Former Love Island contestant Sherif Lanre will not take part in the forthcoming reunion episode following his removal from the show nine days in.
The 20-year-old was one of the original Islanders to walk into the villa when series five premiered on June 3, but was axed soon after “for breaking the rules”.
After days of speculation, it later emerged that he was kicked out for kicking fellow contestant Molly-Mae Hague in the groin, and joked it was a “c*** punt”.
An ITV representative confirmed to Standard Online: “Sherif left this series of Love Island by mutual agreement after breaking the rules and there are no plans for him to appear at this weekend’s Aftersun Reunion.”
A source close to Sherif told The Sun: “Sherif is gutted. He was really looking forward to having the chance to reunite with the other Islanders who became his friends during the villa.
“It’s hard to fathom why they wouldn’t want him as he was so popular during his short stint on the show. He made a mistake and apologised, so why he is still be punished is hard to fathom.”
A spokesperson for the Londoner told the publication: “It would have been nice for Sherif to see his friends at the reunion; it’s a shame ITV feel this strongly against him attending.”
At the time of his exit from the villa, Sherif released a statement: "In a case of poor judgement, I broke the villa rules and as a result agreed with the producers that it was best for me to leave the villa."
"I regret that I didn’t conduct myself in the right way and, as a 20-year-old guy, it’s something I know I will take on board and learn from."
Amber Gill and Greg O'Shea were announced the winners of Love Island's fifth series on Monday after winning the public vote.
Tommy Fury and Hague came in second place, with Ovie Soko and India Reynolds ranking third and Curtis Pritchard and Maura Higgins finishing in fourth place.
Love Island will return at the start of 2020 for a new series filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, ITV confirmed earlier this month.
Love Island’s Aftersun Reunion episode airs this Sunday on ITV2 at 9 pm.
