ITV has announced a delay in the launch of the much-anticipated series, Love Island All Stars, due to health and safety concerns stemming from wildfires in South Africa. Originally scheduled to premiere on January 12, 2024, the production team made the decision to postpone filming as fires continue to rage in the Western and Eastern Cape regions, exacerbated by strong winds and high temperatures.
Emergency services have been actively battling the blazes, with significant progress reported last week. However, fires in areas such as Langrug and Franschhoek within the Boland remain uncontrollable. As a result, ITV has prioritized the safety of its crew and participants, leading to the postponement of production.
While there is hope for filming to resume soon, with sources indicating a potential restart on January 14, the situation remains fluid. “Bosses are hoping to resume filming on January 14,” a source shared with The Mirror. “It’s still very much an ongoing situation which they’re continuing to monitor closely. The team has worked hard to make sure the site is safe for the crew and islanders.”
The official Love Island social media accounts have since updated fans, confirming that everyone involved is safe. The statement read: “Just a reminder that the Love Island launch show has been delayed due to wildfires near the villa in South Africa. Everyone is safe though, and we’re working on bringing you an iconic series, so keep an eye on our socials and we’ll let you know the new launch date as soon as we can.”
A dozen former contestants will return for the All Stars series, including fan favorites such as Millie Court, Shaq Muhammad, and Whitney Adebayo. Additionally, last year’s entrants Helena Ford and Tommy Bradley are also expected to join.
In the meantime, ITV aired a special episode titled Love Island: A Decade of Love on the originally scheduled premiere date. This retrospective featured memorable contestants from the past decade, offering fans a look back at the highlights of the series.
Despite the delays, excitement remains high for Love Island All Stars, which is set to air on ITV2 and stream on ITVX once filming resumes. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates regarding the new launch date.
