A former Love Island contestant has claimed that his unfiltered honesty during a secret casting meeting effectively ended his chances of appearing on the upcoming Love Island All Stars 2026 series.
'Savage' Feedback in Secret Casting Chat
Adam Maxted, the 33-year-old professional wrestler and star of the show's 2016 series and the inaugural 2024 All Stars, has opened up about a behind-the-scenes meeting that took place in October 2025. Maxted, known by his wrestling nickname 'Flex', stated he was initially open to returning for the third All Stars edition, which launches this week.
However, the meeting took a turn when Maxted gave producers his blunt assessment of the show's direction. "I kind of said, 'look, you’re picking the same people all the time here, yet you’re expecting them to go on and pretend that they’re in love'," he explained in an interview with The Sun. He described his critique as "a little bit savage" and believes this candid feedback is why his potential place on the series was subsequently withdrawn.
Too 'Emotionally Mature' for Fake Romances
Maxted confessed he is now "a bit too emotionally mature" for the dating experiment. He criticised the inauthenticity he perceives in modern contestants, contrasting his own motives with those he claims are playing a game for fame.
"Whereas I think some people, because they’re so desperate to become or stay an influencer or stay in the public eye, they feel like they have to go in and play a game," he said. The wrestler, who has built a career in the ring since his TV appearances, insisted his primary goal was always to promote wrestling, not to fabricate relationships for screen time.
"I don’t struggle with women, I never have. So it’s not like I was desperate to go on a show to try and find a girlfriend," Maxted added, stating he doesn't need "to go on telly to find love".
A History in the Villa and Moving On
Adam Maxted first found fame on the main Love Island series in 2016 before returning for the first All Stars spin-off in 2024, where he briefly dated co-star Arabella Chi. He reflected that his approach has always been to be himself, meet someone genuinely if possible, and use the platform to discuss his wrestling passion.
While another stint in the South African villa could have boosted his profile once more, the reality star stands by his decision to be truthful with producers. He concluded that the show's format, which often encourages rapid romantic attachments for television, no longer aligns with his perspective.
As the new All Stars 2026 line-up enters the villa without him, Maxted's revelations offer a rare glimpse into the candid conversations that happen long before the famous "I've got a text!" announcement is heard.
