Love Island's Greg O'Shea left the villa on Monday to attend the funeral of his nan.
The 24-year-old professional rugby player from Limerick was flown out to the ceremony for one day.
His family have praised the ITV2 show's bosses for understanding and respecting their wishes.
His dad Niall O'Shea told Limerick Live 95: "Greg is a very good family man and his mother wanted to make sure he was there because himself and his Nan got on well."
In a statement they told how Greg's beloved nan Monica Ho: "passed away peacefully on 19th July 2019, in the care of Talbot Lodge Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family."
A representative for Love Island told the Mirror: "Owing to a bereavement, at the wishes of his family, Greg was away from the villa for a day to attend a funeral.
"Everyone at Love Island extends their sympathies to Greg and his family and we have since welcomed him back to the villa."
Greg is currently coupled up with Amber Gill after she chose him over Liverpool firefighter Micheal Griffiths on Sunday night.
*Love Island is on ITV2, evenings from 9pm
