Love Island finalist Simba Kudyiwa has revealed the touching story behind one of the most talked-about phrases of the summer, explaining that his viral "smiled bares" comment was inspired by his mother's battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Simba and Angelista Gunda experienced one of the most dramatic journeys in the villa, overcoming heartbreak and trust issues after Simba's actions during Casa Amor left their relationship hanging by a thread.

One of the defining moments in their romance came during an emotional firepit speech, when Simba read a heartfelt letter to Angelista in an attempt to rebuild their connection. In the letter, he reflected on conversations he had shared with his family before entering the villa and recalled telling his mother about Angelista's profession.

"My mum asked me what you do for work, and I said you're a nurse," Simba said during the speech. "She smiled bares."

The phrase quickly caught the attention of viewers, with many Love Island fans adopting it online and describing it as one of the standout catchphrases of the series.

However, Simba has now explained that the comment carried a much deeper meaning than audiences realised.

Speaking to Capital alongside Angelista, Simba revealed that important context surrounding the phrase was discussed in the villa but was never shown on screen.

"I care for my mum, she's got Motor Neurone Disease which is obviously a neurological illness," he explained. "So she can't speak, so when I said she 'smiled bares' that's her form of communication."

Simba went on to explain how his mother communicates through an eye-gaze device, which allows her to express herself using eye movements.

"So she's written, 'oh, what does she [Angelista] do for work?'," he said. "I said, 'ah she's a nurse' and boom, she started smiling bares."

"That is why I said she 'smiled bares'. But I don't think it was really shown in the show in terms of me looking after my mum and her condition."

Angelista revealed that caring for others became an important part of their connection throughout their time in the villa.

"We had so many conversations about how we care for people," she said.

Simba also thanked Angelista for encouraging him to discuss the meaning behind the phrase publicly.

"Shout out Angie, because I did say I wanted to address this one time," he said.

Despite the emotional backstory, Simba said he has enjoyed watching the phrase take on a life of its own among Love Island viewers.

"I love it! I want people to keep saying it," he said. "My mum is saying it all the time."

Angelista added that Simba's mother has embraced the attention surrounding the now-viral saying.

"I've even seen a picture of her and she was smiling so hard," she said.

The TSB Residents were also touched by the story, but some blamed producers for not including it in the final edit. One Resident wrote on our Instagram page, "The way that show spins stories is mad because knowing that about Simba would have made his entire journey/story different, especially his speech to Angie." Another added, "Them producers did Simba and Angie SO WRONG , they deserved to win imo!" A third commented, "Soooo we all roasted him for saying that not knowing his mum is non-verbal? I feel bad now. Producers count your days."