'Love Island USA': Follow Cincinnati native Jeff Christian Jr.'s progress on season 4

Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for season 4 of "Love Island USA."

Another week has passed in the "Love Island USA" villa, which means new arrivals, recouplings, challenges and dreaded dumpings. Of course, we can't forget about the journey of Greater Cincinnati native Jeff Christian Jr., who joined season 4 of the Peacock original series during episode 9. 

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Remember, Christian entered the villa as one of the show’s surprise “bombshell” islanders, alongside Bryce Fins, after Tyler Radziszewski was dumped from the island.

It's not easy keeping track of the show's many twists and turns with new episodes premiering Tuesday-Sunday at 9 p.m. ET.

In case you have missed an episode or two, we have you covered.

Continue below for a recap of Christian's journey thus far on season 4 of "Love Island USA."

Jeff Christian Jr. enters the 'Love Island USA' villa

Christian entered the villa as one of the show’s surprise “bombshell” islanders, alongside Bryce Fins, after Tyler Radziszewski was dumped from the island.

In episode 9, Christian said the guys in the villa should be intimidated because he was coming in to take their girl.

“I wanna find my one and only. The guys in the villa should be intimidated by me because I’m coming in to take to their girl,” Jeff said.

Christian couples up with Zeta Morrison

Though Zeta Morrison, a 29-year-old babysitter and model from Suri, England, had the chance to pair up with Timmy Pandolfi, a 29-year-old personal trainer and real estate agent from New York City, she chose Christian instead.

Her reasoning? Morrison said she believed she needed "to put myself first at all times."

Morrison and Pandolfi were originally coupled up during episode 1 and have had a developing romantic relationship ever since.

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She said her choice to recouple with Christian was because she wanted to avoid watching Pandolfi flirt with islander Bria Bryant, a 24-year-old personal shopper from Clifton, New Jersey, whom he was coupled up with at the time.

Ultimately, Morrison chose to pause her new connection with Christian to pursue her relationship with Pandolfi.

Christian and Bryant explore a romantic connection

In the wake of Morrison and Pandolfi's unofficial recoupling, it seemed Christian and Bryant wanted to explore a romantic relationship of their own.

In episode 13, Bryant said it only made sense for her and Christian to get to know one another since there was an instant attraction when they met. Unfortunately, host Sara Hyland made a surprise visit to the villa (which is never a good sign). She told the islanders that viewers had been voting for their favorite couple, putting the bottom two couples at risk of elimination.

Can you guess which Islanders were dumped? Hint: The answer is Bryant, and Andy Voyen, a 23-year-old realtor from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Two new bombshells enter the 'Love Island' villa

After Bryant's departure, Christian was once again left single and vulnerable.

That was until the arrival of three new bombshells: Katherine Gibson, a 21-year-old content creator from Manassas, Virginia; Nadjha Day, a 22-year-old college student who currently resides in Jefferson, Georgia but is originally from Barranquilla, Colombia; and Jared Hassim, a professional photographer, graphic designer, artist and cashier from Los Angeles, California.

Christian received a text the day after the two-person dumping, informing him of a date with Day in which he had to cook dinner for the new islander.

Viewers could sense a connection between Christian and Day from their first encounter. During their date, Christian expressed an attraction to Day, and he had an interest in pursuing a romantic relationship with her. He also discussed his upbringing and even name-dropped his hometown (that Cincinnati pride is strong).

Christian recouples with Day

In a dramatic recoupling that sent Sereniti Springs, a 28-year-old bartender from Clovis, California, home, Christian chose to recouple with Day, stating, "There's a spark there. I'm just waiting to ignite it."

Initially, it seemed Christian and Day were a good match. However, Day has since expressed interest in pursuing islander Isaiah Campbell, a 21-year-old waiter from Sioux Falls, North Dakota. He is currently coupled with Syndey Paight, a 22-year-old operations manager from Houston, Texas.

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In episode 16, Christian noticed Day's interest in Campbell and questioned whether he should take her seriously as a potential romantic partner.

After seeking advice from two fellow islanders, Christian pulled Day for a chat. During their conversation, he addressed his concerns, and Day admitted to having cheated in a past relationship.

It seemed the couple was potentially back on track, but later a teary-eyed Day told Morrison about her feelings for Campbell and that she finds it hard to pursue him with all the watchful eyes in the villa.

In response to the turn of events, Christian said, "He's not going to protect her like I could."

Day pulled Christian for another chat to discuss the issue, in which Christian made it clear he wants Day to himself but does not want to force the situation.

Viewers vote for their two favorite islanders

In episode 18, it was revealed to the islanders that the viewers had been voting for their favorite girl and favorite boy, putting the bottom eight individuals at risk of elimination.

Luckily, the public kept our hometown hero safe.

Christian and the other safe boys were responsible for deciding which female islander to dump from the villa. But in a surprise turn of events, Mady McLanahan, a 26-year-old social media manager from Canadian, Texas, volunteered to go home, saving the other female islanders.

The return of Casa Amor

In episode 19, Hassim received a text that the boys would be heading to the infamous Casa Amor to meet six new single girls. While the boys enjoy their lad's holiday, the girls will also get to know six new boys at the main villa.

Of the 12 new islanders, Gabriella “Gabby” Kiszka, a 23-year-old pharmaceutical sales rep from Westwood, New Jersey, expressed interest in the Queen City native.

Although Christian has not yet reciprocated Kiszka's interest, he has stated that he likes her energy. Christian has expressed interest in three other Casa Amor girls: Tigerlily Cooley, a 24-year-old CEO from Seattle, Washington; Avery Grooms, a 24-year-old restaurant host from Fresno, California; and Phoebe Siegel, a 21-year-old college student from Bedford Hills, New York.

Christian, who said he likes Siegel, also hit it off with Grooms during their first chat. He told producers that Grooms is a fierce girl, precisely what he's looking for.

Christian has his eyes on a new Casa Amor arrival

Although Christian initially had his eye on three Casa Amor arrivals, it seems Cooley has captured the young islander's attention.

Christian said that while Cooley is a great girl, he's focused on Day and it would take a lot for him to turn his head, despite the fact that Day is more interested in Campbell.

That was until the Islanders received a text that they would compete in a challenge called "Shaken and Stirred." The objective of the game was to see which group made four classic cocktails the quickest, passing the ingredients from mouth to mouth.

The villa won the challenge. Congrats?

Of course, this made Christian wonder how close Day is getting to the new boys.

Did this challenge cause Christian to turn his head? We can't know for sure. But what we do know is that Christian was seen kissing Cooley later that night.

It's okay, though, because Day was also seen kissing newcomer Tre Watson, a 24-year-old youth football coach from Corona, California.

All's fair in love and war, right?

Casa Amor continues

Not many new developments with Christian's storyline since his lip lock with Cooley. However, the Cincinnati native has been spotted encouraging another Islander to turn his head.

Campbell, who's currently coupled with Paight, is torn between his loyalty to the original islander and his budding attraction to Siegel. This leads him to seek the advice of Christian and Hassim, who then asked Campbell what he would do if Siegel was in the main villa and Paight was in Casa Amor. From his comments, it seems Christian may be Team Siegel.

"I think she deserves a chance, bro," Christian said about Siegel.

But, according to Christian, Campbell is in trouble regardless of who he chooses.

Later in episode 20, Campbell was seen kissing Siegel. Christian, on the other hand, was seen sleeping alone. What happened to Cooley?

Back in the main villa, Day seems interested in another new arrival, Nic Birchall, a 22-year-old real estate agent from Caracas, Venezuela. The two islanders bonded over their shared Latinx background and mutual attraction. Day and Birchall also shared a bed and several kisses.

Day said that her and Christian's relationship was taking a turning point before Casa Amor, but she feels more of a spark with Birchall.

"He's the first guy that I think I've actually been, like really into from the jump," she said.

What about Watson and Campbell?

We need answers!

Day recouples with Birchall, and Christian remains single

"Love Island" fandom, Casa Amor has come to an end.

During episode 22, the islanders had the choice to remain loyal to their current partners or recouple with one of the 12 new singles. Unfortunately, Day chose to recouple with Birchall, leaving Christian single and vulnerable.

Prior to the dramatic recoupling, Christian told Campbell and the other guys that he was committed to Day. He said he came on the show to find "the one" and thinks his connection with Day might be exactly what he's been looking for.

"Honestly, I'm missing Nadjha right now. Truly bro, I really just want to get to know her more and like, eventually, take her home to momma," Christian said.

The two islanders are clearly not on the same page, because Day chose to recouple with Birchall stating, "I kind of just had to like go with what I thought was best for myself and the connection that I thought I could see progressing."

Of course, this decision shocked Christian, who opted to remain in a couple with Day. When asked about his feelings towards Day's decision, he said, "It is what it is. I'm good. Like, I know I'm Jeff, you feel me? I'm fine."

Day, clearly upset over hurting Christian, tried several times to give him an explanation, but he was not interested in hearing what she had to say. In fact, Christian told Day to "go get her new man," and leave him alone. According to Christian, he and Day have nothing to talk about.

Is this "Love Island" or "Total Drama Island?"

Christian rekindles his romance with Day

The fallout from the last recoupling left a few islanders rethinking their decisions.

In a dressing room scene during episode 23, Day told some of the women that she instantly felt regret when she saw Christian walk into the villa single which surprised her.

We also left off with Christian refusing to speak with Day, but it seems he has since changed his tune.

After telling the guys that he's done with Day, he later chatted with her on the daybeds. Day then explained her decision to Christian.

"Jeff, when I tell you, everyone thought you would for sure recouple with someone. I mean everyone. I was like, ... 'I'm gonna have to do what's best for me,'" Day said.

Day also told Christian that if she genuinely cared about Birchall, she would pursue things with him. However, earlier in episode 23, Day told Birchall that she would pursue her connection with the Cincinnati-native instead.

Day also accused Christian of just wanting to be mad at her out of spite. To which he responded with a kiss. Young love, am I right?

About his rekindling with Day, Christian said he will "be vulnerable about this" situation because he does "like the girl."

Of course, Christian and Day then had to make their reunion official.

During episode 25, the islanders received a text that the two single guys (Christian and Jesse Bray, a 27-year-old courier from Springfield, Ohio) would each choose a single girl in another recoupling.

Earlier, Birchall announced he was voluntarily leaving the villa, making Day single and vulnerable. But Christian quickly (and unsurprisingly) reunited with her saying, "What happened the other day? It just hurt more because I care about her; you feel me?"

Now that Day and Christian are back together, we have to decide on their couple name. I prefer Team Jadjha, but Team Neff is also a contender. What are your thoughts? Drop us a comment below.

Christian and Day's connection blossoms despite new arrival

The show returned with the arrival of new islander Joel Bierwert, a 27-year-old professional model from Northampton, Massachusetts. Bierwert initially had his eyes on Day, stating that she is exactly his type.

Although Day was flattered by Bierwert's attention, she quickly informed the new arrival that she is happy with the connection she has established with Christian. She said she would still be willing to get to know Bierwert, but who can compete with our hometown hero?

"I do have something with Jeff. Obviously, I have genuinely started developing feelings for him, but Joel is attractive, " Day said.

Bierwert said he hopes he can get Day to open up more.

However, Bierwert may have his eyes on some of the other women. During episode 26, the islanders competed in a challenge, and Bierwert showed interest in Siegel and Gabriella "Bella" Barbaro, a 22-year-old client specialist in ad sales from Long Island, New York.

And despite Bierwert's entrance into the villa, it still seems all is well between Christian and Day, as they chose to marry each other in the challenge's hypothetical scenario.

"I think this girl is a beautiful woman," Christian said in his fake proposal to Day, to which she replied, "Duh."

Do I hear wedding bells?

Hyland also made a surprise visit to the villa later in episode 26 and told the islanders that America had been voting for their favorite couple. The bottom two couples were then dumped from the villa. But don't worry, everyone. Jadjha is safe.

However, the same can not be said for Hassim, Chanse Corbi, a 21-year-old medical student from Los Angeles, California, Chazz Bryant, a 21-year-old student-athlete from Clifton, New Jersey, and Barbaro, who were each forced to pack their bags and head home.

Does this mean Bierwert will turn his attention back to Day?

The return of season 2 contestant Mackenzie Dipman

During episode 27, the guys welcomed new-ish arrival Mackenzie Dipman, a 25-year-old entrepreneur and reality star from Scottsdale, Arizona, while the girls were out of the villa on a retreat. The "Love Island USA" veteran had been a fan-favorite cast member on season 2 of the series, which aired in 2020.

It's not uncommon for former cast members to return to the show. "Love Island UK" brought back season 4's Adam Collard in season 8, which aired this summer.

But unfortunately for Team Jadjha, Dipman may have her eye on Christian.

"I always get the boys that I want," Dipman said to the men. Does Day need to watch out?

After the initial introductions, Dipman pulled Christian for a chat. According to the veteran islander, Christian's confidence, goofy personality and "kind eyes" drew her to the Queen City native.

Although Christian said it would be hard for him to turn his head, he is open to more chats with Dipman. Christian said he is still hurt by Day's actions after Casa Amor and hopes this will uncover her true feelings.

"I'm open to another conversation, just to talk to her. ... And I kinda want Nadjha to feel it, like, to test how she really feel about me," Christian said.

Christian's heart rate rises for Dipman

In episode 28, the islanders competed in a boys vs. girls challenge in which they attempted to raise each other's heart rates by doing risque dances. Of course, Jadjha got some hearts racing but apparently not each other's.

The girls went first in this challenge. Day came out in a red leather devil's costume and was determined to get Christian's attention. He seemed to enjoy it, saying, "She did her thing, A++. She the most beautiful girl I laid eyes on, bro."

When it was Christian's turn to impress, he came out sporting a fireman's costume, to which Day also complimented.

Despite their best efforts, Jadjha could not raise each other's heart rates the most. Instead, newcomer Dipman raised Christian's heart rate the most, and Campbell raised Day's.

Day pulled Christian for a chat after the challenge and asked him if he would be interested in getting to know Dipman. Christian said he's not fazed by the new islander and is 100% focused on Day.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that the opposite of what he told Dipman the day before?

Either way, it appears Christian is being truthful about his devotion to Day.

Later in episode 28, the islanders received a text that there will be another recoupling. This time is the boys’ turn to choose. The girl not chosen will be dumped from the villa.

Before the recoupling, Christian told some of the girls he is falling for Day. And the feeling is mutual, according to Morrison.

Jadjha hears what the public really thinks of their relationship

During a 1980s-themed "prom," Christian confessed he is falling in love with Day.

"I am falling for you, baby. I'm falling for you, for sure. For real, baby, you mean so much to me," Christian said.

Day admitted that she, too, is falling for Christian.

I know we're all glad to see Jadjha finally hit their stride. Blossoming love is such a beautiful thing to witness. Unfortunately, other viewers are skeptical of their love connection.

In episode 31, the islanders participated in a challenge in which they heard what viewers have been saying about them online. The islanders received shady tweets and had to guess which posts were about what co-stars.

The show featured one tweet that said,  "___ is faking it with ___. She is playing him for a fool." Although most of the islanders guessed Siegel and Bierwert, Jadjha guessed themselves, and they were right.

Yikes.

"We want to be wrong about this, but we said ourselves because, you know, my head did turn in Casa Amor," Day said.

While the results of this challenge were unfavorable, it seems everything is still smooth sailing for our favorite couple. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for day one couple Campbell and Paight.

During the challenge, a tweet revealed statements made by Campbell in Casa Amor in which he compared Paight's physical appearance to Siegel's. Paight was very upset by this comment and once again questioned her connection with Campbell.

Later in episode 31, Seigel and Day went for a chat to discuss the aftermath of the public's comments. Siegel said if anyone knows more about Campbell's comments, it’s Christian, who she states was a “huge cheerleader” for her in Casa Amor.

The pair then called Christian over to confront him about the issue, to which he stated, “He probably mentioned it to me.”

Uh oh, Christian, you may be verging into dangerous territory.

Jeff and Nadjha discuss life after the villa

In episode 32, Christian and Day chatted on the daybeds.

During their talk, Christian told Day he is heading back to Cincinnati immediately after his departure from the villa.

Of course, Jadjha is a fan-favorite couple this season and is not at risk of elimination any time soon. Still, Day seems concerned about maintaining their connection after the villa.

Day explained that it will be hard to return to their regular schedules after seeing one another every day in the villa. Christian and Day also admitted to having a mutual attachment.

"I just want to be in a relationship with you. ... I'm ready. I'm committed," Christian said to Day.

He also said he is ready to give Day his last name, the world and maybe even children one day.

I definitely hear wedding bells. There are some great venues in the Queen City.

Jadjha talks marriage and children

Campbell and Paight took a big step in their relationship, opting to become boyfriend and girlfriend. This led several coupled-up islanders to question the direction of their budding connections, and Jadjha was no exception.

During a chat on the terrace, Day asked Christian when he will ask her to be his girlfriend. Christian said he's been thinking about it but wants it to be the right moment.

He also admitted that his family and friends back home have never seen this side of him. Christian hinted at being a player in the past but says all he wants now is Day.

"I know it is kinda early. ... I know you're going to be a great mother one day. I see that. I see our kids running to us in bed," Christian said.

This sentiment elicited a teary-eyed response from Day, and who can blame her? The man is trying to wife you up, girl!

Later in episode 33, Jadjha is seen chatting again about the recent challenge and their relationship. In this conversation, Day and Christian both admitted that they struggle with communication, with Christian stating, "We suck."

The couple also discussed their dream wedding plans. Day said she wants to get married in Italy, but Christian seemed skeptical of a destination wedding. He said it would be hard to have a lot of family in attendance, but he would make it happen for her.

Christian also said that before coming on the reality television series, he never wanted to get married but has since changed his ways.

Obviously, Christian is a smooth talker, this being one of the many reasons Day has fallen for the islander, but even she has to wonder, is it too good to be true?

"I think Jeff talks a big game, but Jeff is 100% a softy," Day said.

Christian and Day welcome a new addition to their growing family

The countdown to the "Love Island USA" finale has begun!

With the last episode of the season airing Sunday, Aug. 28, viewers will soon have the opportunity to vote for their favorite couple in hopes they win the coveted $100,000 prize. But before we find out who the top four couples are, the islanders were put through one final test.

In episode 34, the islanders awoke to screaming mechanical babies. That's right; the baby challenge returned.

For their final test, each couple received a mechanical baby and was tasked with feeding, comforting and changing its diaper. They all then later received a text telling them who the best and worst parents were.

In previous episodes, Christian stated that Day would be a good mother, and he was correct because Team Jadjha received a passing score.

"What a beautiful family we have," Christian said.

Later in episode 34, Christian and Day were rewarded for passing their final test. Out of the five remaining couples, they were chosen to spend the night in the hideaway. This was their first trip to the mysterious love room.

The couple said they were excited to spend alone time together, deepen their connection and "go to sleep."

Will this night of romance solidify their relationship? Do they have what it takes to make it to the live finale?

Tune in to Peacock TV Friday at 9 p.m. ET and find out!

How to watch 'Love Island USA'

"Love Island USA" season 4 is streaming exclusively on Peacock TV, with new episodes premiering at 9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Saturday episodes titled "Unseen Bits" also give viewers the opportunity to see exclusive bonus footage from the previous week.

If you're a subscriber, all you need to do is log in to watch the drama unfold. Not a subscriber? Then you will need to purchase a subscription, which starts at $4.99 a month and is ad-supported.

Other seasons of "Love Island USA" are available on Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

The Enquirer will continue updating this post daily after each new episode. Check back here to follow Christian's progress on "Love Island USA."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How is Jeff Christian Jr. doing on 'Love Island USA'? We have a recap