Ollie Williams has dramatically quit the Love Island villa just three days into the new winter series in South Africa.

The 23-year-old estate owner found himself at the centre of controversy days before entering the villa after photos showed him posing with the carcasses of dead animals that were killed in Africa.

More than 35,000 people signed a petition to get him thrown off the show and Ofcom revealed it has received 467 complaints in total about the heir to the Lanhydrock estate in Cornwall.

Williams was partnered up with contestant Paige Turley, who had previously dated singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, but – according to The Sun – he left the series after claiming to still be in love with his ex-girlfriend, Laura Nofer.

“The show made Ollie realise he wasn’t ready to be in another serious relationship and he still has really strong feelings for Laura,” a source said.

Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Show all 11 1 /11 Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Shaughna Philliips, 25 Shaugna is a democratic services officer from London. She describes herself as "chatty, fun and clever", adding: "When they hear me speak about certain things they'll be shocked. I like to get on with everyone, too." Her celebrity crush is Jack Fincham while her ideal man is "tall, dark and handsome". Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Sophie Piper, 21 Medical PA Sophie hails from Essex and is excited to spend some time in the villa. Her celebrity crush is Anthony Joshua, she describes herself as "kind, fun and energetic". Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Leanne Amaning, 22 Leanne is a customer service advisor from London. She describes herself as "fun" and is looking for love, but thinks she'll need to learn to be more open while in the villa. Her celebrity crush is Gerard Butler. Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Eve and Jess Gale, 20 Eve and Jess are twins currently studying and working as VIP hostesses in London. Both say they're confident and easy-going, and both pick Anthony Joshua as their celebrity crush. Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Paige Turley, 22 Singer Paige comes from West Lothian and is a "natural flirt". She comes from a small village where everyone knows everyone, so is looking for someone with "a different mentality". Her celebrity crush is Tom Hardy. Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Siânnise Fudge, 25 Siânnise is a beauty consultant from Bristol who has "quite a lot" of experience with men, and so knows what she's on the look-out for. She describes herself as "sassy and fun", and her celebrity crush is Anthony Joshua or Nineties Leonardo DiCaprio. Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Connor Durman, 25 Coffee bean salesman Conor comes from Brighton but has been living in Australia for the past four years. He's had two big relationships, "one good, one bad". His celebrity crush is Maya Jama. Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Mike Boateng, 24 Police officer Mike thinks his charming nature will attract attention in the villa. His mum is hoping he'll meet someone and move out of her house. Celebrity crush? Beyonce and Rihanna. Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Callum Jones, 23 Callum is a scaffolder from Manchester who claims to have "builders' banter" – whatever that is. He's "a cheeky chap" but down-to-earth as well. His celebrity crush is Megan Fox. Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Nas Majeed, 23 Sports science graduate and builder Nas claims to be different to the guys who have been on the show before. He describes himself as "funny, caring and considerate – a well-rounded person". His celebrity crush is Aladdin star Naomi Scott. Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Ollie Williams, 23 Ollie is an estate owner and heir to the Lanhydrock estate in Cornwall. He claims to be an "alpha male" but expects to be "the butt of all jokes". He's a self-confessed attention-seeker who wears his emotions on his sleeve. His celebrity crush is Lily James.

“Meeting girls who were so different to him and his background only clarified how he felt about his ex and he felt it was only fair to leave the competition and sort his head out.”

According to the source, he “acted on his feelings” after telling producers he was considering walking out of the ITV2 show.