Zara Holland: ‘De-crowned’ Miss GB leaves reality show Love Island after mum falls ill

Former Miss Great Britain Zara Holland has quit ITV2's Love Island after her mother was taken ill.

The beauty queen was "de-crowned" and stripped of her title by Miss Great Britain, after scenes showing the 20-year-old having sex were broadcast on Wednesday.

Holland was told about the development off camera and chose to remain in the house at the time.

ITV said in a statement: "Owing to an illness in the family, Zara Holland has left the Love Island villa to return to the UK. Our thoughts are with her and her family and we send all of our best wishes."

Holland said of her departure: "I'm so sad to leave the villa but it's important for me to get home and spend time with my mum while she gets better. I've had the time of my life on Love Island and would like to thank all of my fellow Islanders and the production team for all their support."

ITV added that she would be able to return to the show at a later stage if she wanted to and "depending on circumstances in the villa".

The model, from North Ferriby in Yorkshire, told viewers she regretted getting intimate with 24-year-old scaffolder Alex Bowen on Thursday night’s show and said: "You know when you're in the moment and it just happens. That's really not like me at all. Why couldn't we have just gone to sleep?"

Bowen is the former boyfriend of Loose Women star Vicky Pattison, the winner of I'm A Celebrity in 2015.

The Miss Great Britain Organisation said it could no longer "promote Zara as a positive role model" because she had failed to "uphold the responsibility expected of the title".

The organisation faced a back lash and was accused of “slut shaming” and living in the “dark ages” following the decision to de-crown Holland.

Love Island presenter Caroline Flack criticised the decision, writing on Twitter: "Feel even more sorry for Zara now she's been de-crowned. She's a very sweet girl. What even is 'Miss GB'? Are we living in the dark ages?"

Fans have started a petition calling for her to be given back the title. The petition has just over 3,000 signatures and has been shared on social media by celebrities and fans, including former Blue Peter presenter Anthea Turner.

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