A Love Island newcomer has been removed from the Villa, reportedly after show bosses were alerted to his involvement in a past stabbing.
Gabriel Garland joined the show during its famously scandalous Casa Amor segment, but it’s said higher-ups only became aware of the situation once filming had commenced.
The 24-year-old model, who made his debut on day 23 of the current series, is named in court documents relating to Vitor Mazzer’s conviction, it’s been claimed.
Mazzer was 18 at the time and was found guilty of two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a party in Casewick Road, London, on New Year’s Eve in 2019.
Garland was reportedly at the party with Mazzer, as written in court filings obtained by The Sun.
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It’s also said that two victims had an altercation with Garland before Mazzer stabbed them.
Garland was not charged with any offences, and his mother, Joanne, gave a character statement for him in court.
In contrast, Mazzer was sentenced to three and a half years in jail. He appealed the conviction, but it was denied in April 2024.
When contacted for a comment, an ITV spokesperson simply told Metro: ‘Gabriel has now left the Villa and will not be returning.’
It is understood that the broadcaster will not be commenting further.
Garland will still feature in the next episode, and there are no plans for him to be replaced.
Ahead of his first appearance as one of six new boys, Garland revealed what he was looking for in a potential partner.
‘My type would be someone who has intelligence, emotional maturity, someone who’s confident but humble.
‘I also definitely have a soft spot for brunettes, dark features, and tanned. I’d say that’s my ideal type.’
Upon news of his short-lived Love Island stint making its way to social media, viewers have implored the show to ‘fix’ their background checks, especially as this is the second time this season that an Islander has left prematurely.
Mere days ago, contestant George Knight left Love Island, claiming he did so for ‘personal reasons’, citing a family member’s health issues.
However, while this is still understood to be true, it later emerged that he had also been asked to leave the programme due to using a slur.
A Love Island spokesperson initially confirmed: ‘For private reasons, George has left the Love Island villa.’
Then, a source added that the ‘duty of care for the Islanders is paramount, so at this stage, any further comment will come from George’.
‘Bosses and viewers alike had been loving his contribution.’
The 28-year-old professional footballer from Winchester later said his life had been a ‘whirlwind’ since he left the show, recalling how producers called him in for a chat.
‘I was expecting just to receive a usual question, like ask how I’m doing or what’s the plan for the day,’ he told The Sun.
‘And they just said that one of the producers on site was going to meet me at the front door and that they had some information for you, and the execs wanted to see you.
‘And I was thinking, “Oh God, what could this be about?” Once the execs put you in, you don’t see them again, really.’
He added that his ‘parents had been in touch’ and had some ‘news’ for him relating to a relative’s health.
‘And with what was said, I just felt like it was the right thing to come home.’
In the days after, conspiracy theories raged online among fans before it came to light that Knight had been scolded for ‘unacceptable language’.
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.