A former contestant from the hit ITV reality show Love Island has been arrested on suspicion of a series of serious offences, including sexual assault and coercive behaviour.
Arrest and Allegations
The man, who is in his 20s and has not been publicly named, was arrested at London's Gatwick Airport on Thursday, 27 November. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest was part of an investigation launched twelve days earlier, on Saturday, 15 November. The suspect was questioned on suspicion of sexual assault, stalking, criminal damage, and assault.
He has since been released on bail pending further police enquiries. Officers have offered specialist support to a woman in connection with the case. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred in late 2025.
ITV's Reaction and Show's Troubled History
A source close to the production told The Sun that the allegations are "incredibly serious" and represent another major headache for ITV. The broadcaster has faced significant scrutiny over the welfare of participants following past tragedies linked to the show.
"The network bosses will make sure they keep this guy away from the show, and any links to ITV, if any of this is proven," the source stated, adding that police are treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
This arrest adds to a long list of difficulties that have shadowed the popular dating programme. The news broke shortly after ITV was forced to delay the launch of Love Island: All Stars in January 2026 due to wildfires near the South African filming location.
Duty of Care in the Spotlight
The show's history has been marred by the tragic deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, as well as former host Caroline Flack. These events sparked a widespread debate about the level of aftercare and mental health support provided to people thrust into the public eye by reality TV.
In response, ITV implemented enhanced duty of care protocols for all islanders, covering the period before, during, and after their appearance on the show. Some former contestants, including Amy Hart from season five and Tasha Ghouri from season eight, have publicly acknowledged improvements in the support system and efforts to combat online trolling.
However, this latest police investigation into a former star underscores the ongoing challenges and serious real-world consequences that can follow fame from the villa.
If you have been affected by the issues in this story, support is available. You can contact Rape Crisis England & Wales on 0808 802 9999. For emotional support, the Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.
