Love Island's Zara Holland is 'held by police after trying to AVOID covid quarantining in Barbados'

Zara Holland has reportedly been arrested in Barbados after trying to return to the UK with her boyfriend when he tested positive for coronavirus.

The former Love Island star, 25, and her beau Elliott Love, 30, are thought to have had a test when they arrived on the island on Sunday, reports The Sun. 

However after receiving his result on Tuesday, the duo are said to have been given red wristbands but allegedly cut them off and tried to flee to the airport in a taxi.

A member of staff at the £300-a-night Sugar Bay resort hotel is said to have found the bands and called police, who reportedly found Zara and Elliot at the airport. 

The couple were thought to be being held on a Covid ward at the St Lucy Hospital in northern Barbados on Thursday night. 

Island chief medical officer Dr Kenneth George told the publication: ‘There are three tourists who are of special interest. Two are in quarantine and one in police custody. 

‘Two were apprehended at the airport. This is a police matter and I trust that the appropriate evidence will be submitted.’

While a spokesman for the country’s Ministry of Health and Wellness added: ‘Police have held for questioning at least three tourists in relation to alleged breaches. 

‘We will take firm action against any individuals who breach protocols.’ 

Zara and Elliott could now face criminal charges, including endangering the lives of others, an £18,000 fine each and even the potential of 12 months in prison for allegedly flouting the rules.

MailOnline has contacted Zara’s representatives for a comment. 

Before arriving in Barbados visitors have to fill out an online form and preferably include an upload of their negative COVID-19 PCR test result.

It is then mandatory for travellers from High-Risk and Medium-Risk countries to receive a second test while on island. 

While waiting for the results visitors then have to restrict their movements to their accommodation and cannot have visitors.

If the result is positive, then the person is assessed at a government facility for a minimum of 24 hours. After this there is the option to self-isolate at your own expense or go to a government isolation location, such as the Paragon Military Base.

However if a positive test is returned, the visitor cannot return home. They have to isolate until they have recovered. Upon recovery, you can resume your vacation or return home, Visit Barbados explains.   

Zara, who was de-crowned of her Miss Great Britain title after romping on reality show Love Island back in 2016, found love with boyfriend Elliott.

The pair struck up a romance just months after Zara left the show, and she later told the Daily Star that he was ‘the one’.

She gushed: ‘We’re very happy together and have such a great time. He is absolutely amazing and he’s definitely the one.’