Love Island star Kyle Ashman has been sensationally removed from the show after producers uncovered his previous arrest in connection to a machete attack. The 23-year-old was sent home from Majorca ahead of Monday’s launch, sending shockwaves through the production team and fans alike.

Ashman was reportedly one of two men arrested in February after a violent attack at a wake in Stafford. Masked assailants stormed the event and left a 38-year-old man with severe injuries, nearly severing his arm. The victim spent two weeks in hospital undergoing emergency treatment.

Though Ashman was released with no further action, ITV sources claim the incident did not appear during standard background checks. Producers were said to be blindsided by the revelation and made the immediate decision to remove him from the cast.

The shock exit has thrown this season’s launch into disarray, with last-minute edits and schedule reshuffles now underway.

ITV has not officially commented on the matter, but insiders say the broadcaster is taking the incident "extremely seriously" in light of ongoing scrutiny around contestant vetting processes.

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