Former Love Island contestant Lochan Nowacki has revealed he spent Sunday in hospital after suffering a potentially serious foot injury. The 27-year-old, who finished as runner-up in season 10 of the hit ITV2 show, took to his Instagram Stories to share the worrying health update with his 212,000 followers.
A Painful Start to the New Year
Nowacki posted a photo showing his left foot, marked with a large red area, elevated on a pile of pillows. He captioned the image: "Great way to start year. Think I’ve ruptured [my] Achilles praying I haven’t." He later shared a selfie from a hospital waiting room, confirming he had been rushed to A&E. The picture featured his mother, Kulminder, sticking her tongue out playfully as they waited for treatment.
According to NHS guidance, an Achilles rupture often involves a sudden pain in the heel or calf, sometimes accompanied by a snapping sound. The health service states patients frequently describe the sensation as being hit or shot in the back of the leg, and walking becomes difficult. A full recovery from such an injury can take 12 months or longer.
Injury Casts Shadow on Positive 2026 Start
The suspected injury represents a significant setback for Nowacki, who had been enjoying a positive start to 2026. He recently soft-launched a new relationship with Too Hot To Handle star Brianna Balram. The pair celebrated her 28th birthday with a trip to Paris, where Nowacki commented on her social media post, "Happy birthday, baby!! Blessed to be spending this day with you."
This new romance follows his highly publicised split from his Love Island co-star and former partner, Whitney Adebayo, in April 2025. Their breakup turned acrimonious, with Adebayo making allegations against Nowacki, which he has strongly denied. Nowacki suggested in September 2025 that he is taking legal action against Adebayo, a claim she has since disputed when speaking to The Mirror.
Recovery Road Ahead
As of the latest updates, Nowacki has not shared further details on his diagnosis or prognosis. His followers and fans are now awaiting news on the severity of the injury and the lengthy rehabilitation process he may face. The incident highlights the physical risks that can follow reality TV stars long after their time in the villa, as they navigate life in the public eye.
The timing is particularly unfortunate given his recent personal happiness. The coming weeks will likely involve medical assessments to confirm whether the Achilles tendon is indeed ruptured, dictating the course of treatment which could involve surgery and extensive physiotherapy.
