LOVE Island has AXED its first islander just hours into the new series – and they have already left the villa.
A brutal twist that will play out over the coming nights will see one hopeful sent packing in an unexpected early dumping.
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It comes hot on the heels of Joey Essex’s arrival as a shock celebrity bombshell.
A villa source exclusively told The Sun: “The islanders were all in shock when it happened. They thought Joey coming in was the only twist.
“Nobody was expecting a dumping to happen so soon. The dumped star was gutted they hardly got to spend any time in the villa and feels like they’ve been cheated of the whole experience.
“There were tears around the firepit. The islanders haven’t known each other long but this has sent them reeling.
“It shows that bosses aren’t messing around this series and they need to expect the unexpected.”
Maya Jama welcomed the first 12 contestants into the Mallorca villa on Monday night’s show, coupling up the stars based on their ‘boyfriend/girlfriend material’ ranking.
She then threw the cat amongst the pigeons with a late night arrival in the shape of The Only Way Is Essex’s Joey, who entered the show as the first bombshell.
The twist comes after fans were warned to ‘expect the unexpected’ for this year’s series, with bosses coming up with multiple plans to keep the islanders on their toes.
As well as changing up how the initial coupling ups take place, the Hideaway will also be permanently open – this time for people who aren’t coupled up to spend some time together.
While it’s only been a day in the villa, couples seem like they’re already beginning to form connections
Ayo Odukoya and Mimii Ngulube seemed to have an immediate connection and have already taken some time to chat and flirt – even though they were coupled up with other people.
Elsewhere, Ronnie Vint has proven to be a hit with two of the girls, and has been seen having flirty banter with both of them.
He’s currently coupled up with Jess White, though Samantha Kenny has made it known she’s got her eye on him too.
In a move that caused fans to brand him a “walking red flag” he was seen playfully pulling them both in for hugs and kissing them on their head.
Joey – who shot to fame on The Only Way Is Essex in 2011 – has opened up about his decision to make Love Island history.
Love Island 2024 couples
On launch night the Islanders were immediately ‘coupled up’.
The couples so far include:
Singles:
Speaking exclusively to The Sun ahead of his debut, he said: “I just want someone to like me for me and now from what they see on TV.
“This is exactly why I’m going into the villa because you’re disconnected from the rest of the world and can focus on what actually matters on a far deeper level.”
Since finding fame at 21 on Towie, Joey, now 33, has appeared on everything from I’m A Celebrity to Dancing On Ice and is now worth £8million through savvy property investments.
Bosses were keen to keep Joey’s entrance a surprise from everyone to make sure his inclusion in the series was a shock.
“Keeping the celebrity bombshell secret has been a military operation and bosses cannot wait for viewers to see who is waiting to strut through the villa doors,” sources said ahead of the shock entrance.
Follow our live coverage of Love Island which continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
Love Island line-up 2024
Love Island is back on the box with a brand new batch of sexy islanders all looking for love this summer.
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