Love Island fans reeling as Adam Collard returns to villa four years after first appearance

Adam Collard during his first appearance on Love Island
ITV2
Lisa McLoughlin 11 July 2022
The Weekender

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Love Island viewers have been left reeling after it was revealed former Islander Adam Collard is returning to the villa.

The 26-year-old appeared in 2018’s instalment and memorably caused a stir during his time in the villa, notably sparking concerns with domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid in regard to his behaviour.

Collard’s return to the show marks the first time in Love Island history that a contestant from a previous series has been brought back to crack on for a second shot at love.

At the end of Sunday’s episode, the series teased its next bombshell by showing a shirtless man climbing out of the pool.

Playing on the tension before Collard was revealed to viewers, narrator Iain Stirling said: “Tomorrow night... he’s back.”

In the wake of his reveal, fans took to Twitter in their droves to revel in his return while others joked this year’s series already has enough “toxic men”.

Among the comments, one viewer wrote: “Not the villain of all villains coming back to cause chaos again?! I love Love Island”.

Others added: “Adam is about to make the villa MESSY and I’m here for it.”

“The poor women in that villa are gonna need therapists now they’re bringing back Adam f*****g Collard.” (sic)

“If you watched season 4, this guy was a menace. Pray for these girls.”

Not thrilled about Collard’s comeback, a Love Island fan quipped: “Not enough toxic men in there eh? They just had to bring Adam back”.

Another added: ”Don’t know about y’all but i don’t think i can handle adam davide dami and jacques in the same villa all at once tbh” (sic).

Those who watched series four will remember that Collard was a controversial figure during his stint on the ITV2 dating show.

Collard first entered the villa as a late arrival and quickly coupled up with Kendall-Rae Knight before swapping her for Rosie Williams.

But soon after recoupling with Williams, the personal trainer faced criticised for his behaviour during an argument between the pair.

He was seen smirking throughout the confrontation with her, leaving Williams in tears.

At the time, his behaviour sparked concern with bosses at Women’s Aid, who warned women of “gas lighting” patterns, while fans labelled the personal trainer “a narcissist and sociopath” for his response to Williams.

Following his and Williams’ split, he then moved on to Zara McDermott.

The pair’s relationship continued outside the villa and they even moved to Essex together.

However, their romance wasn’t meant to be and they split eight months later.

McDermott, 25, is now in a relationship with former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson, 29.

Love Island continues tonight on ITV2 at 9pm.

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