Kyle Ashman Exits Love Island UK Days Before Season Premiere

STAFFORD, England — Kyle Ashman has been removed from the upcoming season of Love Island UK just days before its premiere, following his connection to a machete incident earlier this year.

The 23-year-old water operative was confirmed as a contestant for the summer series, but ITV announced on June 3 that he would not be entering the villa. “For personal reasons,” the statement read.

Ashman was reportedly one of two individuals arrested in connection with a February 28 machete attack at a wake in Stafford, where a 38-year-old man suffered severe injuries. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with three masked attackers using weapons during the incident.

According to Staffordshire Police, both Ashman and another suspect were released without charge after questioning. “A 22-year-old man, from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of wounding and affray,” the police stated in a June 4 report. The circumstances of the incident had not been flagged to ITV during contestant checks.

Ashman has denied any involvement in the attack, stating, “I fully cooperated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident.” He added that he is not a violent person and that any suggestion otherwise is inaccurate.

The departure of Ashman raises questions about the impact on the season’s casting. However, other contestants, including eleven singles, have been announced to join the show in Mallorca, Spain. It is set to debut in the U.S. on June 12 on Hulu.

In a related development, Conor Phillips, a 25-year-old rugby player from Limerick, has been announced as Ashman’s replacement. Phillips expressed readiness to find a partner who is confident and ambitious.

Love Island UK will air its new season from June 9 on ITV2 and ITVX.