Love Island viewers accuse producers of being ‘cruel’ after Sophie Lee’s sudden dumping shocks fans.

Love Island fans erupted in fury last night after the first dumping of the new series saw Sophie Lee sent packing in what many branded a “cruel” twist. The dramatic scenes unfolded during Tuesday’s episode (June 10), leaving viewers questioning the producers’ decision-making.

Sophie, a model and influencer, became the first Islander to leave the villa this year. Her exit came after Shakira, who found herself single following Monday night’s bombshell arrival of Toni, chose to couple up with Harry — Sophie’s partner.

Toni’s entrance had already shaken the villa. After choosing Ben to couple up with, Shakira was left without a partner, placing her at risk. But when given the chance to secure her place, she picked Harry, leaving Sophie single and ultimately dumped from the island.

Host Maya Jama delivered the shocking news, entering the villa to announce Sophie’s immediate departure. The sudden exit left many viewers devastated and outraged.

On social media, the backlash was instant. One furious fan wrote: “Sophie didn’t deserve that. Why not just keep her single for the next week? It’s just so cruel. Why do they hate diversity so much there.” Another viewer added: “Sophie was robbed! She seemed so down to earth and humble! She needs to be brought back!! She’d keep these guys in line for sure.”

The anger intensified when Maya teased the arrival of two new bombshells, Bristol footballer Shea Mannings and fitness influencer Remell Mullins, moments after Sophie’s exit.

Shea, who revealed he has a young son, admitted he’ll take fatherhood into consideration while choosing who to couple up with. “She needs to be bubbly and we need to have that initial spark,” he explained. “She needs to have a nice personality – like I think I have – so that we match together.”

Remell echoed similar hopes, stating: “I’m looking for a bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun girl with a nice smile, nice teeth and someone that can keep me on my toes.”

The introduction of two new male bombshells immediately after Sophie’s departure fuelled further confusion and criticism from viewers.

“I don’t get why Sophie was dumped when there’s two boy bombshells coming in…” one fan questioned online. Another raged: “Wtf are we actually doing dumping Sophie just to get two new male bombshells?” A third viewer summed up the mood, posting: “Two new bombshells tomorrow! They shouldn’t have sent Sophie home!! The producers are so cruel mahnnnn.”

Maya Jama’s teasing of the upcoming shake-ups only added fuel to the fire, as fans debated the fairness of the twist and whether production deliberately engineered drama at Sophie’s expense. The controversial decision has already cast a shadow over the early days of this year’s Love Island series.

As the villa adjusts to the latest arrivals and shifting dynamics, many viewers remain hopeful that Sophie might be given a second chance to return later in the season — a twist Love Island has pulled off in past years.

But for now, Sophie’s premature exit has left a bitter taste among many loyal fans, who continue to vent their frustration online. Whether producers address the backlash or continue with more bombshell surprises remains to be seen, but this season has certainly started with fireworks