Love Island’s Most Shocking Moments: Fights, X-Rated Romps, and a Proposal!

Love Island celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, with a new set of singletons set to enter the famous villa during Monday night’s launch show. 

Over the years, hundreds of contestants have walked through the doors looking for love, fame and big budget brand deals. 

Yet while some of the Islanders have gone on to make lucrative careers from their time in the show, many have admitted they regret going on. 

Islanders have found themselves embroiled in several controversies – with some involved in physical fights, X-rated romps and one couple even got engaged. 

Now, ahead of the season 12 launch show, MailOnline takes a look at the most shocking Love Island moments of all time…

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail’s new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.  

Joey Essex enters the villa – 2024 

Last year, jaws dropped when Joey Essex was the first bombshell to enter the Love Island villa.

In what was the biggest signing in the show’s history, the TOWIE star, 34, shocked his fellow Islanders when he sauntered in at the end of the launch episode.

MailOnline later revealed that bosses took ‘every precaution’ to keep Joey’s entry into the villa a secret.

While the rest of the singletons were flown out to Mallorca, the reality star was forced to travel by ferry to keep his appearance under wraps.

However, while viewers were delighted by his shock arrival, things quickly went downhill, with his disastrous stint on the show deemed possibly ‘career killing’.

Viewers turned on the Essex Islander just two weeks after he made his bombshell entrance, after he dropped Samantha Kenny when his ex Grace Jackson came in.

Things then went from bad to worse as the weeks went on with Joey’s ‘pot-stirring’ and ‘manipulative’ antics slammed – even resulting in hundreds of Ofcom complaints.

He later coupled up with Jessy Potts but the couple were sent packing just one day before the series final when their former co-stars returned to settle scores.

The dumped Islanders were tasked with picking who they believed to be the least compatible couple, with Jessy and Joey – who accused them of picking on him for personal reasons – ultimately dumped from the villa. 

Molly-Mae Hague is the victim of a  ‘c*** punt’ – 2019

She’s arguably one of the most successful stars from Love Island. 

Yet during Molly-Mae Hague’s stint on the show she was embroiled in a drama with fellow Islander Sherif Lanre – who was ultimately kicked off the programme. 

At the time, his exit was shrouded with mystery, yet he later revealed he was removed after accidentally kicking Molly-Maw in the groin.  

He explained that the Instagrammer appeared to be in pain at first but soon laughed it off, with Sherif then turning to Tommy Fury and joking: ‘That was a c*** punt.’

Confessing that he didn’t think anything was wrong, Sherif noted that they all continued laughing and joking following the accidental kick, and ‘he didn’t feel the need to apologise for his remark.’ 

However, the following morning ITV producers woke him up before everyone else to interrogate him over what had happened.

Noting that the whole interrogation looked worse than what had actually happened, Sherif claimed he was sent home ‘without a chance to say goodbye or pack my bags.’

Emma-Jane Woodhams and Terry Walsh put on a sex show – 2016 

Viewers were left in shock during season two when Emma-Jane Woodhams and Terry Walsh had sex in the communal bedroom in full view of their fellow Islanders. 

While many of the couples had admitted to getting down and dirty underneath the sheets, Emma and Terry took things a step further by doing the deed on top of the covers. 

After investigating the scenes following a string of complaints from viewers, Ofcom eventually ruled the clips did not breach its rules.

In its ruling on Love Island, Ofcom said broadcasters which showed ‘real sex’ should exercise caution as it could cause more offence than lovemaking in a film or TV drama. But it concluded that broadcaster ITV2 had not breached its rules.

ITV2 claimed the show was aimed at a young adult audience and that it regularly featured sexual activity, meaning viewers should have known what to expect.

Emma, who was just 19 when she appeared on the show, later admitted she regretted having sex on TV and confessed she thought that by ‘doing it openly’ the scenes wouldn’t be aired. 

Zara Holland is stripped of her Miss GB crown – 2016

Back in the days when sex was still shown on the programme, Zara Holland’s romp with Alex Bowen resulted in grave consequences. 

Zara was the reigning Miss Great Britain when she entered the villa but furious pageant bosses instantly stripped her of the title and crown after watching the steamy scenes. 

In a statement they shared: ‘The feedback we have received from pageant insiders and members of the general public is such that we cannot promote Zara as a positive role model moving forward.

‘We wholly understand that everyone makes mistakes, but Zara, as an ambassador for Miss Great Britain, simply did not uphold the responsibility expected of the title.’

Zara broke down in tears when she learned the news and ultimately left the show days later after her mother was taken ill.

She later revealed that she received no aftercare from show bosses and was ‘in no way prepared’ for life after her stint on the smash-hit programme, resulting in a negative impact on her mental health.

Jon Clark’s indecent proposal – 2015 

In the inaugural series of Love Island’s reboot, Jon Clark, later of TOWIE fame, popped the question to glamour model Hannah Elizabeth – and she happily accepted. 

He wrote a poem for the star, penning: ‘Love is mad, love is crazy, love makes me feel like a daisy. Love is scary, love is cool though. Loving you makes me feel like a rainbow’. 

He later said: ‘For us to win Love Island as a couple would just finish off the fairytale story that we’ve started. 

‘We met each other the first day, we’ve come on leaps and bounds, we’ve got to know each others. S**t bits, ugly bits, bad bits, great bits, lovely bits, sexy bits… you’ve watched us grow as a couple into where we are now’, 

Hannah added: ‘I’ve met the love of my life and winning Love Island would just help start our future together’. 

However, their romance ended catastrophically when Hannah slammed Jon for his treatment of her through their relationship. 

Hannah went on to appear in the first Love Island All Stars season in 2024. 

Faye Winter’s explosive row with Teddy Soares – 2021

Faye Winter was at the centre of Love Island’s most complained about moment ever when she lost her temper and launched into an expletive-filled row with Teddy Soares.

A whopping 24,763 viewers took to the media watchdog to express their upset during the Movie Night challenge episode, where a clip showed Teddy telling fellow contestant Clarisse Juliette that he was ‘sexually attracted’ to her.

Faye’s rant – branded ‘horrendous’, ‘abusive’, and ‘gaslighting’ by fans of the show – resulted in the most expletive-ridden episode ever, with reports that contestants swore 125 times, while Faye is said to have said ‘f**k’ 57 times.

It wasn’t just Teddy in the firing line, as Faye was also quick to shut down Matthew Macnabb when he protested against her fiery behaviour, telling him: ‘Keep your mouth shut like you normally do.’ 

As well as complaining to Ofcom, viewers also called on producers to remove Faye from the villa.  

Faye later said she was embarrassed by the row and refuses to watch it back but she has apologised to Teddy and the pair are still happily together. 

Dani Dyer’s postcard meltdown during Casa Amor – 2018

Dani Dyer was inconsolable after season four’s Casa Amor twist when the girls were given a video postcard showing what their partners were getting up to in the other villa. 

Viewers blasted the ‘cruel’ decision to show Dani a clip of her boyfriend Jack Fincham coming face to face with his ex girlfriend Ellie Jones, implying there was something unsavoury afoot. 

Making things crueller, Jack had barely spoken to Ellie, remaining loyal to Dani throughout. 

Despite 2,525 viewers complaining, host Caroline Flack justified the producers’ actions by saying the point of the show is to ‘test relationships.’

Although Ofcom didn’t investigate they confirmed that it broke records at the time for the highest number of complaints about a single issue in Love Island history.

Jack and Dani went on to win the show but ended up going their separate ways nine months later. 

Malia Arkian’s fight with Kady McDermott – 2016

In 2016 Malia Arkian made sure to make a lasting impact on the ITV2 dating show after she was thrown out following an ‘altercation’ with fellow contestant, Kady McDermott.

Malia entered the show after texting Scott Thomas showing a romantic interest and the pair later got to know each other over a date.

Appearing jealous over Scott’s date with 26-year-old singer Malia, Kady decided to get to know the newcomer by the fire pit at the luxury Majorca mansion.

However, during an unfortunate accident, Kady then spilt some drink on Malia’s leg.

Believing the act was deliberate, Malia said: ‘If you wanna speak to me, just come in there. You don’t do that with me, not at all.’

Kady then stood up and shouted back: ‘I swear to God, if you want to get rowdy… that’s a f**king joke. Do you honestly think I’d waste my wine over you? It was a f**king accident.’

Malia replied: ‘Shut up you b**ch. Who the f**k do you think you are?’

The girls then erupted into an argument and during that time an altercation took place, where Malia was alleged to have ‘shoved’ Kady.

In the Beach Hut, Kady reflected on the night’s events. She said: ‘I’m a rowdy girl, but I’ve never in my life been in a physical fight. I think we both over-reacted to be honest. I just wish I’d let her shout, I wish I didn’t react back. I really regret it.’

Malia also tried to explain her actions in an interview after leaving the house.

She said: ‘I’m not an aggressive person, I’ve never done anything like that in my life. I completely regret it. I’ve not had a chance to reveal who I am and what I’ve got to offer, and everything’s ended way too quickly. 

‘I want to apologise to Kady, I didn’t want that to happen. It’s not a ladylike thing to do, and I wouldn’t do that usually. It’s a horrible feeling.’ 

Ahead of his date with Malia and the explosive row, Scott had been confessing his feelings to Kady.

Misogynistic movie night – 2022

Thousands of viewers complained about instances of misogyny and bullying throughout season eight but the Movie Night challenge wracked up a whopping 2,648 in just one episode. 

The annual challenge sees both the girls and boys watch clips of their partners’ antics during their time in Casa Amor.

Tasha Ghouri was one of the main targets during both Movie Night and the dares game after Luca Bish and Dami Hope repeatedly criticised her behaviour during her relationship with Andrew Le Page.

Viewers also expressed concern for Luca’s treatment of his love interest Gemma Owen as he had a heated outburst after watching a clip of Gemma supposedly flirting with fellow islander Billy. 

As footage was shown of Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu in bed with George during Casa Amor, her partner Davide branded Ekin-Su a liar when she claimed ‘nothing happened.’

Viewers hit out at the boys for clubbing together and cheering when their Casa Amor antics were shown but lashing out at the girls for their clips.

Snog, Marry, Pie and misogyny controversies – 2022

One of the most controversial moments in season eight came during the Snog, Marry Pie challenge, where Islanders were tasked with selecting one person to kiss, one to ‘propose’ to and one to have a custard pie thrown in their face.

The challenge appears on the show each year and while it’s meant to be playful in tone, viewers accused the boys of ‘going too far’ this time and ‘misogyny and bullying’.  

Tasha Ghouri, who was coupled up with Andrew Le Page, had three pies thrown in her face, by Davide Sanclimenti, Dami Hope and Luca Bish after they had accused her of not having good intentions towards Andrew – leaving Tasha in tears. 

Luca and Dami had received harsh criticism from viewers for the way they have treated Tasha in the days leading up to the challenge and later apologised for their comments. 

Elsewhere in the challenge, Dami chose to kiss his Casa Amor ex Summer Botwe to the shock of his partner Indiyah Pollack.

Billy Brown also came under fire when he ignored partner Danica Taylor and chose to snog Gemma Owen, who he has previously been accused of flirting with, and marry Paige Thorne, labelling his actions ‘banter.’

Amy Hart’s Casa Amor turmoil with Curtis Pritchard – 2019

While season five is often hailed as one of the best Love Island seasons, viewers were left disturbed by Amy Hart’s treatment in the villa. 

The flight attendant had never been in love or had a boyfriend before entering the villa, but thought her luck had changed when she met professional dancer Curtis Pritchard.

Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be and Amy was left in tears claiming she had ‘no future’ after ‘half-boyfriend’ Curtis admitted his head had been turned by new girl Jourdan Riane during his fleeting visit to Casa Amor. 

Fans raised concerns for Amy’s mental health after she broke down in tears following the dancer’s betrayal in devastating scenes, with the dramatic recoupling sparking 314 Ofcom complaints.

Amy was later taken off set and offered psychological support after viewers urged producers to step in amid her heartbreak over Curtis’ wandering eye.

A spokesman for the hit ITV2 show said psychological support was on-hand for any of the Islanders at any time 24/7, particularly if they were upset or appeared to be struggling with life in the villa.

Amy later quit the show and is now expecting her first child with boyfriend Sam Rason.  

News Splash Challenge causes heartbreak for Paige Turley and Siânnise Fudge – 2020

Love Island’s first winter series received 377 Ofcom complaints after one of its pivotal games forced two contestants into uncomfortable confrontations with their respective partners. 

Viewers tuned in as the season six Islanders took part in the News Splash Challenge, which saw the group given partial tabloid headlines about each other before guessing who they are referring to.  

But many accused the show of intentionally baiting the Islanders after one headline suggested Finley Tapp had been tempted to stray during a short stay in Casa Amor, prompting inevitable outrage from villa girlfriend Paige Turley.

Luke Trotman also found himself in hot water after a private revelation about girlfriend Siânnise Fudge came back to haunt him during the challenge. 

In an earlier chat with the lads he admitted she stripped off during their night in the Hideaway, and the brunette was left stunned after the moment was served up in another bombshell headline.  

Despite the turmoil, Paige forgave Finn and the couple went on to win the series, while Siânnise and Luke also made amends, finishing in second place. 

Laura Anderson’s ‘fake’ love triangle – 2018

Prompting 632 complaints was the ’emotional abuse’ of Laura Anderson during season four after she was left feeling betrayed and confused when she was told her friend Georgia Steel kissed her partner Jack Fowler.

Jack admitted that Georgia had instigated the kiss, while Georgia vehemently denied it, leading to multiple arguments, all with Laura caught in the middle. 

The emotional turmoil followed on from another upsetting incident that saw Laura dumped by Wes Nelson during the first few weeks, after he decided he preferred Megan Barton Hanson. 

Kissgate worsened when host Caroline Flack oversaw a VAR breakdown of the kiss on Aftersun, only for viewers to point out continuity errors in the playback of the kiss from different angles.

Georgia later admitted the kiss was filmed more than once but she was quick to defend the ITV2 show, pointing out: ‘It is a TV programme, things have to get filmed in different angles to get put on television, that’s how television works. 

‘But, nothing is fake, nothing is said that is staged, it’s all to do with how you feel.’ 

Maura Higgins’ ‘predatory’ advances towards Tommy Fury – 2019

Maura Higgins was accused of ‘sexually harassing’ Tommy Fury in season five when she attempted to kiss him in uncomfortable scenes. 

Viewers saw Irish grid girl Maura, who was then a newcomer to the villa on the ITV2 series, fix her sights on boxer Tommy, who had been coupled-up with Molly-Mae Hague. 

Whilst Tommy dodged her attempts at seduction, the undeterred model later climbed on top of him, attempted to kiss him and asked if she ‘turned him on.’

Despite the hundreds of complaints Ofcom decided not to investigate, with a spokeswoman saying: ‘We took into account the context in which it occurred, including the nature of Maura and Tommy’s relationship, before and after.’ 

Tommy declined Maura’s advances and went on to finish in second place with Molly and the pair are now expecting their first child together.

Maura has remained close with the pair, often referring to Molly as her ‘best friend.’