A REALITY show finalist is to take on a 33-stone former world champion at a gruelling wrestling match in Colchester.

Adam 'Flex' Maxted, who made it to the final of ITV's Love Island this summer, will take on 6ft 5in American wrestler, Vader, who is famed for breaking a previous opponent's back, and tearing off another fighter's ear.

Their match will be part of the XWA Summer Super-Show at Charter Hall in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, on August 14.

Unlike many of his Love Island co-stars, Maxted, 24, from Belfast, refused to have sex on camera and is now focussing on his career as a wrestler since leaving the show.

Other contestants will include former WWE tag team champion Justin Gabriel, WWE NXT star Chris Her and Impact Wrestling star Doug Williams.

Show organiser, Dann Read, from Sudbury, warned there was a real risk Maxted could be injured during the match.

He said: "Whilst we do not hide that professional wrestling is a theatrical spectacle, the hazards and risks are very real and every wrestler gets hurt in every match.

"Adam Maxted may be a television star but he's getting no preferential treatment here.

"If you want to be a wrestler you have to wrestle and learn from people like Vader early on in your career so you know how bad it can get in there and understand how much it can hurt."

Tickets are available at XWAtickets.com and by calling 01206 573948.