Love Island's George Knight shares statement after quitting the show
He sensationally left the villa on Thursday
Last updated 3 hours ago
After news broke on Thursday 4th June that Love Island 2026 Islander George Knight had sensationally quit the villa, the 28-year-old has now broken his silence on the matter.
Taking to his personal Instagram page, George told his followers: 'Family comes first, always.
'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 🫶🏻❤️'. (sic)
After seeing his post, George's followers and friends were quick to show their support.
One wrote: 'Best wishes George. One of the nice guys 🙌', with another adding: 'Gutted to see you go mate, was rooting for you! Hope family are ok, hugs xx'. (sic)
A third wrote: 'We love you ❤️ sending much love xxx', with another adding: 'All the best George, i will miss seeing you on my tv screen ❤️'. Another commented: 'Such a shame, would have loved to see you connect with someone. But family ALWAYS comes first. Much love ❤️'. (sic)
The news of George's exit was first revealed on Thursday, with an ITV spokesperson saying at the time: “For private reasons, George has left the Love Island villa.
“Duty of care for the Islanders is paramount so at this stage any further comment will come from George.
“Bosses and viewers alike had been loving his contribution.”
It's understood George's exit will be shown on Friday night's episode.
Check out all of this year's Islanders below:
Lorenzo
Age: 28
Job: Business Owner
From: Hertfordshire
Lorenzo said: "I think drama is fun! As long as no one is crying, all is fair in love and war. It'll be interesting to see what unfolds…"
Mica
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
From: Barbados (lives in London)
Mica said: "I do not want a really egotistical, cringey man. That's not my vibe at all. I can't have someone who's more into themselves then they are me. They need to be obsessed with me."
Robyn
Age: 21
Job: Quantity Surveyor and DJ
From: Liverpool
Robyn said: "Finding love is my only goal. There may be a little bit of drama but I'm going in there for myself so I've got to do what I've got to do. But I would like to think I'm a girl's girl and that I handle situations quite well. I've got a mature brain."
Sean
Age: 25
Job: Primary School Teacher
From: Galway
Sean said: "I'm here for love but also here for drama. I won't be getting involved in it, I might be mixing it!"
Ellie
Age: 24
Job: Real Estate Videographer
From: West Lothian
Ellie said: "I want to find love but if drama comes from that then so be it. I want love and I'm not going to not fight for it."
Samraj
Age: 25
Occupation: Model
From: Birmingham
Samraj said: "Best case scenario I'm walking out with someone I really connect with. My first girlfriend. But I don't mind a bit of drama, it's fun! As long as no one is getting hurt."
Sam
Age: 25
Job: Electrician
From: Dudley
Sam said: "I definitely want to find love. I've had a good year being single and dating, but I'm at a stage now where I want to settle down and find the love of my life."
Lola
Age: 28
Job: Detective
From: Kent
Lola said: "I'm not overly into drama to be fair, I'm such a chilled person. I do like watching it but I don't want to be a part of it. I'm really looking for love, I want a boyfriend again. I want to find someone who is actually the love of my life, like obsessed with me kind of thing. I think I'm missing someone who is obsessed with me!"
Angelista
Age: 24
Job: Nurse
From: Staffordshire
Angelista said: "Finding love is my goal. I'm not here for drama, I'm non-confrontational. It's entertaining to watch from the sidelines, I just don't want to be involved in it!"
Ope
Age: 27
Job: West-End Performer
From: Lincolnshire
Ope said: "I'm not here for the drama and I want to find love, however the drama could be funny. I love the 'watching with a telescope, ooh what's going on, sip the tea' kind of vibe. I'm not here for the drama…but I'm here for the drama."
Jasmine
Age: 27
Job: Fashion Business Owner
From: Dubai (lives in London)
Jasmine said: "Straight for the goal. Life's too short to play it safe, that's boring. You don't go on Love Island to play it safe."
Aidan
Age: 23
Occupation: Property Broker
From: Kent
Aidan said: "Finding love is definitely the goal. That said, I do enjoy a bit of drama. I probably wouldn't get fully involved but I'd definitely be listening, taking it in - maybe stirring the pot a little bit."
Yasmin
Age: 23
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
Occupation: Recruitment Consultant
Yasmin said: "I'm here for love but I know that drama is gonna come with it. I've been from relationship to relationship, so it's my time to get stuck in. I think it would be difficult to go for the same guy as a girl if we were like best friends in the Villa. That's what I'm worried about! Then again, if I like her man, I'm gonna have to go for it and have those conversations. It's a small Villa but I'm used to this because I come from a small town where everyone knows everyone!"
George
Age: 28
Job: Professional Footballer
From: Winchester
George said: "I don't think I'd make any rash decisions, I'd review options. You don't want to get too deep, too early on. I'm open to getting to know everyone but as weeks go by, figure it out. I play midfield so maybe I'd go for that. If someone walked in that was straight away my type obviously I'd jump at it."
Priya
Age: 25
Occupation: Business Development Manager
Location: Surrey
Priya said: "Obviously the main goal is to find love. I wouldn't say I'm here for the drama, however I definitely can't hide how I am feeling. If I think something, whether that be about someone else's drama or my own drama or if I feel a certain way, best believe that is getting known. I'm very opinionated but I'm not necessarily here for the drama."
Kavan
Age: 21
Occupation: Electrician
Location: Kent
Kavan said: "Finding love is definitely the goal. Obviously it's Love Island, so there's always going to be some drama but I'm quite a chilled person - I'll stay calm and collected."