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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zara Woodcock

Love Island star Adam Collard's biggest controversies as he returns to show in shock twist

Love Island viewers were stunned when lothario Adam Collard made an epic comeback into the villa on Sunday night as a bombshell.

In a shock twist, the controversial reality star - who first starred in the show in 2018 - was introduced to viewers as he made his way into the Mallorcan house, telling fans he wasn't afraid of 'stepping on toes' to get the woman he wants.

Adam has made history as the first-ever Islander to make a second appearance on the ITV2 show and is ready to 'ruffle some feathers'.

However, since his original time on the show four years ago, the TV personality has been embroiled in several controversies.

From gaslighting and partying with girls while in a relationship to reportedly messaging a 17-year-old girl, Adam's turbulent love life has made the headlines.

Here we look back at the backlash from his 2018 stint on the show as well as other controversies.

'Texting 17-year-old'

Adam was accused of sending texts to a 17-year-old (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

While causing drama in the Love Island villa, the star was accused of asking to meet up with a 17-year-old student at a hotel after finding pictures of her on Instagram.

He apparently bombarded the then-teenager with messages several months before starting the show.

In texts obtained by The Sun, after she told him she was too young for him, Adam, who was 22 at the time, allegedly asked her: "Age is just a number isn’t it, you’re legal aren’t you?"

Adam reportedly continued trying to get to know her and asked if she wanted to stay in a hotel in Coventry.

Love Island declined to comment at the time.

Slammed by Women's Aid

Women's Aid released a statement following a Love Island episode that featured him arguing with Rosie (ITV)

During his time on the series, he went from being coupled up with Kendall Knight to Rosie Williams and then to Zara McDermott - who he dated for a while on the outside.

His head was also turned in Casa Amor and he dumped Zara for Darylle Sargeant.

The way he acted with Rosie and the other women resulted in domestic abuse charity Women's Aid issuing a warning about spotting signs of abuse.

Women's Aid statement mentioned: "In a relationship, a partner questioning your memory of events, trivialising your thoughts or feelings, and turning things around to blame you can be part of pattern of gaslighting and emotional abuse.

Rosie called him out on his behaviour (Rosie Williams/Instagram)

"Last night, Rosie called out Adam’s unacceptable behaviour on the show. We ask viewers to join her in recognising unhealthy behaviour in relationships and speaking out against all forms of domestic abuse – emotional as well as physical.

"It is only when we make a stand together against abuse in relationships that we will see attitudes change and an end to domestic abuse."

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Drama with women

He once said Rosie was 'overreacting' (REX/Shutterstock)

Adam brought a lot of drama while pursuing women on the show in 2018.

At the time, he said he had slept with 200 women which resulted in Ofcom complaints.

He even reduced Rosie Williams to tears when he started flirting with other women while coupled up with her.

She risked her legal career when she and Adam fondled each other under the sheets in front of the other contestants.

Even Rosie reacted to him being on the show (ITV)

Rosie broke down after finding out that Adam had accused her of being "clingy" while trying to flirt with Megan Barton Hanson.

She confronted him but he was seemingly unphased by his own behaviour.

After his head turned for Zara, they had another argument and, this time, he smirked throughout the entire conversation.

He even suggested she was overreacting and that her jealousy over his flirting with Zara had “pushed him away”.

Return To Show

Fans were shocked with his sudden return (ITV/PA)

Fans were lost for words when they watched Adam's introduction for the show over the weekend.

While many people were fuming bosses brought him back, many claimed this year's Love Island was making 'history'.

"This series is going down in history. Iconic," the show's alum Eva Zapico said.

One shocked user posted: "So unexpected!? I like the twist though!" while one said: "This may be the most toxic season yet and I am HERE FOR IT."

Meanwhile, Rosie shared a picture of her and Zara sitting side-by-side along with the caption: "I'm just sorry we don't got popcorn."

Mirror have contacted Adam's representatives for comment.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct at 0207 29 33033.

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