Love Island's David becomes first Islander to be axed amid surprised recoupling

20 January 2023 , 21:57

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Love Island's David becomes first Islander to be axed amid surprised recoupling

Love Island has axed their first Islander from the new series, as David Salako was sent home.

In shocking scenes aired this evening, the 24-year-old money adviser who hails from Essex became the first Islander to be booted off the show, despite only being in for a couple of days. David had hoped to spark up a romance with Tanya, but things didn't go to plan and he found himself heading back home to the UK after Lana decided to save her friend Will.

David entered the show alongside fellow bombshell Zara Deniz Lackenby-Brown and quickly set his sights on Tanya, who was coupled up with Shaq since the start when they both expressed an attraction to one another.

The girls got to pick tonight (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

In scenes shown this evening, the final choice came down to Lana - and she had Will and David in front of her. She ended up opting for Will, meaning that David was sent home from the South African villa.

Speaking following his exit, David said: "Going in as a bombshell was nerve wracking! So, entering the Villa with Zara was great, as we were so confident together. I felt that we did shake things up a bit. The Islanders already had such a bond, so it was good going in with another Islander. You need to come out of your comfort zone and you need to be confident."

Love Island's Haris spills on unaired row between Zara and Tanyel

David got the boot tonight

Being in the majority in the villa, the girls were allowed to choose who they wanted to recouple with. Anna-May was first and she decided to pick Kai, after admitting previously that she wasn't feeling things with Haris. Zara chose next, and decided to go for fellow bombshell Tom. Olivia picked Haris, saying he bought out a fun side of her.

Tanya - torn between David and Shaq - eventually went for Shaq, as she praised his confidence and said it would be a "shame" to see him go before they were able to give it a go. Tanyel choosing Ron was the biggest shock of the evening.

Lana was last to pick - and had to choose between Will and David (ITV)

Ahead of his arrival in the villa, David admitted he was excited to "potentially meet" The One - but admitted he was fussy.

"It’s exciting as I’m potentially meeting someone I’ve never met that I could bond with," he said, "I'll bring good vibes, energy, I’m very personable. I’m actually excited to meet new people, aside from a partner, friends as well.

"I'm very picky. I haven’t met the right one yet. The person you’re going to meet is never going to be perfect but I've got my standards."

David found himself heading home (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

David insisted there was only one of him - and promised "good fun and vibes" for his future girlfriend.

He added: "Listen, there’s only one David Salako. There we go. If you’re in a relationship with me it’ll be nothing but good fun, vibes. I think I’m alright looking as well ... I’m a really good judge of character. I feel like I can read someone."

*Love Island will return on Sunday evening at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX followed by the first After Sun of the series.

Jasmine Allday