"Chatting a little bit"— Love Island All Stars' Grace Jackson addresses Marcus Rashford rumors

Love Island All Stars contestant Grace Jackson has clarified her connection with Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford during a candid villa conversation in the January 22, 2025, episode. Reports of their potential romance first emerged in November 2024, leading to widespread media coverage and social media speculation.

After entering the villa as a bombshell alongside Ron Hall, Grace discussed the matter with fellow islanders Olivia Hawkins and Catherine Agbaje. The 26-year-old reality star, who previously appeared on Love Island series 11, delivered her first public statement on the situation. Grace explained:

"We weren't dating but we were chatting a little bit."

She added:

"But it's difficult because like he can't go out and go on a normal date... all of his United fans were like commenting thousands of comments on my pictures. They loved me, because when the article came out he scored two goals and he hadn't scored for like ages, so they were like, 'You fixed him! Thank you so much. You're our Queen'. And then it kind of like drifted."

Her revelation comes as she explores a new connection with Luca Bish in the All Stars villa.

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Love Island All Stars' Grace Jackson became Manchester United fans' queen after Rashford scored two goals

As per Capital FM, Grace Jackson and Marcus Rashford were spotted together in the Cheshire area in November 2024. This public attention came shortly after Grace's appearance on Love Island series 11, where viewers saw her relationship with Joey Essex unfold on screen.

Local photographers captured images of both Grace and Rashford at popular social spots around Manchester. As speculations intensified, a spokesperson close to the footballer told The Daily Mail in December 2024 that there was no relationship between Rashford and the Love Island star. In January 2025, Grace entered Love Island All Stars, where she addressed the matter herself.

The Love Island All Stars contestant’s link to Rashford's circle extends beyond their recent interactions. During her villa conversation, she revealed a long-standing connection to the footballer's family, specifically mentioning her acquaintance with his brother since she was 17.

The Manchester entertainment scene, where both Grace and Rashford's paths frequently crossed, served as the backdrop for their initial interactions. Grace's established presence in these social circles preceded the media attention surrounding their connection.

Fan interaction peaked notably when Rashford scored two goals after a dry spell, leading supporters to credit the Love Island All Stars contestant with improving his performance. United fans dubbed her "their Queen" in social media comments, suggesting she brought good fortune to their star player.

The situation was resolved without any formal ending. The Love Island All Stars contestant explained to Olivia and Catherine in the villa that things simply "drifted" as media coverage increased. The heightened public attention altered the casual nature of their connection, leading to a gradual fade rather than a defined conclusion.

Rashford's brother played a key role during the media coverage period. Grace mentioned his reassurance about the speculation.

"Nah don't worry about it, he knows it's not you," she said, quoting him.

This family connection provided context for how both parties handled the public interest in their association.

Currently, Grace has moved forward in her reality TV career by entering Love Island All Stars in January 2025. After arriving as a bombshell alongside Ron Hall, she chose to couple up with Luca Bish. Conversations about her past with Rashford emerged during her early days in the All Stars series, offering viewers her first direct comments on the matter.

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Love Island All Stars season 2 episode 14 is set to air on January 26, 2025.