Love Island UK Contestant Dropped from Lineup Hours Before Premiere
In a shocking turn of events, contestant Kyla Ashman has been removed from the lineup for the upcoming season of Love Island UK, just hours before the show’s premiere. According to a statement from ITV, Ashman will not be entering the villa due to "personal reasons".
The news comes after Deadline confirmed that the cast for the summer 2025 series had been revealed, with Ashman listed as one of the Islanders set to enter the reality dating show hosted by Maya Jama. However, it appears that an incident from Ashman’s past has forced producers to axe his appearance.
"For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned," ITV said in a statement to Deadline. The broadcaster did not elaborate on the nature of these personal reasons, but Deadline has confirmed that none of the Islanders has yet entered the villa in Mallorca, and that Ashman’s departure will not affect the game.
According to multiple reports, Ashman was involved in a machete attack incident. The Sun reported that the Love Island hopeful had been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the attack, which allegedly took place in February. In a statement, Ashman denies any involvement, saying "I fully cooperated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. I am not a violent person, and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation."
The Sun further reported that the incident involved "masked thugs storming a wake in Stafford and hacking at a dad" who "nearly lost his arm". Additionally, another person was glassed, another one was struck with a metal pole, and two people were run over by a car. Ashman, a 23-year-old water operative from Stafford, was one of two suspects questioned about the incident.
It appears that ITV was unaware of the incident until The Sun flagged it, and the decision was made to part ways with Ashman. The show’s producers have not commented on whether they will be taking any further action in light of this incident.
Love Island UK Season 12 is set to premiere in the UK at 9 p.m. on Monday, June 9, on ITV2, and in the U.S. on Thursday, June 12, via Hulu. The show’s host, Maya Jama, has promised an "explosive" season, with a new batch of contestants vying for love and the cash prize.
This latest development has sparked a fresh controversy for the hit reality show, which has faced criticism in the past for its handling of contestants with questionable pasts. As the show’s premiere approaches, fans will be keeping a close eye on the remaining contestants and the drama that is sure to unfold.
Source: Deadline – Kyla Ashman Dumped From Love Island UK Villa Hours Before Season 12 Premiere
