Derby Love Island star 'quits ITV show in tears' after explosive villa drama

Controversial Love Island contestant Harrison Solomon has allegedly walked away from the programme following an emotional meltdown – precisely when a fresh bombshell arrived at the villa. The 22-year-old has sparked outrage amongst ITV viewers this week due to his handling of his relationships with Toni Laites and Lauren Wood.

Following a period of leading both women on in a complicated love triangle and sharing intimate moments with Lauren on two occasions, he has now chosen to exit the villa.

Harrison, who resides in Miami, is understood to have departed on Thursday evening and is expected to return home imminently.

A source claimed: "It's been a momentous few days for Harrison and ultimately he has decided to quit."

They told The Sun: "Everyone was so shocked and people were crying and hugging him.

"He worked through everything with the ITV duty of care team and is making his way home to his family now."

DerbyshireLive has reached out to ITV for comment.

Harrison and Las Vegas stunner Toni were paired together during the early stages of the series, yet Harrison's attention repeatedly wandered towards Helena and subsequently Lauren, following his arrival at Casa Amor.

Toni was left heartbroken by his liaison with Lauren after finding herself unable to switch off her emotions for him, whilst he continued giving mixed signals that he remained interested in her – despite his intimate encounters with Lauren on two separate occasions.

Toni eventually learnt about his physical relationship with Lauren, though only after she had chosen to couple up with him once more. She was understandably distressed, but attempted to progress their relationship until he began gravitating back towards Lauren during Thursday evening's instalment.

During the episode, the islanders had to participate in a challenge where they were ranked on questions such as "which couple is coasting?" and "who is the biggest game player".

Harrison and Toni were amongst the couples frequently selected for the negative categories by the public, alongside Meg Moore and Dejon Williams, and Helena Ford and Harry Cooksley.

It was subsequently disclosed that new bombshell Angel was entering as a late arrival to add some excitement.

Earlier this week, Women's Aid issued a statement regarding behaviour similar to Harrison's, reports the Daily Star.

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Jessye Werner from the organisation told The Tab: "In recent years, Love Island and other forms of reality TV have been repeatedly called out by viewers for allowing in contestants that had a history of abusive, coercive and manipulative behaviour in previous relationships. As a result, production companies have been more careful when it comes to selecting contestants and calling out toxic behaviours when we see them.

"Despite these positive steps, we still see unhealthy patterns of behaviour on these shows, showing just how steeped in misogyny and sexism our society still is. Women are often lied to, slut-shamed and manipulated, as well as laughed at behind their backs.

"Misogyny and sexism lay the foundation for the tolerance of abuse and violence – it reinforces a culture that excuses and trivialises violence against women and girls. More must be done to educate contestants on sexism and misogyny, and it is a great credit to viewers who take to social media, continuing to call out these behaviours as soon as they see them."

Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.