Love Island viewers fall for Liam's Welsh parents as contestants approach final of ITV show
The parents of a Love Island finalist from south Wales have become the unlikely stars of the show after entering the villa.
Donna and Paul Reardon, from Merthyr Tydfil, appeared on Sunday night's episode as family and friends reunited with the remaining contestants ahead of the final.
They gave 21-year-old bricklayer Liam their blessing over his partner, Millie Court, from Essex, who he has been coupled up with for several weeks.
The pair are tipped as potential winners and were voted one of the most compatible couples by their fellow islanders, despite falling out after Liam became involved with another contestant in Casa Amor.
They are up against three other couples - Chloe Burrows and Toby Aromolaran, Kaz Kamwi and Tyler Cruickshank and Faye Winter and Teddy Soares - none of whom have had a smooth journey on the show.
But despite the popularity of Liam and Millie - nicknamed 'Milliam' - fans are going even wilder for Donna and Paul, and their accents.
One viewer on Twitter said: "I loved Liam's dad - the best a Welsh accent has ever sounded."
Another commented: "Liam's dad sums up why I love the fact my boyfriend's Welsh, the family members are the funniest and loveliest. How can you hate anyone with that accent?!"
Fans also loved comments made by Paul about the other islanders, after he said: "Television doesn't do you enough justice boys, you are so handsome and the girls are so beautiful."
"They should keep that smooth-talking Welsh dad in the villa," one viewer tweeted.
Paul said he was speaking more slowly than usual to enable the others to understand him.
He told Millie's mum and sister: "If we spoke as fast as we normally speak, you would not understand what we're talking about."
Social media users have also been comparing Millie and Liam to hit comedy series characters Gavin and Stacey - who are from Essex and south Wales.
Liam has proudly represented Wales on Love Island, singing a rendition of Tom Jones' It's Not Unusual during a talent show.
He also sang 'penblwydd hapus i ti' - Welsh for 'happy birthday to you' - on his birthday, and was joined by his fellow English islanders.
Liam even name-checked a pub in Merthyr Tydfil, The Aberglais, and said they would have a party there when he returns.
During their visit, Donna and Paul said they were equally proud of Liam and Millie for their Love Island journey.
Paul told Millie: "You are as lovely on the inside as you are on the outside."
Watch Love Island: The Live Final at 9pm on Monday 23 August on ITV 2 and the ITV Hub