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LOVE Island said goodbye to one of its original stars tonight - as viewers delivered a stinging verdict.

Olivia Hawkins got the chop along with Maxwell Samuda, but in a bizarre twist the pair were then made the show's most powerful people.

Maya Jama delivered the bad news to the Love Island cast
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Maya Jama delivered the bad news to the Love Island castCredit: ITV
Maxwell and Olivia are gone but can take down two others with them
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Maxwell and Olivia are gone but can take down two others with themCredit: ITV

Host Maya Jama allowed them to hold their former co-stars futures in their hands, being given the job of choosing two Islanders to leave with them.

First she announced the dumping, revealing Olivia and Maxwell had come rock-bottom in a vote to choose the most compatible couple.

But the host added: "Islanders, I have some more news. Olivia and Maxwell are not the only ones leaving. Two more Islanders will also be dumped tonight.

"That decision is not down to the public or your fellow Islanders. It's actually down to you - Olivia and Maxwell."

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Fans were stunned, with one tweeting: "They’re seriously giving Olivia of all people this power???"

Another posted: "LmFao! Plot twissssssst!! Letting Olivia send home the final couple hahaha I hate this show and love it all at the same damn time."

A third said: "Hallelujah Olivia is out but giving her any power is nuts!"

The move sparked furious speculation about who was likely to be chosen, with Claudia Fogarty thought to be high on Olivia's hit-list.

Some fans also suggested the vague nature of Maya's instructions meant the pair could choose any two people they wanted, not just a couple.

The unexpected twist came on a night of high drama on Love Island that began with the stars being treated to a beach party.

But the fun didn't last long after Maya, 28, arrived with a dramatic announcement to deliver.

She revealed four names were in the firing line: Olivia and Maxwell, Claudia Fogarty and Keanan Brand, Rosie Seabrook and Casey O'Gorman and Tanya Manhenga and Shaq Muhammad.

It was then announced that Olivia and Maxwell would be going home - but not before they picked two stars to jon them.

In true Love Island cliffhanger style, the identity of the two they choose will be under wraps until tomorrow night.

Olivia and Maxwell got the chop despite a blossoming relationship between the pair that peaked on Wednesday night.

She told him during their date at a fancy bar: "I haven't felt like this about anyone ever.

"I'm not saying I'm ready to say the three words, but I'm en route. I've never told anyone anything down that route."

They then agreed to make their relationship exclusive - leaning over the table and sharing a kiss.

Olivia didn't even seem particularly put out at leaving Love Island, having been on the show since day one.

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On hearing she would be leaving the show: "Obviously it's sad to leave these guys but I found what I came looking for."

Love Island returns to ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm

Claudia looked horrified that Olivia would choose who goes
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Claudia looked horrified that Olivia would choose who goesCredit: ITV
The axed pair were seen weighing up their options
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The axed pair were seen weighing up their optionsCredit: ITV

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