Love Island’s Kyle Ashman has broken his silence, after being axed from the 2025 show ahead of its 9th June launch.
ITV bosses sent him home from Mallorca on Tuesday 3rd June after it was revealed that he was arrested on suspicion of a machete attack.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster shared a statement confirming that the 23-year-old water operative would no longer be a contestant on the 12th season.
"For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned," the statement read.
Ashman, 23, has now responded to the recent news, saying: "I fully cooperated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation."
The Sun reported that masked thugs stormed a wake in Stafford and attacked a dad with a bade back in February. The victim, aged 38, nearly lost his arm and spent two weeks in hospital.
Another attendee was glassed, one struck with a metal pole, and two people were run over by a car during the 15 minute brawl.
Ashman, who lives in the same town where the incident took place, was one of two arrested and questioned for the attack, however, was released with no further action.
"This was a horrific attack which could have been even worse," a source told The Sun.
"Ashman may have signed up to one of the biggest shows on TV with this hanging over his head.”
According to an insider, ITV were unaware of the incident and this was not raised as part of the contestant checks.
Kyle was announced as part of the cast line-up on Tuesday morning, alongside 11 other Islanders, including former fire performer Sophie Lee and personal trailer Dejon.
Asked what he's looking for in a woman, Ashman said ahead of the show: "Someone that’s fun, confident and just themselves."
Love Island starts on ITV2 on Monday 9th June at 9pm.
