Love Island contestants have expressed their affection for George Knight following his sudden departure from the show for undisclosed personal reasons. The reality star left the villa just days after entering as a bombshell.
Departure Announcement
ITV, the broadcaster of the show hosted by Maya Jama, confirmed on Thursday that Knight would be leaving the programme. He had joined alongside fellow bombshell Yasmin Hadlow. Bombshells are contestants introduced after the series has already begun.
In Sunday's episode, contestant Lorenzo Alessi informed the group: "George has left the villa for private reasons and won't be coming back." Fellow islander Robyn Langton responded: "George, we love you."
Knight's Time on the Show
During his brief stint, professional footballer Knight, 28, made a romantic advance on quantity surveyor Langton, 21, asking if she wanted to share a bed in the hideaway. Langton, who was coupled with electrician Samuel Workman, 25, described the move as "ballsy" and declined after consideration.
In an Instagram post on Friday, Knight explained: "Family comes first, always. Leaving the @LoveIsland villa was a decision made in order to be with my family. Out of respect for them, I'd prefer not to go into any further detail. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with kind messages and support! It genuinely means a lot."
Secret Mission
Prior to his exit, Knight and Hadlow were tasked with a secret mission to eliminate two other contestants within 24 hours.
An ITV spokesperson stated: "For private reasons, George has left the Love Island villa."
Love Island, revived in 2015 from the 2000s original, follows contestants living in isolation while coupling up to survive, with the winner decided by viewers. The show returns on ITV2 and ITVX on Sunday at 9pm.
