Love Island UK Shocker: Rugby Star Conor Philips Joins After Surprise Exit!

Love Island UK Season 12 is set to begin, and there’s already buzz surrounding the show.

The cast announcement for the upcoming season of the popular ITV2 show took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that Kyle Ashman would not be joining the show due to his connection with a violent incident involving a machete.

Just one day after Ashman was removed from the lineup, ITV announced his replacement: Conor Philips, an Irish rugby player.

At 25 years old and hailing from Limerick, Philips shared in his interview that he’s on the lookout for “someone who is really confident, ambitious, proactive, and fun. I’m attracted to dark eyes and appreciate a woman who takes charge.”

Philips described his biggest turn-off as “someone overly clingy, or someone who feels the need to do everything together. I value independence in a partner; it’s important that we both have our own lives and then enjoy our time together.”

Beyond his athletic skills, Philips also boasts musical talents, noting, “I love to sing, especially Mario’s ‘Let Me Love You.’ I’ve performed in front of large crowds before. It’s a rugby tradition to sing on the bus after your first game — and it’s always a hit!”

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Initially, Ashman was to be one of the 12 Islanders heading to the villa in Mallorca. However, his participation was cut short after ITV learned he had been questioned earlier this year about a severe incident in Stafford, his hometown. Ashman has denied any involvement, stating to Deadline, “I cooperated fully with the police and made it clear I was not involved in this incident. I am not a violent person, and any claims to the contrary are false.”

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Love Island UK Season 12 kicks off on Monday, June 9, at 9 p.m. on ITV2, with streaming available on ITVX in the UK. Fans in the U.S. can catch the premiere on Hulu starting Thursday, June 12.