Love Island star Ellie’s handbag theory has finally been solved as ITV viewers debate 'Bag-gate'

The latest season of Love Island hit our screens last week (1 June) and, since then, fans have been treated to a whole load of viral moments, romantic drama and some very bizarre online theories.

One of the most talked-about contestants this year is 24-year-old Ellie Chadwick, whose handbags have been a major talking point on social media.

Ellie entered the villa as an OG, coupling up with Aidan Murphy before being dumped by bombshells Yasmin Hadlow and George Knight.

However, Ellie and fellow dumpee, Samraj Toor, were soon told their time in the villa was far from over as they were brought back in a dramatic twist.

Amid all the chaos, Love Island viewers were quick to notice that the reality TV star always seems to have a handbag with her.

Specifically, a small cream Prada shoulder bag and a Prada basket bag with red accents.

After seeing clip after clip of Ellie and her beloved handbags, TV lovers rushed online to share their thoughts on what has since been dubbed 'Bag-gate'.

Some reckon the handbags might be used to carry medical equipment, such as an inhaler or an EpiPen, but this has reportedly been debunked by her friend, or possibly make-up for the occasional lip combo top-up.

"Ellie's bag being the star of the show," penned one TikTok user. "Couldn’t concentrate on anything else."

A second chimed in: "She said y'all gonna see this Prada."

"I’ve seen that bag more than Sam and Angelista," joked a third as a fourth piped up: "Ellie and her bags are actually so funny but iconic at the same time, like I know a diva when I see one."

"She’s just organised!" maintained someone else.

Another quipped: "She's going to win the show, it's in the bag."

The 'Bag-gate' mystery seems to have since been solved with one Love Island fan explaining that the luxury designer accessories advertise eBay's pre-loved items.

For anyone not in the know, the second-hand online retailer is the official pre-loved fashion partner of Love Island.

"Ok, so I know people are coming up with so many theories about Ellie's bags. But it's not that deep... the hint is in the adverts 'Ebay' - 'Pre-loved' items..." the fan explained. "Ellie is just going into 'marketing' overdrive lol.

"Can we please get on with the actual drama and not the bag. Can't believe I've had to post this..."

Meanwhile, former Love Island star Demi Jones has also chimed in on the debate.

"Ellie carrying a bag on Love Island has me crying, but I’m so living for it. I’m telling you now that bag is probably empty minus her lip combo just sprawling about in the bag as she walks around. That bag is empty minus a lip liner, lip gloss and a lipstick," Demi, who appeared in season six of the ITV show, said in a TikTok video.

"In the villa, you physically cannot take your lip combo around with you and you need to constantly top up. Think how much chatting you’re doing, kissing, drinking, whatever, and you can’t top up. There are no pockets on your dresses, you physically can’t walk around the villa holding it. So, what do you do? Ellie has a solution."

Tyla has reached out to ITV for comment.