Love Island's Joe Garratt said he has spoken to Lucie Donlan's parents amid claims he was "controlling" of her in the villa.
The 22-year-old was hit with claims he was "possessive and controlling" of the blonde-haired beauty, while he was coupled up with her.
More than 300 complaints were made to TV watchdog Ofcom relating to how Lucie was treated by other islanders on the show, which is hosted by Caroline Flack.
Joe, who was her partner before being voted out this week, left her in tears after telling her to stay away from other boys on the programme.
However he appeared on Love Island Aftersun tonight to set the record straight on the claims of his "controlling behaviour".
Caroline Flack asked the catering company owner if it had been hard to see some of the criticism of him after coming out the villa.
He said: "It hasn't been easy and to think I have been perceived in that way is heartbreaking and not nice to see,
"But with the way the show is, if I had been that way I would have been kicked out.
"I wasn't like that at all and I always had had her best intentions at heart.
"If I was controlling I would have asked her to come with me [when I left]."
Caroline asked whether the long-haired hunk did worry about Lucie's relationship with boxer Tommy Fury.
He said: "You forget it is a gameshow.
"We [Lucie] just got on so well and then to see someone cracking on.
"I kind of knew it was coming but when I kind of sussed out that they were just friends, I wasn't so worried after that.
"I got on so well with Tommy with his cheese, mayo and ketchup sandwiches.
"But in there it is such an intense environment and you have people coming up to you all the time like 'are you okay with this?'
"And then you think you are and then you let people get into your head and everyone has an opinion.
"They do get in your head in the end."
Joe said on the outside he had spoken to Lucie's parents who he said had been lovely to him and have even asked whether he can get back in to the villa to be with their daughter.
He said: "I have had messages with Lucie's family back and forth and had a phone call with her parents.
"They are such nice people, you can see where Lucie gets it from.
"I will be waiting for her on the outside."
*Love Island returns weekdays on ITV at 9pm*
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