Full Breakdown
Gabriel Garland Removed from Love Island Amid Stabbing Allegations
6/29/2026, 1:39:11 PM
Core Event: Removal During Casa Amor Twist
Gabriel Garland, a 24-year-old model from London, was removed from ITV2’s dating series *Love Island* after producers learned of a past incident involving a stabbing. Garland entered the villa as one of six “Casa Amor” bombshells on 28 June 2026, a twist designed to test existing couples. Within days, ITV announced that he had left the villa and would not return.
Background: Casa Amor and Vetting Procedures
The Casa Amor segment introduces new contestants to challenge the loyalty of current Islanders. ITV routinely conducts Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on participants. Because Garland was never convicted, the standard check did not flag the 2019 incident. The matter surfaced after fans highlighted a comment on the show’s social-media posts, prompting ITV to review the allegation.
Key Figures & Legal Context
- Gabriel Garland – contestant, model, 24 years old.
- ITV – broadcaster and producer of *Love Island*.
- The Sun – tabloid that first reported the alleged involvement.
- Vitor Mazzer – convicted of two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent for a New Year’s Eve 2019 stabbing.
- Two victims – named in court filings as the individuals stabbed by Mazzer; Garland was reported to have had an altercation with them prior to the attack.
Court documents cite Garland’s presence during the altercation but record no conviction against him.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 24; Height: 6 ft 1 in; Occupation: model.
- Incident year: 2019; Charges against Mazzer: two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent.
- No criminal conviction recorded for Garland; routine DBS check returned clear.
- No replacement bombshell was introduced after his removal.
Official Statements & Responses
An ITV spokesperson confirmed Garland’s departure, noting that he would appear in the episode introducing the Casa Amor entrants but would not continue in the series. The broadcaster emphasized that the decision followed the emergence of the allegation and that the contestant would not return.
Criticism & Opposition
Viewers who identified the issue in the comments criticized the show’s vetting process, arguing that the incident should have been uncovered earlier. *The Sun* and subsequent public scrutiny placed pressure on ITV to act swiftly.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the legal status of Garland’s involvement. *The Sun* described him as “involved in a stabbing,” while court filings only note an altercation with the victims and record no conviction. ITV’s DBS check did not reveal the allegation, leaving a gap in the pre-screening procedure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “An ITV spokesperson has said: "Gabriel has now left the villa and will not be returning.” — ITV spokesperson
- “intelligence, emotional maturity, someone who’s confident but humble” — Gabriel Garland
What’s Next
Garland will remain absent from future episodes, and the series will continue with the remaining Casa Amor participants. ITV has indicated that it will review its background-check protocols to prevent similar oversights in upcoming seasons.
