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5th June 2025
12:14pm BST
Love Island has confirmed that Irish rugby player Conor Philips is set to enter the villa.
The 25-year-old rugby player is from Limerick, hoping to find an ambitious go-getter who is “sure of themselves” and loves good craic.
“I like someone to be independent and do their own thing, and then we come together and do our thing," Conor said.
Conor Philips is not the only Irish person entering the villa, as he joins Dublin-born panto star Megan Forte Clarke, announced a few days ago.
The ITV show released a statement saying:
“For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.”
Earlier this year, the 23-year-old was one of two people reportedly arrested on suspicion of being involved in a machete attack at a wake in Stafford, England, as per The Sun.
A spokesperson for the Staffordshire Police told The Sun that both suspects were released after questioning and no further action was taken.
Following the report, Ashman denied any involvement in the incident.
Speaking to Deadline, he said:
“I fully cooperated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident.
“I am not a violent person, and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterization.”
Ashford recently posted to Instagram, saying he's sure people have seen the news.
"Just wanted to share my side. I’m innocent. There was no further action," he wrote.
“I’m not a bad guy. Honestly, I’m not a bad guy. I’m a normal guy from a normal place.”
"An opportunity arose to find love. I grabbed it with both hands, and it’s been taken away from me."
Love Island returns Monday 9th June at 9 pm on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Play
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