His sudden departure from the Love Island villa for 'breaking strict rules' has sent shockwaves around the country.

And the family of Sherif Lanre revealed they don't know why he was ejected from the villa as they pledged their support for him in a now-deleted post on his Instagram account.

The chef's departure from the show after just nine days was confirmed on Tuesday, with Sherif, 20, issuing an apology for his 'poor judgment' - although the exact reason for his removal has not been revealed.   

A message on the former reality star's account, run by his loved ones, reads: 'So sadly Sherif has left the villa. It's unclear why at the moment but hopefully we will be able to update ASAP!!

'But he will STILL be appearing on our screens tonight. Everyone on endz is BEYOND proud and excited to have our boy home.

'Comment down below to send your love through the E-WAVES.'

The post was deleted shortly afterwards. 

This comes hours after Sherif issued an apology after being kicked off the show for breaking strict rules.

A spokesperson for the programme confirmed his departure to MailOnline on Tuesday.   

The spokesperson said: 'After breaking the villa rules, Sherif had conversations with the producers and it was mutually agreed that he would leave the Love Island villa.'   

Sherif added: 'In a case of poor judgement, I broke the villa rules and as a result agreed with the producers that it was best for me to leave the villa.

'I regret that I didn’t conduct myself in the right way and, as a 20-year-old guy, it’s something I know I will take on board and learn from.   

'I really enjoyed my time in the villa and look forward to catching up with everyone on the outside.' 

A Love Island spokesperson has declined to specify to MailOnline which rules Sherif broke.  

But a source told MailOnline: 'Sherif's departure will be addressed on the show, (thought to be Wednesday's episode), but the reasons behind it will not be.' 

There is nothing to suggest Sherif broke any of the following rules, but according to The Mirror, the top ones include no smoking inside the house, pool and garden.  

No nudity in front of fellow contestants (even in the shower), no masturbating and no drunken or unsafe sex (condoms must be worn). 

The site adds: 'Contestants who have sex must see a therapist afterwards (who can provide emergency contraception.

'And each star must be in possession of the complete rule book (and refer to it where necessary).'   

No doubt Sherif's departure is a huge blow to pharmacist Anna Vakili, 28, who has been coupled up with the star after the show started a week last Monday. 

He didn't get off to a great start on the show when no-one stepped forward to couple up with him on the first night. 

He initially chose to couple up with Amber-Rose Gill, 21, but she chose to be with Callum McLeod, 28, and Sherif ended up with Anna.

Sherif is the second Islander to be kicked off the show since it started this year.  

Soon after the announcement, Sherif's family, who are currently looking after his Instagram account, wrote that they were 'proud' of him but did not disclose any further information. 

Aircraft engineer Callum left the villa after five days after his partner Amber-Rose dumped him in favour of Anton Danyluk, 24.