Everyone was stunned when Love Islander Niall quit suddenly yesterday – and there has been much speculation about the reason why.
A representative for the ITV2 show confirmed that he had departed the programme yesterday afternoon for undisclosed “personal reasons”.
Now The Sun is reporting that he left because of health reasons.
Their source said: “Duty of care is the most important consideration on shows like this and as soon as he felt unwell, ITV would have had a discussion with him about leaving.
“The decision they took would have been taken between all parties with Niall’s health being the only consideration.”
ED has spoken to an ITV rep who has confirmed they will not be commenting further other than yesterday’s statement: “Niall has left the villa for personal reasons and won’t be returning to the show.”
Niall’s exit was addressed on Tuesday night’s episode.
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Viewers saw Dr Alex George share the sad news with the other islanders, telling them: “For personal reasons unfortunately he can’t continue or come back to the villa.”
Alex added: “I’m obviously sad that Niall’s left the villa. We got on really, really well. He’s such a great guy. And I look forward to catching up with him and having some fun with him outside.”
Niall, 23, a student and construction worker from Coventry, had been paired with Georgia Steel at the last recoupling.
Reacting to Niall’s exit, she said: “Obviously I was coupled up with him so obviously I came closer to him than most people in here but it wasn’t just that. He was actually my friend, my buddy.”
Niall was one of this year’s original islanders; he coupled up with Kendall Rae-Knight at the first coupling before Adam Collard arrived and stole her away.
A single Niall then coupled with newcomer Georgia after a sizzling first date.
On the most recent episode, Niall was seen enjoying a date with newcomer Megan Barton-Hanson, who asked him out, while Georgia went on a date with fellow newbie Charlie Frederick.
Niall had said before entering the villa his biggest fear was being dumped first, saying: “My biggest worry is being the first one voted out. I’ve also got a worry that I’m going to get pied constantly.”
He added: “The best way to my heart is being open and upfront. And just being happy and bubbly. My ideal date would be going to see animals at a safari park. That’s perfect – giraffes, elephants and a fit girl.”
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“[I want] someone who takes themselves seriously and can’t have a laugh. Girls these days think you’re trying to chat them up even when you’re not. You might just ask the time and they’ll say ‘Sorry I’m not interested.’”
Love Island airs 9pm on ITV2.
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