iain Stirling paid tribute to the presenter at the beginning of the episode and had a reduced voice-over role throughout the episode.

Tribute: Iain Stirling shared kind words about Caroline Flack in a touching tribute at the start of the episode

Tribute: Iain Stirling shared kind words about Caroline Flack in a touching tribute at the start of the episode

While the comedian normally cracks jokes at the islanders antics throughout the show, he had a more straight forward narration in Monday’s episode. 

Noticing the difference, one viewer said: ‘Love Island just doesn’t feel the same anymore. Miss Caroline Flack sashaying into the villa and her infectious laugh.’

Another added: ‘So I know Caroline would want the show to still go on because she loved the show but it just doesn’t feel the same without her now. She was the show!’ 

One fan said: ‘Love Island doesn’t feel the same anymore, it’s so sad,’ while another added: ‘The show isn’t the same without Iain’s narration.’

Reaction: Many viewers thought it 'didn't feel the same' watching the show following former host Caroline's passing

Reaction: Many viewers thought it ‘didn’t feel the same’ watching the show following former host Caroline’s passing 

In his tribute to her at the beginning of the show, Iain said: ‘We are all absolutely devastated by the tragic news that Caroline, a much loved member of our Love Island family, has passed away. Our thoughts with family and friends at this dreadful time.

‘Caroline and me were together from the very start of Love Island and her passion, warmth and infectious enthusiasm were a crucial part of what made the show connect with millions of viewers.

‘Like many of you, right now we are all just trying to come to terms with what has happened. My only hope is that we can all try and be kinder, always show love and listen to one another.

‘Caroline, I want to thank you for all the fun times we had making our favourite show, you were a true friend to me, I’m going to miss you Caz’.

If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.

Friends: Iain's voice-over role was reduced in Monday's episode as the show returned for the first time after Caroline's death (pictured in November 2017)

Friends: Iain’s voice-over role was reduced in Monday’s episode as the show returned for the first time after Caroline’s death (pictured in November 2017)