Kyle Ashman, much anticipated entrant into the opulent confines of Love Island U.K.'s villa, has surprisingly withdrawn from the reality dating saga mere days ahead of its highly anticipated Season 12 debut. In a twist that left fans reeling, the dating series revealed on June 3, via a statement acquired by Deadline, that the 23-year-old would not be joining the fellow hopefuls seeking romance in the sun-soaked shores of Mallorca, Spain, despite being earlier unveiled as part of the summer 2025 lineup. "Due to personal reasons," ITV elucidated, "Kyle will not be stepping into the Love Island Villa as originally planned."
Earlier this year, Ashman found himself entangled in a controversy when he was among two individuals arrested on suspicion of participating in a machete attack at a wake in Stafford, England, according to The Sun. However, a spokesperson for Staffordshire Police clarified to the publication that both suspects involved in the February incident were released without charge after interrogation.
In response to the allegations, Ashman vehemently denied any involvement and stood firm in his innocence. "I fully cooperated with the police investigation and made it abundantly clear that I had no part in this incident," he assured Deadline. "I am not a violent person, and any implication to the contrary is a gross misrepresentation."
While the ramifications of Ashman's exit on the show's casting dynamics remain uncertain, ITV had previously unveiled 11 other singles poised to make waves on the summer series, set to make its U.S. debut on June 12 on Hulu.
Elsewhere, Love Island USA is gearing up for a fresh season of love, premiering on June 3 on Peacock. Host Ariana Madix, aware of the challenges contestants face, stressed in an interview published by USA Today on June 3, "It's no mean feat to put yourself out there in the dating arena, let alone in a dating environment where the entire world is watching." The Vanderpump Rules alum lauded the contestants' bravery, adding, "I always hope they have a blast too."
