A FORMER Love Islander has claimed the show ‘is not the way to find love’ as she revealed she turned down an appearance for the Love Island All Stars spin off.
The ITV2 dating show blended previous seasons for its All Star series earlier this year, which proved a huge hit with viewers.
However one former Love Islander has revealed she rejected requests from the show bosses to appear on the series when it aired in early 2024.
Singer and musician Antigoni Buxton, who appeared in the 2022 series, told FUBAR Radio, that she turned down Love Island All-Star role as it “didn’t feel right“.
The 26-year-old singer-songwriter from London was the fourth female bombshell to enter the villa, but left just over a week later.
Speaking to hosts Bobby Norris and Ellen Coughlan on the showbiz gossip programme Access All Areas, Antigoni spoke about her life after leaving the villa and being approached for Love Island All-stars as she revealed: “I did get a call to see if I was interested.
“At first, I said I would come in for a chat then I didn’t even end up bothering going because I just thought it’s not what I want to do.
“It didn’t feel right, it’s not what I’m after right now or what my soul wants or what I’m chasing. It was such a fun thing to do but it’s not my story.”
The 27-old-year old singer reflected on her time in the Love Island villa and the impact it’s had on her music ambitions as she added: “I always knew going into the show that I was to face the Love Island stigma when it comes to music.
“I kind took that on the chin. I knew that was going to be the case and I definitely have felt that.
“It’s quite frustrating cause people doubt my credibility.”
Later in the interview, the 2022 Love Island contestant revealed her experience after she left the villa after just eight days on the show: “Normally it’s just not a good sign if you leave so early but thankfully, I came back to so much love and most people felt like I got cheated.”
The conversation comes as its been confirmed that Love Island All Stars will return for a second series next year.
The spin-off show – which aired for the first time earlier this year – was so successful that past Islanders are begging to part of the second season.
Host Maya Jama confirmed the return as she said: “I’ve got a secret for everybody.
“You’re the first people to hear this, but Love Island All Stars series two is commissioned and coming in the New Year.”
Love Island boss Mike Spender added: “Lots of people have been in contact about it, lots of fun people, from series one onwards.
“We cast it because we knew what was going on behind the scenes of who was getting with who and now even more stories have come out.
“I think we will now save ex-islanders for All Stars.”
Molly Smith and Tom Clare were announced as the Love Island All Star’s winners.
In a twist of reality TV dreams, Molly‘s ex boyfriend Callum Jones clinched second place alongside Jess Gale.
