Controversial Love Island star signs up for The Games – 3 years after failing to find love in the villa

ONE of Love Island's most controversial stars has signed up for the upcoming Games spin-off, three years after failing to find love on TV.

Mike Boateng starred in Winter Love Island in January 2020 and made it almost to the end but was dumped two days before the finale.

Now The Sun can reveal that former police officer Mike is returning to the franchise for Love Island Games, which is currently being filmed in Fiji.

An insider said: "Mike may be a divisive figure amongst some Love Island fans but he is sure to bring some drama to The Games. He's competitive and has his eye on the prize.

"He is keen to show viewers a different side to him as he feels he was misunderstood during his time on the original show, as well as in the aftermath."

He will join the likes of Megan Barton Hanson, Curtis Pritchard, Liberty Poole and Georgia Steel in the Maya Jama-fronted spin-off.

Mike attracted criticism from some fans during his time on the show for making moves on Jess Gale while he was coupled up with Sophie Piper.

He was branded 'muggy' by fellow islander Luke Mabbott, who was partnered with Jess at the time.

Viewers called Mike's actions "out of order" and claimed he tried to "humiliate" Luke.

Mike later coupled up with Priscilla Anyabu and the pair made it official on their final date, but were dumped before the grand final and split 15 months later.

Mike's brother Andrew accused the show of unfairly editing the pair, leading to their eviction.

He said on social media: ";They really tried it with how they edited these two, but the world will see how amazing they are."

After the show, Mike told the Daily Star: "There are still people that will cling on to that and cling onto the narrative of what they saw of me being played out on TV, for the most part I looked like a game player."

Mike was also dogged with allegations of "improper conduct" from his time during the police force.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed at the time that Mike was the subject of an “ongoing” probe.

But Mike claimed at his misconduct hearing that he had been a victim of racism from colleagues.

He was cleared of all charges and updated his fans about the result.

He wrote on social media: "I have now been CLEARED of ALL false allegations, as well as being able to resume work within the public services (including the GMP) should I choose to.

"This has been a culmination of over three years of mistreatment. Now that all allegations have been dropped, this entire ordeal has come to an end."