First Love Island star axed after brutal twist as fans say she was 'robbed'
Love Island viewers were sent into a frenzy during Tuesday night's instalment, as one Islander was given the boot after just 24 hours in the sun-soaked villa
Love Island launched its recent series with a shocking early exit, courtesy of a surprising new twist.
The beloved matchmaking show made an explosive return to television on Monday (June 9), welcoming a fresh collective of 12 hopeful singles into the villa. Nonetheless, presenter Maya Jama didn't hesitate to introduce some plot twists, even during the inaugural episode.
In a surprising turn, Monday's viewers were caught off-balance by the announcement that one Islander would face elimination from the reality program tonight (June 10).
Bombshell entrant Toni made a dramatic debut in the closing moments of the first instalment, quickly laying claim to one of the male contestants. American-born Toni set her eyes on Ben, prising him away from his initial pairing with Shakira Khan.
Following this, Shakira received the stark notification that she had precisely 24 hours to secure a new partner or risk being ejected from the competition on Tuesday evening's broadcast.
Tuesday brought drama as Shakira, 22, leapt into action in pursuit of another coupling, sparking intrigue and envy amongst her fellow competitors. However, jealousy among the girls quickly began to emerge, reports OK!
Megan was urged to "claim your man" after seeing Tommy engaged in conversation with Shakira, prompting Megan's admission: "I think I need to lipse him." Choosing to confess her feelings, Megan told Tommy: "That made me a little bit jealous", before the pair shared their first kiss.
Later in the evening, host Maya informed the islanders that their time for decision-making had come as she announced: "I gave you 24 hours to find a connection with one of the other boys or risk being dumped from the Island tonight, but have you done enough?".
She continued: "Boys, do you wanna play it safe and stick with your current partner or take the risk and recouple with Shakira?".
Maya then urged those who felt a stronger bond with Shakira over their present pairs to step forward. Blu, Connor, and Harry were the ones who rose.
Acknowledging the "difficult decision" at hand, Shakira seemed torn before eventually settling on Harry, which led to Sophie's immediate exit from the show.
Subsequently, fans were quick to flock to social media to express their thoughts. Over on X, one fan said: "Sophie baby you were never gonna find your husband here and that okay."
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Another wrote: "I didn't expect it to be Sophie." A third penned: "Dumped after 24 hours is a bit crazy."
A fourth added: "NOOO SOPHIE IS GONEEE **** THIS SEASON MAN."
Another said: "Not Sophie", alongside a sad face. One person commented: "Tbh I think Sophie too mature for this show."
One fan threatened: " Love Island producers if you DO NOT bring Sophie back PRONTO for her fair chance. I am gonna storm your offices. I mean it"
Others say she was "robbed" as suggestions were made to "bring her back" later in the series.
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Love Island returns tomorrow night on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm