Conor Phillips has been announced as the new Love Island contestant after it was revealed Kyle Ashman had been axed from the show on Tuesday evening. 

The 23-year-old from Stafford threw the show into chaos after The Sun reported that he was involved in a machete attack in February when masked thugs stormed a wake and hacked at a dad with a blade.

Kyle was one of two arrested by police but he was released with no further action.

And now it has been revealed Conor will be taking his place as he swoops in last minute ahead of Monday’s launch episode. 

The professional rugby player, 25, from Limerick is ready to find the woman of his dreams and is looking for ‘Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don’t mind a dominant woman.’

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New Love Island contestant REVEALED as professional rugby player Conor Phillips after Kyle Ashman was axed from the line-up following machete attack arrest

The 23-year-old from Stafford threw the show into chaos after The Sun reported that he was involved in a machete attack in February when masked thugs stormed a wake and hacked at a dad with a blade 

Revealing his biggest ick ahead of the series Conor revealed: ‘Being too needy, or needing to do everything together. 

‘I like someone to be independent and do their own thing and then we come together and do our thing.’

Conor’s entry in the villa comes after Kyle was cited to be leaving the show for ‘personal reasons’.  

Following the reports, Kyle confirmed he had no involvement in the incident, but has chosen to leave the ITV show regardless.

He told MailOnline: ‘I fully cooperated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident.

‘I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.’

Meanwhile ITV added: ‘For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.’

The Sun revealed they alerted bosses on Kyle being questioned in the attack but ITV said they were unaware of the incident and he was not flagged during the contestant checks.

The professional rugby player, 25, is ready to find the woman of his dreams and is looking for ‘Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic’

Love Island confirmed the full line-up of contestants on Tuesday, however now Conor has replaced Kyle (L-R Harry, Blu, Alima,Tommy, Megan, Helena, Ben, Sophie, Meg, Sharkia, Dejon and Conor)

The incident on February 28 saw the victim, 38, nearly lose his arm after he was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and kept it for around two weeks.

Another mourner was reportedly glᴀssed, one hit with a metal pole, and two people were run over by a car during the 15 minute attack at the The White Eagle Club in Stafford.

Sources said the victim was attacked by three balaclava-clad thugs over an alleged £3,000 debt.

He was injured by a blade that left him with a deep gash and has suffered tendon damage and is now unable to drive.

Police confirmed on Tuesday that after the matter had been investigated Kyle and another individual were released with no further action only last month.

The incident on February 28 at The White Eagle Club in Stafford saw the victim, 38, nearly lose his arm after he was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment 

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A show source told the publication: ‘ITV were entirely unaware of Kyle’s past and, as he was not charged, it was not flagged as part of Love Island’s stringent DBS checks.

‘It’s only right he can now return home to the UK to share his side of the story and therefore bosses took the decision that it was best for him not to enter the villa.’

Staffordshire Police said on Monday: ‘A 22-year-old man, from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of wounding and affray. Another man, also 22 and from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of affray.

‘Both were questioned in custody and bailed with conditions while our enquiries continue.’

Love Island returns Monday 9th June at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX