STAFFORD, UK — Love Island contestant Kyle Ashman, 23, has been removed from the show just days before its launch, after revelations surfaced linking him to a violent incident at a wake earlier this year.
Ashman, who works laying and repairing water pipes, was arrested in February alongside another man following a machete attack at The White Eagle Club in Stafford. The assault left a 38-year-old man with severe arm injuries, and multiple others hurt after masked men stormed the gathering with weapons including machetes and metal poles.
Although Ashman was later released with no further action, ITV reportedly had no knowledge of the arrest until they were tipped off by The Sun. The network pulled him from the villa in Majorca just ahead of Monday’s premiere, citing “personal reasons.”
A spokesperson for ITV said:
“For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.”
The February 28 brawl occurred during a wake for Stanley Reid, a well-respected local. Witnesses say three balaclava-wearing thugs attacked a man allegedly over a £3,000 debt, causing tendon damage that has left him unable to drive. Another mourner was glassed, one was beaten with a metal pole, and two were run over during the 15-minute rampage.
70 mourners, including elderly people and children, were present. Eyewitnesses described chaos and fear, with children being locked in a room for safety as the violence unfolded.
A source close to the event said:
“They knew who they were targeting. People were screaming. What should have been a peaceful farewell turned into something horrific.”
Although Ashman insists he’s not a violent person, the incident — regardless of his direct involvement — raised significant concerns for ITV executives. The show’s vetting process is now under scrutiny, as sources say the arrest was not flagged during background checks.
This development adds to growing concerns about violent incidents involving reality TV participants and how networks handle pre-show screening.
Ashman has not issued an official public statement following his exit.
