Love Island fans share shock as former contestant Adam Collard returns to the villa

(Image credit: ITV)

published 10 July 2022

History was made in the latest episode of Love Island 2022. As a dramatic recoupling was unfolding around the firepit—which saw the Islanders set to decide if Jay Younger and Chyna Mills or Dami Hope and Summer Botwe would be leaving the villa—viewers were handed a much bigger surprise.

As tonight's show drew to a close, it was announced that none other than former contestant Adam Collard would be returning to the show (want to catch up? Here's how to watch Love Island). The 26-year-old personal trainer from Newcastle starred in the 2018 series, and famously dated Zara McDermott in the outside world after they met on the Spanish island.

Moments after his return to the Love Island line-up was teased on screen, Adam confirmed his reappearance on Instagram (opens in new tab). Captioning a picture of himself standing topless in a pool, he wrote: "Guess who’s back." The post received more than 17,000 'likes' in less than an hour.

It seems the news was something that no one had expected—and not least Adam's fellow ex-Islanders. Commenting on his announcement, Samira Mighty—who also appeared in season four—wrote: "Nahhhhhhh Adam! Stop your too much ahahahah." Similarly, Ellie Brown, who likewise starred the same year, commented: "Naaaa I can’t with you!!!" And Francesca Allen, who was a contestant the following year, shared: "Stopppp."

A post shared by A D A M C O L L A R D (@adamcollard) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on

Those watching at home also shared their thoughts about the latest events of Love Island UK season 8 over on Twitter. One wrote: "ADAM? OMGGGG." Another exclaimed: "ADAM IS BACKKKKKKKK chaos in the villa I cannot BELIEVE THIS."

The general reaction, however, was a positive one, with viewers hoping Adam would come into the villa to shake things up. Particularly since many of those watching had been horrified by the attempts of Dami, Jacques O'Neill and Adam Le Page to get back respectively with Indiyah Polack, Paige Thorne and Tasha Ghouri after the events of Casa Amor. One joked: "These producers need a raise I swear." Another teased: "THE PRODUCERS ARE PRODUCING."

ADAM IS BACKKKKKKKK chaos in the villa I cannot BELIEVE THIS #loveislandJuly 10, 2022

ADAM? OMGGGG #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/85xeBhcicOJuly 10, 2022

these producers need a raise I swear 🤣🤣🤣 #LoveIslandJuly 10, 2022

THE PRODUCERS ARE PRODUCING #LoveIslandJuly 10, 2022

Right if Adam is back can we have a female bombshell from previous series? Maybe Maura 🙌🏼 cause she’s a legend! #LoveIslandJuly 10, 2022

There needs to be a girl that comes back from a previous season and we all know who it should be #loveisland pic.twitter.com/2ERdxhPJlLJuly 10, 2022

Many fans also suggested that, with Adam's return, a female ex-Islander should also be brought back in—and even gave suggestions as to whom. One person noted: "Right if Adam is back can we have a female bombshell from a previous series? Maybe Maura [Higgins] cause she’s a legend!" Sharing an image of Megan Barton-Hanson, another added: "There needs to be a girl that comes back from a previous season and we all know who it should be."

What chaos will Adam cause? You'll have to tune in tomorrow to find out...

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Lauren is a freelance writer and editor with more than six years of digital and magazine experience. Most recently, she has been the Acting Commissioning Editor of Women's Health—where she co-produced the Going For Goal podcast—and has previously also written news and features for titles including The Telegraph, Grazia, Stylist, Dazed, The Sun's Fabulous, Yahoo Style UK and Get The Gloss. She covers all aspects of lifestyle, specializing in health, beauty, and travel. Can't live without: oat milk lattes, new podcast episodes, long walks, and great skincare.