From Love Island to Lockup: Meet the Islanders who ended up on the wrong side of the law

As Love Island: All Stars prepares to light up screens this week, familiar faces will once again step back into the villa in search of romance, redemption and a second chance in the spotlight.

Before anyone gets pulled for a chat, declares someone their type on paper, or starts locking lips by the fire pit, it is worth remembering that not every Islander leaves the villa to a fairy-tale ending.

Beyond the love triangles, brand deals and carefully curated comebacks lies a darker reality.

A number of former contestants have found themselves dealing with police investigations, court cases and, in some cases, prison sentences. From dog attacks to drug offences, here are the Islanders who found themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Jack Fincham
An instant fan favourite, Jack Fincham became a household name after coupling up with Dani Dyer in the 2018 series.

Adored for their relatable romance, the pair went on to win the show, but it wasn’t long before they called it quits.

Life after the villa proved turbulent. Fincham was convicted over two dangerous dog offences after his dog Elvis bit a runner and attacked a woman in separate incidents.

He was originally handed a six week jail term but successfully appealed. Instead, a judge extended a suspended sentence linked to earlier offences.

Fincham has also faced charges for drug driving and other motoring matters, and has been open about addiction struggles and time spent in rehab.

In November 2023, he told The Sun how close he came to death.

“Death was on the cards for me, it was imminent,” he said.

Kaz Crossley

Kaz Crossley, who appeared in the 2018 series, found herself in hot water after a leaked video emerged appearing to show her snorting a white substance at a party in Dubai in 2020.

The beloved Islander was detained at Abu Dhabi airport in February 2023 while waiting for a flight to Thailand and taken into custody.

Facing at least three months behind bars, Kaz later called it the lowest point of her life.

The star later admitted, “In 2020, I was in Dubai. I was filmed – it was me, no one forced me. I didn’t love myself at all back then… it shows in what I was doing to my body and who I surrounded myself with.”

The footage led to her detention in Abu Dhabi due to the UAE’s strict drug laws.

She was later released and returned to the UK. Since then, Crossley has focused on rebuilding her life, founding the sports community Combat Collective and supporting charitable causes.

Eva Zapico

Eva Zapico starred in the first winter series of Love Island in 2020, but later found herself caught up in a high-profile financial investigation.

The Londoner was accused of promoting misleading investment schemes on social media as part of what prosecutors described as a “finfluencer” operation.

She was charged alongside a number of other reality TV figures, including TOWIE stars Lauren Goodger and Yazmin Oukhellou.

Following an investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority, those charged face potential prison sentences of up to two years if convicted.

Zapico did not enter a plea and is due to stand trial in early 2027.

Scott Thomas

Scott Thomas and Kady McDermott were one of Love Island’s most volatile couples when they left the villa in 2016.

After moving in together in Manchester, Thomas spoke publicly about the relationship, saying it felt right and that they enjoyed spending time together at home.

But the romance soon collapsed.

In June 2017, Thomas was arrested on suspicion of assault following a row and spent a night in police cells. Greater Manchester Police later confirmed he was released without charge and no further action was taken.

The incident proved to be the final straw, with the couple calling time on their relationship soon afterwards.

Magdalena Sadlo

One of the most serious cases linked to the Love Island franchise involves Magdalena Sadlo, who appeared on the Polish version of the show in 2021.

Sadlo is now serving a 14-year prison sentence after being convicted for her role in an international drug trafficking conspiracy.

Prosecutors said she acted as a key organiser for a cartel operating out of the Middle East, helping to move large quantities of cocaine into the UK.

While working legitimately in hospitality in Dubai, she assisted with criminal accounts and logistics.

A judge described the scale of the operation as eye-opening. Police experts said Sadlo may have trafficked vast quantities of cocaine across multiple trips into the UK.

Zara Holland 

Zara Holland

Season two contestant Zara Holland was fined more than £4,000 in Barbados after attempting to leave the island with her boyfriend while he had tested positive for COVID-19.

The move breached strict quarantine rules during the pandemic and resulted in criminal penalties overseas.