Love Island star Sherif Lanre was spotted stepping out in London on Thursday following his shocking departure from the villa. 

The chef, 20, who was booted out of the ITV2 reality show on Tuesday after just nine days, appeared downcast following the news that he was being guarded by 24 hours security following his return to the UK after his ejection. 

Hot on the heels of the boosted after-care, ITV bosses told MailOnline: 'Security is provided to assist families as part of our duty of care'.

Insiders meanwhile told The Sun: 'Sherif is being closely guarded by round-the-clock security that has been put in place by ITV. They want to make sure he’s being looked after and they’re keen to protect him from fans and trolls.'

Sherif emerged shortly after it was claimed that Love Island bosses are said to be holding back the reason for his abrupt departure amid fears it could damage the show’s incredible earning power.

The ITV2 series rakes in an estimated £25million a year in advertising revenue, including a sponsorship deal with high-street health and beauty retailer Superdrug.

But The Sun claim bosses are fearful of the fiscal impact Sherif’s transgression might have on the show, with the reason being carefully held back to avoid any potential loss of earnings.

It's understood that executives have demanded a wall of silence regarding his exit, with security drafted in to prevent family members speaking publicly.

The chef took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday, a day after the initial news broke, thanking his fans for their support.

The post comes as fans continue to ask show bosses why he had to leave the show without explanation, saying the 'rumours could be worse than the truth.' 

He wrote on Instagram: 'Thank you to everyone including my friends and family for the support I've come back to.

'I appreciate you all and hope I provided some good, positive moments during my time on Love Island and for anyone wondering I'm all good.'

Sherif also hashtagged the popular Islander saying, 'it is what it is', along with a crying-with-laughter emoji.

Meanwhile, Love Island viewers have urged series bosses to reveal the real reason why Sherif was axed.

The chef was kicked out of the ITV2 reality show on Tuesday after just nine days, and was edited out of that night's episode, aside from a very brief glimpse of him with his pharmacist partner Anna Vakili, 28.

Fans are concerned that producers' decision to keep the reasons for his departure a secret could be making things 'worse for him' as the rumours circulating on social media could be more extreme than what really happened.