LOVE Island's Theo Campbell was ditched as an original All Stars contestant - in favour of Luis Morrison.
The Sun can reveal the 2017 star had his flight to South Africa booked and his bags packed hours before he was pulled from the launch show.
Love Island insiders claim Theo was dropped to make way for series one star Luis - who became the first Islander to leave the villa with Demi Jones.
"Bitter" Theo has since gone on the attack, revealing he was downgraded as a bombshell.
Bosses told him he'd likely arrive in the villa during the first two weeks instead of being in from day one.
Our villa source told us: "Theo was called in for meetings to do All Stars, but wasn't keen on doing the show.
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"He was finally convinced by producers so filmed his entrance video, pictures and passed all of his background checks including psych and health.
"He was packed and ready to go but three days before they said he was being replaced by Luis Morrison.
"Theo was instead given the option of being a bombshell, which he turned down."
Hitting out online today, Theo said: "Imagine wasting five days of your life after being persuaded to start Love Island, filming and the rest, for them to say a day before you’re suppose to fly out, nah come in 2 weeks.. huh? no thanks."
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Theo insisted he was guaranteed a place as an original before being canned one day before his slight.
However, it's believed potential Islanders are all warned their place in the villa is never guaranteed until the moment they're brought in.
Luis lasted just eight days in the villa after replacing Theo in the line-up.
He was called out by his exes and mothers of his kids for failing to pay child maintenance and keeping his All Stars gig secret.
Love Island has been contacted for comment.