ITV reacts as new Love Island contestant accused of having a ‘secret’ boyfriend

ITV has released a statement regarding allegations that new Love Island contestant Harriett Blackmore has a “secret” boyfriend.

The 2024 cast of the ITV dating show was announced earlier this week, introducing fans to the next group of singles hoping to find love in the Mallorca villa.

Shortly after the announcement, dancer and personal shopper Harriett was accused by social media users of having a boyfriend. However, ITV has since denied these claims and confirmed that she and her boyfriend split earlier this year.

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“She is one of Saffron Barker’s best friends and I always see her with her husband,” wrote one user on X, while another claimed: “She had a boyfriend who she just recently added to her IG story.”

In response to the allegations, ITV told the Mirror: “Harriett split from her partner of three years in January and has been single since then. The couple continue to be in contact but the relationship ended earlier this year.”

In the Q&A to announce the cast, 24-year-old Harriett said she was “kind of an IT girl in Brighton,” adding: “I’ve done personal shopping for the rapper ArrDee and one of my best friends is the YouTuber Saffron Barker.”

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When asked what she will bring to the villa when Love Island returns to screens on June 3, she revealed: “I will be providing entertainment for everyone in the villa, whether it’s making the girls laugh or the boys lose their heads. I’m sure I’ll be causing drama.”

Another Islander announced for the new series was semi-professional footballer Ronnie Vint, who was best man at former contestant Olivia Attwood’s wedding to her husband Bradley Dack last year.

“Our Ronnie Vint is moving into the villa!!!!,” Olivia, who appeared on the show in 2017, wrote on social media following the announcement. “Ron was best man at our wedding and he is literally like a brother to me – you’re going to love him!! I know it.”

Love Island starts on Monday, June 3rd at 9pm on ITV2 and will be streamed on ITVX.

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