Love Island viewers accused Priya Jaswal of job-shaming former bombshell Elicia Bailey after she repeatedly invoked Elicia’s railway career while dismissing her criticism of the villa.
The exchange aired during the Wednesday, July 22 episode as Priya discussed comments Elicia had made since leaving the ITV2 dating show.
Priya said she did not care what her former rival thought before telling her to “go back to the National Rail.”
When Priya questioned why Elicia was appearing on Aftersun while working for a train company, Kavan immediately defended the 23-year-old’s job. Priya continued, telling Elicia to return to work and “save your breath.”
Priya Told Elicia to ‘Go Back to the National Rail’
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The conversation began while Priya, Aidan, Mica, Jasmine and Kavan were discussing opinions being expressed outside the villa. Elicia had appeared on Aftersun following her elimination and criticized Priya’s conduct during the final weeks of the season. During the Grafties, the Islanders had also watched a clip in which Elicia called Priya “fake” and accused her of playing a game in her dealings with Ethan.
“I don’t care what Elicia says. I don’t care. It’s cringy. Go back to the National Rail,” Priya said, according to The Sun. She continued: “Elicia, you work for the National Rail, why are you f—ing sitting in Aftersun?”
The program had identified Elicia as working for a train company, although it did not suggest that her employment prevented her from appearing on the show’s companion program or commenting on her experience as a contestant.
Kavan Defended Elicia’s Railway Career
Kavan challenged the remark before the conversation moved on. “There’s nothing wrong with working for National Rail, alright?” he said. Priya did not retract the criticism, responding: “But just go back there and save your breath.”
Some viewers praised Kavan for intervening while questioning why Priya had turned Elicia’s employment into an insult. Reactions quoted by The Sun described the comments as “job shaming,” “rude” and “nasty.”
Other responses reported by the Daily Mail characterized the exchange as “classist” and “tone-deaf.” Some viewers called for Priya to be removed from the villa. Priya has not publicly addressed the backlash outside the program.
The Feud Began During a Love Triangle With Aidan
First Look: What could possibly go wrong with Priya and Ethan, and, Elicia and Finley going on a date? Maybe BOTH of them ending in a kiss… 😶🌫️ But how will they break the news to Ellie without breaking her heart? 💔 #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/oXpgqP086K
— Love Island (@LoveIsland) July 13, 2026
Elicia arrived alongside Ethan and initially pursued both Finley and Aidan. After Finley chose to continue his relationship with Ellie, Elicia selected Aidan during a recoupling, leaving Priya paired with Ethan.
Aidan later ended his connection with Elicia and resumed pursuing Priya. Elicia questioned whether the renewed relationship was genuine and called the change in Aidan’s behavior “random” and “weird.”
After leaving the villa, Elicia continued criticizing Priya and her handling of the overlapping relationships. Priya responded during the Grafties by calling Elicia bitter and saying, “Jealousy is a disease, get well soon.”