Love Island: Aftersun, the sizzling spin-off that dishes out exclusive gossip, behind-the-scenes drama, and plenty of laughs, left fans reeling after a beloved star was noticeably absent from the latest episode. Broadcast live from London, the show is a fan-favorite for its juicy insights into the villa’s chaos, but this time, it was the absence of one key figure that sparked a frenzy on social media.
Indiyah Polack, the radiant 26-year-old who captured hearts during the eighth series of Love Island in 2022, was nowhere to be seen on the latest Aftersun episode. Known for her infectious charm and sharp wit, Indiyah rose to fame alongside her villa partner Dami Hope, securing third place in the hit dating show. Since then, she’s built an impressive career, co-hosting the official podcast Love Island: The Morning After with fellow Islander Amy Hart and becoming a staple on Aftersun’s panel. So, when she didn’t appear alongside host Maya Jama and regulars Sam Thompson and Amy Hart, fans were quick to voice their concern—and disappointment.
“Where is Indiyah?” one fan demanded on X, echoing the sentiments of many. “You guys best not be thinking about replacing her. We want her on every show, don’t ruin it #LoveIslandAftersun.” Another chimed in, “I don’t like it when Indiyah is not on this show. It’s not the same without her!” The outpouring of support underscored just how much Indiyah’s vibrant presence means to the Aftersun experience.
Rumors swirled about the reason behind her absence, with some speculating that the star had been “erased” from the show. Insiders, however, have set the record straight, revealing that Indiyah’s no-show was due to an unexpected illness that struck just hours before filming. “Indiyah was gutted to miss Aftersun,” a source close to the production shared. “She’s a key part of the show, and her absence was purely due to feeling under the weather. There’s no truth to any talk of her being replaced—she’s very much a part of the Aftersun family.”
This isn’t the first time a Love Island personality has faced health-related hurdles. Just weeks ago, host Maya Jama powered through a filming session despite feeling unwell, a testament to the dedication of the show’s stars. Indiyah’s absence, though, left a noticeable void, as her chemistry with Maya and her fellow panelists is a highlight for viewers.
Beyond her Aftersun role, Indiyah remains a fan favorite for her authenticity and relatability. Reflecting on her Love Island journey, she recently opened up to The Sun about the bonds she’s maintained from her 2022 series. “I’d love to have a reunion with Ekin, Tasha, and Andrew—he’s a great guy, even though he and Tasha aren’t together anymore,” she shared. “Jacques and Ikenna, too—I’m surprisingly close to Ikenna, and he’s good friends with Dami.” Her ability to stay connected with her villa mates only adds to her appeal as a grounded and genuine star.
Meanwhile, Aftersun welcomed two fresh faces to the panel: TikTok sensations Joe Baggs and Ash Holme. Joe, known for his hilarious commentary on Gogglebox and his podcast Not My Bagg, brought his signature humor to the mix, while Ash, a former X Factor contestant, added her own flair. Ash made waves in 2017 when she auditioned with her group NQ, only to make a bold move by joining Simon Cowell’s New Girl Band after being dropped from the competition. The duo joined Maya, Sam, and Amy to keep the energy high, but for many fans, Indiyah’s absence was impossible to ignore.
As the Love Island season heats up, viewers are eagerly awaiting Indiyah’s return to Aftersun. Her vibrant personality, quick wit, and insider perspective are irreplaceable, and fans are hopeful she’ll be back in action soon, bringing her signature sparkle to the spin-off. For now, the truth is clear: Indiyah wasn’t “erased”—she’s simply taking a well-deserved moment to recover, and her spot on Aftersun is waiting for her triumphant comeback.