LOVE Island has revealed Kyle Ashman’s replacement after the hunk was axed over a machete attack arrest.
Kyle, 23, was sent packing from Majorca just days ahead of the series launch after it emerged he’d been quizzed by cops over a violent attack that took place in February.
He was released without charge and maintains his innocence.
Tonight, the show revealed professional rugby player Conor Phillips, 25, will take his place in the starting line-up.
The Irishman said he’s looking for “someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don’t mind a dominant woman.”
When it comes to turn offs, he says: “Being too needy, or needing to do everything together. I like someone to be independent and do their own thing and then we come together and do our thing.”
In his official announcement pic, Conor is flanked by beauties Helena Ford and Megan Clarke.
Earlier today, Kyle broke his silence on his exit and said: “I fully co-operated 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 mischaracterisation.”
Masked thugs stormed a wake in Stafford and hacked at a dad with a blade in February.
Kyle was one of two quizzed but released with no further action.
In a video uploaded to Instagram tonight, the aspiring reality star revealed he’s still hopeful of having a future on the show.
Speaking from inside a house, he said: “I’m not a bad guy, honestly. I’m a normal guy from a normal place. An opportunity arose to find love and I grabbed it with both hands, and it’s been taken away from me.
“I’ve seen the support pages and, who knows, maybe I’ll get the chance to go on Casa Amor or as a bombshell, go back in and show you who I really am. Show you I’m not a bad guy. We’ll see.”
Love Island returns Monday 9th June at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX
