Love Island UK Contestant Leaves Show, Citing Family Reasons

“Love Island UK” Season 13 contestant George Knight has exited the series only days after the premiere, saying he is leaving to be with his family. Knight, 28, shared the news on Instagram, writing that “family comes first” and that he chose to leave the villa for private reasons. He thanked fans for their supportive messages but said he would not discuss further details out of respect for his family.

A spokesperson for the show confirmed the departure, saying that George had left the “Love Island” villa for private reasons. His exit comes shortly after the new season began airing on June 1 and featured 14 contestants at launch. Knight entered the villa on Day 2 as a bombshell alongside fellow newcomer Yasmin Hadlow.

The cast of Season 13 includes Yasmin Hadlow, Aidan Murphy, Angelista Gunda, Ellie Chadwick, Jasmine Müller, Lola Deal, Lorenzo Alessi, Mica Harris, Ope Sowande, Robyn Langton, Sam Workman, Samraj Toor and Seán Fitzgerald, along with Knight and Hadlow. The early departure changes the dynamics of the season just after the opening episodes.

Knight’s exit comes as “Love Island USA” is also drawing attention this week. That series faced controversy before its premiere after contestant Vasana Montgomery was removed from the show over past videos in which she used a racial slur. Montgomery later apologized on Instagram, saying there was no excuse for the language and that she was deeply sorry.

“Love Island UK” airs in the United Kingdom before arriving on Hulu and Disney+ in the U.S., where new episodes become available three days later.