Love in the Flesh S01E06 - Episode 6

After a dramatic night, numbers are seriously dwindling. Now, only six couples remain – four have already built up a connection online and the other two met here in the beach house - but which of them have a genuine connection that can last in the outside? Time is running out to decide.

Today's task is all about communication and one couple already struggling in that respect are Niki and Christos. Despite building a strong bond over three months of face-timing, they've had a bumpy week with Niki seeking more attention and affection than Christos has been showing her and Christos growing increasingly frustrated at what he sees as Niki just creating problems where none exist. An evening chat to try to clear the air after arguing earlier in the day leaves them both wondering if the relationship can work beyond the beach house.

After a night in the Lovers' Suite, Kwame and Jess are more relaxed together than any of their time together in the beach house. Things are looking up also for new couple Dan and Ana whose attraction to each other has grown deeper after spending their first night in the Couples' Suite. The question is this relationship all about lust or is there the potential for something deeper?

Caz and Lauren are also growing closer each day and when Caz shows his considerate side by making her a special breakfast, Lauren is impressed.

Shazelle and Chibz, who spent two years face-timing before meeting in person, are getting along perfectly after a slow start from Shazelle.

Front runners for the strongest bond, Millie and Shelby play agony aunt to Christos who confesses that he feels that Niki just picks and chooses when she wants to have an issue with him. Niki confides in Caz and Kwame that Christos confuses her; they advise Niki to talk to these skills in abundance. At a beautiful lake location, the challenge is for each couple to construct a raft from wood and rope and race to the Lovers' Buoy. Whoever gets there first will receive a romantic surprise reward.

But just as the task is about to begin, Lauren has a panic attack brought on by a past trauma. After taking time out and receiving support from Caz, she decides to carry on with the challenge. Lauren sees a whole new side to Caz that makes her feel safe and protected and, through this upsetting incident, their bond grows even stronger. She's so relaxed in his company she throws herself into the raft challenge and is truly able to really enjoy it.

Chibz and Shazelle cement their growing bond as they work in rhythm to get their raft built. Jess and Kwame enjoy figuring it out together; Millie takes charge and calms a jittery Shelby to pull them through, but Ana gets frustrated that Dan is easily distracted and takes his eye off the ball.

With the rafts made, the twist is that one of each pair has to row blindfolded whilst they navigate to the buoy. Millie pretends the others are gaining on them to motivate Shelby to row faster and Dan takes a risky decision to swim behind the raft and push Ana along despite the rules stating that both must be on board. His cheating is noticed and they're sent back to the start leaving Ana furious that he ignored the plan they'd made, choosing to do his own thing. It's the first bump in their relationship but can they get through it, or will it tear them apart?

After working exceptionally well as a team, Millie and Shelby reach the buoy first and win the keys to the Lovers' Suite proving that they are one of the strongest couples in the beach house. It's also a positive experience for Niki and Christos who, despite struggling to communicate so far, also work well together and genuinely enjoy each other's company away from the beach house. Maybe it's the upturn they've been looking for…

Back at the beach house, Dan is worried that his cheating in the task has upset Ana so much that he'll be spending the night on his own, while Chibz opens up about how his vitiligo has affected his confidence in the past but overcoming it is one of his proudest achievements. He tells the group he's now embarking on a modelling career.

Christos and Niki are more confused than ever about their relationship which felt rocky but has warmed up after a day on the water. Christos decides now is the time to steal a kiss but is it too little too late?

After a day of the cold shoulder, Ana confronts Dan about his cheating during the race and her worries that he just does what he wants but it seems upsetting Ana has really made Dan think seriously about how actions have consequences.

At the evening's status update Zara asks all the couples if they want to stay connected or disconnect.