Love Island Replaces Contestant After Arrest, New Host Confirmed

The upcoming season of Love Island USA and the UK version have both undergone notable changes ahead of their launches. Maura Higgins, the former host of Love Island USA's Aftersun spin-off, has been replaced by Sophie Monk due to scheduling conflicts, though Higgins is expected to return in other capacities, possibly on The Traitors USA. Meanwhile, the UK version of Love Island is marking its 10th anniversary with significant format updates, including broadcasting more intimate moments and introducing surprise guests and exes to increase drama. Additionally, Kyle Ashman, originally cast as a singleton in the UK show, was removed days before the launch following an unrelated police investigation into a violent incident; he denies any involvement and ITV confirmed his departure for personal reasons, with plans to replace him. Furthermore, a new Love Island Aftersun host with a background from The X Factor, Ash Holme, has been introduced, bringing fresh energy to the show's hosting team. These developments reflect efforts by producers to refresh the franchise and maintain viewer interest amid previous stagnation and controversies.