Ex-Love Island contestant Sherif Lanre has been banned from taking part in the show's reunion episode this Sunday, which brings all the stars back together for a catch-up.

Sherif was one of the original Islanders looking for love, but was removed from the show a couple of weeks into the series, after Molly-Mae Hague was sent in.

He the accused the show of being 'racist' - despite the reason for his removal being linked to an alleged inappropriate incident with Molly-Mae, in which he is said to have kicked her in the groin and used an unacceptable term in front of her. 

According to The Sun, ITV has told Sherif, 20, that he is not required because his contractual agreements on Love Island have ended.

He is still, apparently, eligible for the aftercare program that former contestants have access to. 

A source close to Sherif told The Sun: 'Sherif is gutted. He was really looking forward to having the chance to reunite with the other Islanders who became his friends during the villa.

'It's hard to fathom why they wouldn't want him as he was so popular during his short stint on the show. He made a mistake and apologised, so why he is still be punished is hard to fathom.'

A spokeswoman for ITV confirmed: 'Sherif left this series of Love Island by mutual agreement after breaking the rules and there are no plans for him to appear at this weekend’s Aftersun Reunion.'

On Thursday, Sherif's rep commented: 'It would of been nice for Sherif to see his friends at the reunion; it's a shame ITV feel this strongly against him attending.' 

ITV had reportedly attempted to stop Sherif from signing a deal with online clothing brand BooHoo, claiming that he was still contractually linked to the Love Island partner I Saw It First. 

But their admission that he was no longer under a contract with ITV ultimately allowed him to sign with BooHoo - who, reportedly, offered him a six-figure deal.

Sherif only lasted nine days on Love Island - with his removal shrouded in mystery.

It wasn't explained on the show, he simply stopped appearing - with his then-partner Anna Vakili left uncoupled.

Speculation was rife that Sherif had snuck a phone into the villa with him, with further reports implicating him for inappropriate behaviour in the pool.

All of these were squashed, however, with the Molly-Mae incident said to be the real reason. 

On leaving the show, Sherif told The Sun: 'I’ve been stupid and let myself down. As someone raised by a strong and loving mother, I want to say that I would never intentionally offend women. I was completely wrong and I apologise.'

But he then appeared on Victoria Derbyshire and accused the series of 'unconscious racism'.

He said: 'I can’t rule out that racism was a factor here. I think there may have been some unconscious racism. By that I mean, the producers might not have been aware of what they were doing, but they may have had an inherent bias in their minds that caused them to act against me.

'I say this because there were so many things I was pulled aside on.'

ITV said at the time: 'We would strongly refute any accusation of racism. All of the Islanders are treated fairly and in accordance with our duty of care.'