Former Love Island contestant Adam Maxted has launched a scathing critique of the popular ITV2 dating show, labelling it 'inauthentic' and questioning its core premise. The 33-year-old professional wrestler, who appeared in the 2016 series and the 2024 All Stars edition, argued that if the programme was genuinely about finding lasting romance, there would be no need for a substantial cash reward.
Brutal Honesty and Villa Regrets
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Maxted reflected on his two stints in the villa. He finished in fourth place with Katie Salmon in 2016 and was dumped early alongside Arabella Chi in the latest All Stars series. He believes his frank opinions about the show's format cost him a longer run in the 2024 season. 'I was a little bit judgmental of the All Stars set up,' he admitted, following a meeting with producers.
Maxted feels the show has changed dramatically since his first experience. 'I feel like Love Island isn't as authentic as when I did it for the first time,' he stated, pointing out that modern contestants often move in the same social circles and attend the same events. '[They] are all in same circles... I'm like "why now all of a sudden you're on TV would [a relationship between you] work?"'
Brand Building Over Love?
The wrestler suggested that contestants are now primarily focused on personal brand development and fame. 'Everyone is now very focused on brand development and getting your name out there,' he said, clarifying he wasn't criticising that ambition but highlighting a shift in motivation. 'I do think people will now go on there, especially like an All Stars because they know how this works.'
Ahead of his appearance at Butlin's Maximum Pro Wrestling event, Maxted expressed concern about the show's impact on younger audiences. He argued that the constant arrival of new 'bombshells' teaches viewers that partners are disposable. 'I think the younger generation, watching this, pick up on that,' he said. 'They might think "Oh you've got a great connection with someone, but something better might be around the corner."'
He summed up his core argument bluntly: 'If this was all about true love there wouldn't be £50K up for grabs, because you don't need money if you've met an amazing person.'
Post-Villa Reality and New Ventures
Demonstrating his own post-show emotional maturity, Maxted confessed he never developed genuine feelings for either Katie Salmon or Arabella Chi, despite dating them briefly after leaving the villa. His split from Arabella occurred just five weeks after their return, without the pair meeting up even once. He is now focused on his wrestling career and will be a special celebrity guest at Butlin's new Maximum Pro Wrestling events alongside stars like Peter Andre and Chris Hughes.
The events, offering high-flying action for the championship belt, will run on selected school breaks through 2026, with the first event scheduled for the February half-term. Holidays for a family of four start from £200, with the wrestling shows included in the price.
Daily Mail has contacted ITV for comment.
