Sarah Hyland found herself in the "Love Island" hot seat during a surprise elimination.
Hyland, who hosts Peacock’s reality-dating series based on the British show of the same name, was confronted by Mike Starks this week when fellow contestant Vickala "Kay Kay" Gray announced she wanted to dump herself, eliminating the travel nurse from the competition.
Gray made the decision to leave after her partner Keenan Anunay was voted off the show.
"I would like to voluntarily also leave," Gray said. "I feel like I found what I came here for, and I’d like to leave with Keenan."
Gray paired up with football player-turned-journalism-student Anunay at the start of Season 5 because of his high energy. Shortly after announcing her decision, Gray was asked by Hyland if she was confident in her self-elimination.
"Before you go anywhere, I just want to make sure that you’re absolutely happy with your decision," Hyland said, to which Gray replied, "No regrets."
But Hyland’s remark didn’t sit well with Starks.
"Why are you saying it like that?", Starks told Hyland. "It sounded mad disrespectful."
The "Love Island" host was caught off guard by Starks’ reaction. "I’m being disrespectful?" Hyland said. "OK, then."
Contestant Leonardo Dionicio, who was standing between Hyland and Starks, attempted to defuse the tension by apologizing to Hyland for Starks’ comments. "Sarah, I apologize for his reaction. I think it’s just the heat of the moment," Dionicio whispered in Hyland’s ear.
Hyland took the confrontation in stride — and with a bit of humor.
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"Thank you," Hyland told Dionicio after his apology. "Boys will be boys, right?"
The latest season of "Love Island" follows a group of singles from across the U.S. seeking romantic connections in an oceanfront Fijian mansion. Over a six-week period, the contestants aim to stay coupled up to remain eligible for a fan-favorite vote at the end of the series. The winning couple will take home $100,000.
According to Peacock, "Love Island USA" is the most-streamed original reality-competition series in the streaming platform's history.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson and Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY