Otway said he threw the first punch after being insulted

The former Hollyoaks star was punched six times by dancer Brendan Cole, 30, who appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

The pair started arguing after producers sent them on a drink-fuelled yacht cruise around the Fijian island where the reality show is based.

Otway, 24, who threw the first punch, was left with a bloodied ear.

The fight broke out in the back of a limousine when the pair returned to the island.

Otway said he wanted to leave the show following the incident, but the pair later hugged and made up.

Cole said: "I'm disappointed it's come to that after six weeks on Love Island because this should have been an amazing experience."

Love Island features celebrities dating and competing for public votes over seven weeks.

The contestants have included ex-Boyzone singer Shane Lynch, model Sophie Anderton, socialite Lady Victoria Hervey, Pierce Brosnan's son Chris and Paul Gascoigne's step-daughter Bianca.

But the show's second series has been hit by low viewing figures and early departures from some of its cast.