ITV has announced a delay in the premiere of the much-anticipated series, Love Island All Stars, originally scheduled for January 12, 2024. The delay comes in response to significant health and safety concerns stemming from wildfires affecting the Western and Eastern Cape regions of South Africa. The broadcaster confirmed that all crew members and participants are safe, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a secure environment for filming.
The wildfires, exacerbated by high winds and soaring temperatures, have posed serious challenges for local emergency services. While significant progress was reported last week, certain areas, particularly in Langrug and Franschhoek within the Boland, continue to experience uncontrolled blazes. In light of these ongoing conditions, ITV made the difficult decision to postpone production.
According to sources close to the production team, filming is expected to resume on January 14, 2024. The show’s executives are targeting a new premiere date of January 15, 2024, with hopes that conditions will stabilize sufficiently for the crew to return to work. A representative for the show stated, “It’s still very much an ongoing situation which they’re continuing to monitor closely. The team have worked hard to make sure the site is safe for the crew and islanders.”
The official Love Island social media channels have kept fans updated throughout the situation. An Instagram post from the official account reassured fans that “everyone is safe” and that they are “working on bringing you an iconic series.” The post further encouraged viewers to stay tuned for updates regarding the new launch date.
The upcoming season features a dozen former contestants returning to the villa, including favorites such as Millie Court, Shaq Muhammad, and Whitney Adebayo. Additionally, last year’s entrants Helena Ford and Tommy Bradley are among those expected to make a comeback. The excitement surrounding this series has only intensified as fans await the return of these familiar faces.
In place of the original premiere, ITV aired a special titled Love Island: A Decade of Love on January 8, 2024. This retrospective featured memorable contestants from the past ten years, providing a nostalgic look back at the show’s most iconic moments.
As fans eagerly anticipate the launch of Love Island All Stars, ITV2 will broadcast the series, with streaming available on ITVX. The network has committed to delivering an engaging viewing experience, with further updates to be shared as conditions allow.
