Gabby Allen thinks waiting to have sex with her boyfriend Marcel Somerville until they left the 'Love Island' villa has "stood them in good stead" for a strong relationship.

The 25-year-old fitness trainer refused to get frisky with her beau while inside the abode over the summer and, although their lack of intimacy raised eyebrows and caused fans to doubt the authenticity of their relationship, she believes they're actually stronger now because of it and they have so much trust between them.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at the 'National Lottery Awards' in London last night (18.09.17), Gabby said: "When I met him it was just so simple. I've never felt like that with someone before. You have an attraction and some form of chemistry or whatever. And then you have to work at it with them.

"But with him, it was this calm, easy going thing and the fact that we took it at the pace that we did. Now I'm so glad we did that because I think it stood us in good stead now, because we have really good communication. If I'm worried about anything he knows straight away and its squashed. And I trust him more than I've ever trusted anyone."

And, although the show has resulted in love for her, Gabby still finds her new-found fame overwhelming because people stop her and ask for photographs all the time.

She explained: "This morning I went to Sainsbury's and I looked awful, absolutely awful, and I was with my mum. And the guy behind the counter goes, 'I've got a story to tell you.' I was like, 'Go on?' and he said 'The other day you wore my girlfriend's jewellery, can I take a picture with you?' and I was like 'ohhh, no way, I look horrendous, I'll come back.' Everyone is so nice most of the time."

'The National Lottery Awards 2017' - the annual search for the UK's favourite Lottery funded projects - will be broadcast on Wednesday 27th September at 10.45pm on BBC1. To find out more visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk