SAM Thompson has opened up on why he decided to step away from the Love Island spin-off show, Aftersun.
I’m A Celeb winner Sam had appeared as a regular on the panel since 2023, but
Sam Thompson reveals why he left Love Island: Aftersun Credit: YouTube / Staying Relevant
The TV star had been a panellist since 2023 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
In an exclusive chat with The Sun, Sam explained his reasons for moving on.
Sam said: “Love Island has such a big place in my heart, I still watch it now. I just think I’m 33, I’m not exactly old but I think it’s time maybe a younger generation to take hold of it.
“You don’t want me there. I’ve had a great time on it to be fair and I’ve loved it, I’ve loved every second of it, it’s such a guilty pleasure for me.”
He added: “But I think it was probably time. But my god has it given me everything, the reason I got the [I’m A Celeb] jungle was because I was on Aftersun.
But Sam said it was time for younger talent to come through Credit: Getty
ITV announced a new panel for Aftersun including a raft of former Love Islanders and a Gogglebox star Credit: itv
“So I owe Love Island, even though I’ve never been on it myself, I owe it a lot and I adore it. But I think it was the right time, god I’ve had some good memories.”
comes amid a show shake-up where the programme was hoping to introduce more fresh talent to their screen.
The Sun revealed that ‘s bagged himself the role as replacement.
He’s seen huge television success ever since first taking a seat on the Gogglebox sofa back in 2010.
The source shared: “Joe is a big favourite of ITV and has already been installed as part of the Britain’s Got Talent team and has been hosting launches for the channel too, including Graham Norton’s recent show The Neighbourhood.
“He’s the natural successor for Sam Thompson on Aftersun and is being lined up for that role.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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