Love Island star George breaks silence on abrupt exit from the villa

Love Island star George Knight has broken his silence after abruptly leaving the villa, having arrived as a bombshell earlier this week.

ITV confirmed his departure in a statement earlier today, stating George had left due to 'private reasons'.

He has since taken to Instagram to share more, hinting that the move stemmed from a family matter, while asking fans to respect his call for privacy.

George Knight left the villa abruptly (ITV)

"Family comes first, always," he wrote.

"Leaving the @loveisland Villa was a decision made in order to be with my family. Out of respect for them, I’d prefer not to go into any further detail.

"Thank you to everyone who has reached out with kind messages and support! It genuinely means a lot."

Fans were quick to show their support in the comments, with one telling the former Islander: "Such a shame, would have loved to see you connect with someone. But family ALWAYS comes first. Much love."

Someone else echoed: "You did what you needed to do and we all respect that we all hope your okay and your family."

A third added: "Huge respect man. You did yourself proud mate."

George and Yasmin (ITV)

George, 28, is a semi-professional footballer who currently plays for Dorking Wanderers FC.

While he featured in last night's episode, it's believed his exist scenes will not be airing.

George entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell alongside Yasmin Hadlow, on Tuesday (2 June).

They decided to send Ellie Chadwick and Samraj Toor home as part of a secret mission from host Maya Jama, only to later find they weren't really dumped, but were spending time in the Hideaway.

Robyn Langton, 21 - with whom he struck up a fast connection - wondered if George had chosen to give Samraj the boot so he could pursue Mica Harris, asking him: "What did you make your decision off? Basically competition?"

He replied: "Personal gain, don’t take it personally."

Meanwhile, a charity supporting deaf people has responded to the ‘unacceptable’ comments that Sam Workman - one of this series' OGs - is receiving online.

“We are shocked and disheartened by the negative comments Sam is receiving online and any trolling about his hearing loss or use of hearing aids is completely unacceptable,” Crystal Rolfe, director of health at RNID, tells Tyla.

“While we don’t know how Sam is feeling inside the villa, we do know that negative attitudes can have a big impact, leaving deaf people and people with hearing loss feeling excluded, lonely and isolated.

Rolfe emphasised that creating a more inclusive society for deaf people often starts with simple, everyday actions, explaining: “Inclusion doesn’t have to be complicated. Small changes in how we communicate can make a huge difference in all areas of life, whether that’s dating, in our social lives or at work.

“Simple actions like politely getting someone’s attention, making sure they can see your lips when you’re speaking and not being afraid to repeat yourself, can all help break down these barriers.