Search icon

Coronavirus

04th Jan 2021

Zara Holland charged in Barbados for breaching Covid-19 rules

The former Love Island star tried to flee Barbados after her boyfriend tested positive but was met by authorities at the airport

Reuben Pinder

She could be fined £18,000

Former Love Island star Zara Holland has been charged by police in Barbados after breaching Covid-19 regulations by trying to flee the island after her boyfriend, Elliott Love, tested positive last Tuesday.

According to media in Barbados, the couple arrived on a Virgin Atlantic flight last Sunday, at which point they were obliged to quarantine at a Christ Church hotel until they have returned two negative Covid-19 tests each, which takes roughly three days.

After they were told Love had tested positive, and therefore they would have to quarantine, the couple reportedly removed their wristbands and boarded a taxi to Grantley Adams International Airport, where they were met by authorities and arrested.

Holland will appear in court on Wednesday and faces the prospect of a year in jail and an £18,000 fine. This comes shortly after a tourist in Barbados was jailed for six months for breaching the island’s rules, despite only going out for a drink.

Holland claimed her breach of the guidelines was a misunderstanding. In a statement published by Barbados Today, the 25-year-old said: “I firstly want to apologise to the entire country of Barbados for what has been a massive mix up and misunderstanding during my most recent stay.

“I am currently working with the local authorities to rectify any issues on my part and will issue an update and full statement which I think is the only right thing to do to the Government and citizens of Barbados.

“I have been a guest of this lovely island in excess of 20 years and would never do anything to jeopardise an entire nation that I have nothing but love and respect for and which has treated me as a family.”

Elliott Love’s brother has told the Mail Online that Holland is out of quarantine and in a hotel.