Look, we're really not ones for Love Island conspiracy theories here at Closer – predictions and manifestations, sure, but not conspiracy theories – however, when something truly perplexing is literally right there on our screens, we simply can't overlook it. Sleuth hats on.
Besides, Love Island reporting can't all be bikinis, sunglasses and bombshells, you know? We have a duty to tell you what's happening and this 'censoring' blunder involving Shaq Muhammad has certainly happened and confused everyone (well, Twitter).
Until now, lovely winter Islander Shaq has remained fairly under our radar; not because he's boring or anything, but because he coupled up with Tanya Manhenga fairly swiftly on (actually, very swiftly – like, day one), is already throwing around the L word and is just generally pretty harmless and adorable.
HOWEVER, the OG winter Islander is back on our radar after eagle-eyed Love Island fans – who frankly we're considering offering jobs to – have noticed a a rather strange editing / continuity blunder regarding the large tattoo on Shaq's upper-back.
A Twitter user recently posted two side-by-side images of Shaq inside the villa; one of him in bed with Tanya, the other of him outside with Tanya. In both images his bare back is visible, but for some strange reason, the large tattoo is visible on Shaq in bed and nowhere to be seen in the shot outside.
Naturally, Love Island fans are frothing at the mouth with theories about why the tattoo has seemingly been removed from certain shots in the show.
The tweet read, "Now @ITVlets talk about why yall are covering up Shaq's Arabic tattoo… what was the reason quickly #loveisland #TALKSWITHASH." [sic]
The conversation was sparked after it was originally talked about on Ashleigh Louise's Talks With Ash show on Twitter, but naturally tweets like this are only fuelling the rumour mill and some of the conspiracy theories are wild. WILD.
In the comments, the same Twitter user added, "They are censoring it!"
Naturally, throwing around big words like "censoring" has caused the Twitter comments to POP OFF.
One user tweeted, "Is this real? How have I not seen it? It’s massive."
Interestingly, another user tweeted, "I speak Arabic, the words O can see from this picture translate to 'who he loves' or 'from who he loves' depending on the context of the first word."
Another Twitter user proposed a potential explanation to the conundrum, writing, "Watching his back on plus 1 and the way the sun hits his back makes it fade away. Like where he's moisturised reflects the sun."
No doubt there is a logical explanation such as this behind the mystery of the disappearing tattoo, but until then, you do you, Twitter. Meanwhile we'll be transfixed to Shaq's back henceforth if you need us.
Shaq was one of the first Islanders do enter the South African villa earlier this month.
Ahead of his TV debut, Shaq opened about his relationship history and admitted that his journey to find love hasn't been easy - which is probably why he's turned to a dating show in his search for The One.
Shaq, who works as an airport security officer, admits he falls in love easily which "can be a blessing and a curse".
He explains, "My family and friends would say I do. I’m the type of person that wears my heart on my sleeve. If I find someone I click with, I fall very hard, very fast. Sometimes that can be a bad thing. I’m a very emotional person."
Speaking about his love life, he adds, "I haven’t had the best luck with previous relationships. So I thought, why not be in the sun and potentially meet the love of my life? Hopefully I do come out with my future wife. The person I hope to marry one day. Hopefully she’s in the Villa."
Wow, planning a wedding already? He really does move fast.
Shaq says he's a "great boyfriend" and adds, "I’m very kind and thoughtful. Parents always love me. They say, ‘He’s a good person, you should marry him!’
"Once I’m with someone I’m always all about that person. I’m very vocal about that. I’m a catch!"
Who is Shaq Muhammad?
Shaq is one of the first ten contestants who went into the winter Love Island 2023 villa.
How old is Shaq Muhammad?
Shaq is 24 years old.
Where is Shaq Muhammad from?
He's from London.
What was Shaq Muhammad's job before Love Island?
Shaq worked as an airport security officer before entering the Love Island villa.
Why is Shaq Muhammad single?
Explaining why he's single, Shaq says, "I have dated, but no-one’s just clicked fully on all levels with me. I’m not one to rush into a relationship if I don’t feel like it’s right for me. I’m not saying you have to tick every single box, we just have to vibe and be on the same level. So, until I meet someone like that, I’m going to stay single."
How can I follow Shaq Muhammad on Instagram?
Shaq is on Instagram at @shaq24s_.