Love Island 2022: Who is Adam Collard and what has he said about Zara McDermott’s reaction to his return

Love Island 2022 is slowly coming to a close and after eight weeks the ITV dating show has come down to its final four couples.

The series has been full of twists, turns and a shocking reappearance from previous contestant Adam Collard.

NewCollard’s first appearance in the house was in 2018, in which his treatment of fellow contestant Rosie Williams prompted domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid to issue a warning about his behaviour.

The Women’s Aid statement said: “On the latest series of Love Island, there are clear warning signs in Adam’s behaviour.

“In a relationship, a partner questioning your memory or events, trivialising your thoughts or feelings, and turning things around to blame you can be part of a pattern of gaslighting and emotional abuse.

“Last night, Rosie called out Adam’s unacceptable behaviour on the show. We ask viewers to join her in recognising unhealthy behaviour in relationships and speaking out against all forms of domestic abuse - emotional as well as physical.”

“It is only when we make a stand together against abuse in relationships that we will see attitudes change and an end to domestic abuse.”

So, who is Adam Collard?

Here’s everything you need to know about the geordie contestant.

Who is Adam Collard?

Adam Collard is a 26 year-old fitness trainer and reality personality from Newcastle.

When did Adam Collard first enter the villa?

Adam Collard originally appeared in season 4 of Love Island which first premiered on ITV in 2018.

He made his debut alongside the likes of Dani Dyer, Jack Fincham, Megan Barton-Hanson, Wes Nelson, Alex George.

Who was Adam Collard coupled up with on Season 4?

Adam Collard was a controversial contestant during his time on the dating show in 2018.

Collard first coupled up with islander Kendall Rae-Knight, however this was short lived as the contestant moved on to Rosie Williams when she entered the villa the following week.

Williams and Collard stayed together until his head was turned when Zara McDermott entered the villa.

However, following McDermott’s abrupt dumping from the villa Collard finally moved on to Darylle Sargeant at Casa Amor. Collard was dumped from the villa shortly after.

When Collard left the villa, he got back together with Zara for eight months before splitting once again.

Zara McDermott announced the split in February 2019, saying: “I am heartbroken to announce that Adam and I have parted ways.”

“I love him very much and will always have a special place in my heart for him and our time spent together.”

“I have tried so hard to be the best person I can possibly be and to make it work. Sometimes in life, you just aren’t enough for someone; no matter what you do for them or how much you try to be.”

Who did Adam Collard couple up with in Love Island 2022?

Adam Collard entered the Love Island villa on 11 July, and quickly coupled up with paramedic Paige Thorne.

The couple made it all the way to their final date before leaving the villa in last night’s episode (Sunday 31 July). Earlier in the episode the couple were voted the least compatible couple.

When is the Love Island final?

Love Island 2022 will come to a close on Monday 1 August and will begin at 9pm on ITV2.

What has Adam said since leaving the villa?

Adam Collard has said that he thinks he and paige “will make it work” outside the villa in their exit interview from the ITV2 show.

Collard was told about ex girlfriend Zara McDermott and Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson’s reaction to his return to the show, and was happy to hear the couple made light of the situation.

Collard said: “I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t really expect it to be that plain sailing with their reaction. I’ve got to give credit to Zara.”

“We had some really good times and I’ve got really good memories from the time we were together. It’ll be nice to break the ice - you never know we might end up meeting up with them.

He added: “I think Sam’s definitely the right person for her and if they’re happy, I’m happy. I’m definitely happy here.”

What is Love Island?

Love Island is a British dating game show that premiered in 2015.

The show is actually a revival of the earlier celebrity series of the same name. This version only ran for two series, which aired in 2005 and 2006 on ITV.

Love Island involves a group of contestants, referred to as Islanders, living in isolation from the outside world in a villa in Mallorca, constantly under video surveillance.

To survive in the villa the Islanders must be coupled up with another Islander, whether it be for love, friendship or money, as the overall winning couple receives a combined $50,000.

The show has been highly successful and influential in British popular culture. In 2018 it became ITV2’s most watched show in the network’s history.

As of 2020 Love Island was the most watched TV among its target audience of 16-34 year olds.

Since its revival the show has expanded and there are now twenty-two versions of the Love Island franchise worldworld, including Australia.