“I can’t believe we’re losing her already” – Shock first dumping rocks Love Island villa as early fan-favourite gets brutally axed after savage twist – viewers rage over ‘unfair’ decision that left islanders stunned and hearts broken - suong

   

LOVE Island viewers were left reeling this evening as the first star of the series was dumped.

In incredibly tense scenes, the islanders were gathered around the firepit to find out who Shakira would pick  - and the result was highly unexpected.

Islanders gathered around a fire pit during a Love Island episode.
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Maya Jama returns to the villa for a big decisionCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Maya Jama and Shakira Khan on Love Island.
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Shakira must pick who she wants to couple up withCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Woman in red top making a hand gesture.
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Sophie Lee has been booted off the showCredit: Eroteme
Editorial Use Only. No Merchandising. No Commercial Use. Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (15349115ah) Sophie Lee, Harry Cooksley 'Love Island' TV Show, Series 12, Episode 1, Mallorca, Spain - 09 Jun 2025 Get ready for a summer of love as the villa welcomes twelve brand new islanders. Maya Jama tasks the girls with deciding who to couple up with based solely on their dating profiles. From Sin City to the island of Espa¿a: first ever American bombshell Toni Laites arrives and she has a big decision with even bigger consequences.
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Sophie was coupled up with Harry

After grappling with her decision for some time Shakira picks Harry Cooksley - meaning Sophie Lee is dumped from the island immediately.

Last night Shakira was tasked with grafting all the lads after bombshell Toni, 24, stole her man Ben, 23.

In a surprise move, Maya Jama returned this evening and told the boys they could step forward if they were interest in recoupling with Shakira.

Blu, Conor and Harry stood up - leaving their partners horrified. 

Shakira is seen struggling with her decision and asked Maya if the girl she picked would definitely be dumped, before she sent Sophie packing. 

Those watching at home couldn’t believe Sophie was the first go as she had been early favourite.

 

One person commented: “I can’t believe we’re losing Sophie already.”

And a third added: “Heartbroken to see Sophie go wanted to see more of her. Harry. U better not be weird now.”

After her exit, Sophie said: "I really enjoyed being in the villa, I am really grateful for this experience.

Watch awkward moment Love Island’s Shakira desperately grafts to stay in the villa - and show rivals are furious

"I wish Harry all the best, he genuinely deserves a girl who can make him happy."

Before doing Love Island, Sophie  said she's going on the show to prove it is not just about looks after being left scarred for life following a terrifying accident.

The brave star, 28, wanted to use her time in the villa to spread awareness about body positivity. 

Sophie’s life was changed when she was just 22, after a fire-breathing accident left her with significant burns. 

The incident took place whilst she was performing in Chicago, when an air-conditioner blew the flames she was expelling back towards her. 

She said: ""Now, I’m in a part of my life where I feel like I’m the woman that I’m meant to be.

"I’m proud that I can say, ‘I’m confident, I feel beautiful.’ I think beauty is not just about what you look like.

Maya Jama at the Love Island villa.
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Maya had to help Shakira with her decisionCredit: Eroteme
Maya Jama on Love Island.
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Sophie was an early favourite on the showCredit: Eroteme
Megan Moore and Dejon Noel-Williams on Love Island.
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Tension was very high in the villa as they waited for Shakira's decisionCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley in conversation on Love Island.
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Shakira enjoyed getting to know HarryCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Maya Jama and a male contestant on Love Island.
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Sophie appeared shocked when she heard the newsCredit: Eroteme

"You can wear a bin bag but feel beautiful.

"It’s more about how I’m feeling on the inside, and right now, I feel like I’m at my best.

"I feel like I’m in a part of my life where I can handle rejection. I can handle if things aren’t for me, because they’re just not my person, that’s OK."

Shakira and Ben from Love Island.
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Toni stirred things up when she arrived and coupled up with BenCredit: Shutterstock Editorial