As the latest pair of influencers, Manrika and Andy were in control of the next player that was going to be blocked from The Circle. Andy stated 'let's crack on because this is gonna be tough' with Manrika adding 'I don't know where Andy's head is at, but I don't want to leave here until we're on the same page'. After discussing each of the players in turn, Andy admitted that Syed is a hero with Manrika stating that she's made it quite obvious she didn't want to see Felix going anywhere. They both discussed that Vithun's low rating surprised both of them and Andy stated that he liked Dorothy but wasn't sure if she was actually who she says she is. Manrika seemed to be in agreement with the doubts about Dorothy, and admitted that she wanted to be 'completely honest and open with Andy, but I'm gonna have to lie'. She explained that Gemma would often only want to talk about players in a negative way, adding that 'she needs to go, it's her time'. She explained that her and Andy seemed to have question marks about Dorothy, Gemma and Vithun, so it was one of those players that were going to be the next to be blocked from the game. Syed stated 'I hope you kept Gemma in!' and it was over to Manrika to reveal who had been blocked next.
She explained in The Circle chat that although 'both of us built a relationship with this player, question marks and doubts tend to arise' and she added that she 'personally tried really hard with this player' but that she had heard bad things from many avenues. They decided to block GEMMA from the game, with Gemma stating 'you don't know who to believe on here...I do feel like I've played it as well as I could'. Manrika said that 'I've done what I needed to do' and it was over to Gemma to go and visit one of the other remaining players. She said that maybe she would go and see Dorothy, admitted that Vithun seemed the most genine, she was in a girly pals chat with Manrika which seemed to have been fake and added that Syed had stuck by him through thick and thin...Gemma a.k.a James decided to go and see Manrika, and as soon as he walked through the door, she said 'I f*cking knew it!'. Gemma admitted that she didn't want to come into the game as herself because people of a certain age know who she is in the real world, and James explained that he wanted to experience the challenge, and come in as a female. Manrika stated that she understood that he did what he had to do, but didn't seem very happy that he had pretended to be an NHS nurse. He admitted to Manrika that he told Andy about him not being Gemma, as Andy asked him 'are you a catfish'. Manrika said that if Gemma was to come and see her, she would tell her everything, and admitted to the snake picture, adding that 'every relationship I've got in here, apart from with you, is genuine' and James stated that he thought he was in a solid girl gang with Manrika and Tally. Manrika admitted that she had a difficult past where she was a bad girl and James said 'and now you're drawing people as snakes?' to which Manrika added that it was part of her gameplan. She admitted that the way Gemma came across was very fake, and that everything she had said and thought was genuine, and she also didn't feel bad because Gemma was a catfish...although she did admit that he was fit!
After the recent blocking, Vithun admitted that 'today was very dramatic' with Andy adding that he knew the right decision was made. Manrika also said that everyone loved Gemma because she was an NHS hero...but she did something right for The Circle. Vithun was quite shocked that he stayed over somebody that had been an influencer before and Syed was shocked that 2 of his closest allies had made the decision that they did. Before the reveal, Andy said 'are you Gemma or ar you James?...strap in gang!' and after James's video was played, Andy admitted that Gemma had revealed to him her revelation of being a catfish, but didn't want to share the news sooner as he just didn't know what to believe anymore. Manrika commented on the video James shared, by saying 'he might be a gladiator, but I'm a b*tch' with Syed shocked as to how Femi knew about the show...especially as he's an immigrant from Nigeria.
Syed started a private chat with Dorothy where they discussed the recent blocking, and Syed explained that if he was to go near Dorothy, he would hit him with his sheesh kebab, and Dorothy added 'he won't get to my Nan bread'. After a bit more of a flirty discussion, Syed admitted his thoughts about Femi knowing about 'Gladiators' with Dorothy also seeming quite confused too, but also started a new conversation to suggest that they should both show Vithun a bit more love as neither of them seem to have a bond with him at the moment. Vithun wanted to solidify his chat with his circle siblings, so invited Andy and Manrika to 'The Circle Siblings' chat, with Andy stating that he and Manrika both like him, but he's been very quiet recently, and Manrika adding that she wanted Vithun to do this for ages! Vithun explained that he had been struggling to make relationships with other players in The Circle, especially when there's people coming and going, with Andy admitting that he believed Vithun, but added that you won't get through this if you keep your head down'. Vithun explained that although he's found it difficult to make conversations with people, he admits that he's been able to open up especially in the anonymous games which he has also found particularly challenging...with Manrika instantly thinking that it was Vithun who commented about her and Felix's relationship moving too fast. Vithun stated that he trusted both Manrika and Andy a lot more than some of the other players and admitted to writing the message, saying 'yes, it was me'. Manrika said that she would never say a bad word about him and was quite disappointed that he didn't admit it earlier. She did appreciate his heartfelt apology, and although it could have caused a really big problem between her and Felix, Manrika said she was happy to start fresh, but she would also be careful moving forwards...
Manrika and Felix had both been selected to attend an eveing for 2 in the hangout, and it allowed them to try and connect a little more away from the other players...but before we were able to see them in 'virtual action', Vithun decided to invite Syed to a private chat as he was 'probably somebody that rated me high in the past...but his interests have gone on to other people'. Syed's initial response to being invited to the private chat was Syed saying 'where were you all this time Vithun?'. Syed admitted that in this chat he has to be fake, but it's part of the plan...especially as Syed wants Vithun to be blocked at the next available opportunity. Vithun tried to make a relatable bond between the two of them by speaking about him mum fleeing the war in Sri Lanka and explaining that she had a similar experience of being able to start a new life. Syed was wondering 'is he as nice as he makes out he is?', adding that he wasn't sure if there was information that Vithun was after, or whether he just wanted to have a genuine conversation, adding 'I don't know whether I should trust him?'.
To end the 13th Episode, we saw Manrika and Felix's first romantic date in The Circle. Manrika stated that 'usually when I speak to a boy, I get bored within a day or two' and after Felix asked them to roleplay, she said to imagine that they were in a bar, with really nice music and somewhere with a view...but no need if you're sitting across from me, and she explained that she was counting down the days that she would be able to see him in person. Manrika added that 'he's really good, I'm starting to think this is a girl', and Felix said that 'I'm counting down the days where I'm going to be terrified to meet you...'. Felix said 'I promise action man will always do the best for you' adding that Manrika's flirty message was quite hard to read, as she meant it for Felix, not for me. Manrika explained that she didn't seem to have good luck when it came to men, and Felix stated that he 'grew up in a house of integrity, and I'd never screw a woman over' with Manrika replying with 'thank you for showing me there are good guys out there...tonight has been everything I've expected and more...cheers to many more' with Felix almost holding his head in his hands...and he knew that he wasn't real, but had to continue going on with the act...for now!
Comments