Love Island fans to see 'real Luca Bish' after original series 'battered his confidence'

Luca Bish is returning to Love Island All Stars later this month but fans will see the authentic him just three years after he appeared on the ITV dating show

Love Island fans will see Luca Bish in a whole new light on All Stars.

The social media star and former fishmonger first appeared on the ITV dating show in June 2022 and soon became loved by fans. Over the course of his time, fans saw the Brighton-native couple up with former paramedic, Paige Thorne, and Michael Owen's daughter, Gemma Owen.

While on the show, Luca's behaviour in the edit saw a string of complaints filed to TV watchdog, Ofcom. He later apologised for his actions which were shown in the final edit of the programme. But after leaving the show, just months later, the Mirror revealed how he had been left blindsided when Gemma announced on social media that they had split – without Luca being given a heads up.

The Mirror can now reveal that the star had been asked to appear on All Stars last year, but rejected an offer from producers. Instead, he chose to focus his energy on working alongside charities close to his heart and appearing on Celebrity MasterChef, during which, he reached the final.

A friend close to the 25-year-old told the Mirror: "Execs were on his case for the first All Stars which he turned down, and then again for this series. After winning the judges, and public, round as a finalist on Celebrity MasterChef Luca regained his confidence which had taken a bit of a battering.

"He's older, wiser and less naive this time round and we can't wait for everyone to see the real Luca that we know and love." They added that the Luca they saw in the edit of the 2022 programme was far from the jokey character they know outside of the villa. Meanwhile, bosses behind the show which kicks off in less than a week are hoping he will "spill the beans" about his split.

Speaking about his decision to head to South Africa and take part in All Stars, Luca said in a statement shared with the press: "I had such a good time last time, why not? I get to have a good time with the possibility of ending up with someone." He'll be joined by the likes of Gabby Allen, Elma Pazar, Olivia Hawkins, Ronnie Vint, Scott Thomas, Curtis Pritchard and Kaz Crossley.

He had been due to appear in a special episode of Celebrity MasterChef last year and later expressed his devastation after the show was pulled in light of the allegations surrounding former host Gregg Wallace, which he strongly denies. Taking to social media to address the episode which featured Emmerdale's Amy Walsh and his pal, The Wanted's Max George, he said: "Christmas is cancelled. Gutted our Christmas special has been put on hold but hope to be on your screens again soon."

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