SHERIF Lanre became one of Love Island's most controversial contestants after he was booted out of the villa in the middle of the night.
His sudden departure followed a shocking remark he made towards Molly-Mae Hague, after accidentally kicking her in the crotch during a play fight.
After making sure Molly was unhurt, he referred to it a “c*** punt” - a highly offensive phrase about an attack on a woman.
Producers swiftly removed Sherif, now 23, but did not reveal the reason to the public, issuing a statement that he broke villa rules.
He later apologised during an interview with The Sun, insisting he did not mean it maliciously, admitting: "I’ve been stupid and let myself down.”
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Since leaving the ITV2 show in 2019 after just nine days, Sherif has turned his back on fame and social media and is focusing on his blossoming sportsman career.
In an exclusive chat, he tells The Sun: “I've been selected for the Nigerian rugby team.
"I've been training with them for the African Nations Championship and for the Olympic trials."
Prior to going into the villa Sherif was already a semi-pro rugby player for South East London's Old Alleynian Rugby Club.
When not tackling foes on the pitch, Sherif is cooking up a storm, having also returned to cheffing.
“People still recognise me from Love Island and a few have been shocked to see me back in the kitchen,” he says.
“I just try to see the funny side of it all and not make a big deal about it.
“I currently work at a company catering company doing fine dining for private events, which I'm enjoying. It's refined and great food.
“It's much better than working in a commercial kitchen with tickets coming at you from everywhere and dealing directly with customers.”
'Superficial'
Sherif was scouted for Love Island while on his lunch break from his old job as a chef.
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He was one of the youngest islanders in his series, at just 20, and coupled up with Anna Vakili twice - admitting he followed her on social media before heading into the villa.
Despite his controversial exit, Sherif still managed to go on to secure multiple modelling contracts, including one for Boohoo Man with former islanders Rykard Jenkins, Dom Lever and Adam Collard.
He says he "doesn't regret" going on the show "despite everything" - but has since removed all references to Love Island on his social media bios.
“I wish I had done more research into it to know what I'd be going into," he tells us.
"Instead, I just took a leap of faith.
“If I hadn't done the series I did, I don't think I'd have said yes now, as the show seems so superficial now in a way it wasn't before.”
'Revival year'
After taking time to work out what he wants from life away from Love Island, Sherif hopes to get back into the modelling world alongside his rugby.
“When I came out of the show I had such little experience about what I wanted, how good management worked and all that,” he says.
“I think a lot of ex-islanders find that your face becomes less about who you are as a person and more about being linked to Love Island.
“Taking a few years to work out what I want my profile to be and what I actually cared about was important.
“Now I know I want to try to go back to modelling. 2023 is going to be my revival year.”
While Love Island made him famous, Sherif has worked to distance himself from the show.
“I took Love Island out of my social media bio," he says. “I don't have a great relationship with ITV, so I'd rather not be associated with them.”
