The countdown to the new series of Love Island is officially underway, with the 12th season of the show airing on Monday. After weeks of speculation, the Love Island cast was officially revealed this week. However, one contestant has reportedly been dumped from the villa before the show has even begun.
Just one day after the cast announcement, it was revealed that Kyle Ashman had been axed from the show after he was arrested on suspicion of a machete attack before being released without charge.
A spokesperson for ITV shared the news, writing in a statement that Ashman would not be taking part in the 12th season of the show. 'For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned,' the statement read.
Kyle has also responded to the news himself. He said: '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.'
According to reports in The Sun, the incident took place in February when 'masked thugs stormed a wake in Stafford and hacked at a dad' who 'nearly lost his arm.' Additionally, someone else was glassed, one struck with a metal pole, and two people were run over by a car. Ashman was one of two suspects questioned about the incident.
'This was a horrific attack which could have been even worse,' a source told The Sun. 'Ashman may have signed up to one of the biggest shows on TV with this hanging over his head.'
According to insiders, ITV were unaware of the incident until the publication raised it, and it was not flagged as part of the contestant checks. Now, the decision has been made to part ways with Ashman.
Other confirmed contestants for series 12 of Love island include former fire breather Sophie Lee and personal trainer Aaron Buckett.
Who is Kyle Ashman?
Kyle Ashman is a 23-year-old water operative from Stafford, who was announced as a contestant on Love Island season 12. He said he had a pretty simple flirting style, and was looking for a fuss-free partner. 'I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there,' he said, adding that he's looking for someone who is 'fun, confident and just themselves.' However, Kyle Ashman will no longer appear on the show.