Former Love Island contestant Adam Maxted has questioned the authenticity of the show after his recent exit from the All Stars spin-off. The 31-year-old professional wrestler, who originally appeared on the second series in 2016, was voted out on Sunday night alongside Arabella Chi, finishing in sixth place.
In an exit interview with host Maya Jama, Maxted suggested that the reasons given for their elimination were 'cop outs'. He said: 'It seems like we've been judged on the time that we had and not how strong our connection is.' The couple had been coupled up for just over a week.
Despite the setback, Maxted expressed optimism about his relationship with Chi outside the villa. 'We just need to spend time together on the outside and just keep growing and getting to know each other,' he said. 'We know that there's something there and a connection so it's just about going at a good pace.'
Maxted's friend Dominic Civale, a talent relations head for Ultimate Pro Wrestling, defended the reality star's character. 'He's got a heart of gold, he'll always do things for you and it's nice to see that he's not being portrayed as anything else but himself,' Civale told BBC News NI.
Maxted first appeared on Love Island in 2016, finishing in fourth place with Katie Salmon. He later transitioned to professional wrestling, becoming a household name in the sport. His return to the villa in the All Stars series was kept secret from even his closest friends.
