'I was scared'
Love Island’s Jacques forced to go into hiding with his mum after they were sent terrifying death threats
LOVE Island star Jacques O'Neill has revealed he was forced to go into hiding with his mum after they were sent terrifying death threats.
The rugby player, 23, admits being "scared" as he was bombarded with hate after quitting the villa.
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Appearing on Good Morning Britain today, Jacques told host Kate Garraway: "When I first came out, I was very scared. I was scared of life and what was to come next for me.
"All I wanted to do was go into hiding with my mum. I was getting so much hate.
"We were getting death threats so I said to my mum 'we just need to stay indoors'.
"I planned to delete social media and never been seen again."
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As the dust settled, Jacques was able to see the positive messages shine through - with fans calling him an "inspiration" and "role model" for speaking out about his ADHD.
"I suddenly thought if people are thinking this about me, I can't just turn my back on it. I need to stand up and do something.
"I was getting fully grown men message me and say I was an inspiration. It was overwhelming."
He added: "I've been saying thank you to everyone who's supported me a lot because without them I would be in a very dark place... in such a dark place."
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In his first interview since leaving the Majorca villa, Jacques told The Sun last month bosses knew of his mental health struggles with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Jacques — who previously dated ex-England footballer Michael Owen’s daughter Gemma — admitted bosses were concerned before the show.
He didn’t expect it to be such an issue after he stopped taking Ritalin for it seven years ago, having been diagnosed aged nine.
His family exposed his diagnosis while he was in the villa after fans called him out for his "rude and disrespectful behaviour".
Jacques continued: ";I was so angry with my mum for putting that out.
"I was so ready to delete it. I kept saying 'why did you put that out? You've made it look like an excuse for my behaviour'.
"It's not about ADHD even though we do struggle a lot differently to people without ADHD."
Doctor Hilary Jones said: "Jacques is right, ADHD isn't an excuse, but social interaction for someone with ADHD is very tough. Relationships can be affected by what you do and how you react."
Jacques was left heartbroken as his partner Paige Thorne, 24, got close to bombshell Adam Collard, 26, despite telling her he'd wait for her on the outside.
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