Love Island fans have voiced their outrage after 2026 finalists Angelista Gunda and Simba Kudyiwa were reportedly left off the official guest list for this year's National Television Awards (NTAs), despite being one of the most popular couples of the series. According to reports from The Sun's Flic Cross, the pair were not invited by ITV because Love Island was not nominated for an award at this year's ceremony. Traditionally, when the ITV2 dating show receives an NTA nomination, finalists are automatically invited to attend the event.

Instead, this year's official guest list reportedly included fellow Islanders Jasmine Muller and Kavan Murphy, winners Julia Majchrzak and Lorenzo Alessi, former couple Priya Jaswal and Aidan O'Hara, as well as Yasmin Hadlow, Ellie Chadwick and Finley. Angelista and Simba, who finished third in the series finale, were notably absent from the invitation list, alongside Tommy Stagg following his recent split from Yasmin.

The omission quickly sparked backlash online, with many viewers questioning why finalists were overlooked while other contestants received invitations.

One Resident wrote on the TSB Instagram account: "This is weird… ALWAYS invites the finalists to the NTAs but chose to not invite them??? Meanwhile I'm seeing the likes of Priya/Aidan invited and weren't even finalists!!!"

Another added: "Absolutely no reason for Aidan and Priya to be there over Angie and Simba who are finalists."

The controversy intensified as fans pointed out that Angelista and Simba were among the season's most talked-about contestants and had made it all the way to the final. The couple finished behind winners Julia and Lorenzo and runners-up Jasmine and Kavan in the public vote.

Social media users were particularly frustrated given the pair's popularity since leaving the villa. Angelista and Simba have remained one of the few couples from the season still together, continuing to attract strong support from viewers.

Some fans also questioned whether there were deeper reasons behind the snub. One comment under our post read: "It's all about race! It's been about that from the jump."

However, no evidence has emerged to support those claims, and reports suggest the decision was linked to Love Island's absence from this year's NTA nominations rather than the contestants themselves.

Despite not receiving official invitations, Angelista and Simba still attended the star-studded event through a brand partnership. Fans were delighted to see the pair walk the red carpet regardless, with photographs from the evening showing them appearing together at the ceremony.

For many fans, the fact that Angelista and Simba ultimately attended the NTAs did little to soften what they see as one of the biggest reality TV snubs of the year.

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