Zara Holland quits ITV's Love Island over family illness

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Zara HollandImage source, ITV

Zara Holland has quit the ITV reality show Love Island after finding out her mother had fallen ill.

"I'm so sad to leave the villa but it's important for me to get home and spend time with my mum while she gets better," she said in a statement.

"I've had the time of my life on Love Island and would like to thank all of my fellow Islanders and the production team for all their support."

Zara had her Miss Great Britain title taken away from her this week.

It was after scenes showing the 20-year-old getting intimate with Vicky Pattison's ex-boyfriend Alex Bowen were aired on Wednesday.

"We pride ourselves on promoting the positivity of pageants in modern society and this includes the promotion of a strong, positive female role model in our winners," organisers of Miss Great Britain said a statement.

Image source, Getty Images

"The feedback we have received from pageant insiders and members of the general public is such that we cannot promote Zara as a positive role model moving forward.

"We wholly understand that everyone makes mistakes, but Zara, as an ambassador for Miss Great Britain, simply did not uphold the responsibility expected of the title."

White Management tweeted: "We can confirm @zaraholland11 is back in the UK due to her mum being taken ill. We will keep you updated and thanks for all your support.", external

ITV said Love Island will continue with its latest episode on Sunday night at 9pm.

"During her time in the villa, Zara entertained us no end on her quest for love," an official statement reads.

"Our thoughts are with her and her family and we send all of our best wishes."

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