Winter just isn’t our type on paper – which is lucky, because Love Island is coming to warm us up.
A new series of the hit ITV2 reality show launches in January, which was commissioned after the runaway success of this summer’s series, having attracted audiences of up to 6 million – a new record for ITV2.
With the countdown to the series officially on, here’s everything we can tell you so far...
When will winter Love Island air?
It has been confirmed Love Island kicks off on Sunday 12 January 2020.
The news was announced with a post on the official ITV2 Twitter account on 19 December, which was a welcome early Christmas present.
The series is going to nicely plug the gap in the schedules for reality TV fans that became vacant when Celebrity Big Brother was axed last year.
How long will winter Love Island last?
ITV hasn’t yet said anything on the series’ length, but former contestant Kem Cetinay, who also serves as the show’s expert on This Morning, seemingly let slip a secret that would suggest it will be shorter than the summer run.
Asked by host Eamonn Holmes about the winter show back in July, Kem said: “Yeah, a winter one in January, four weeks.”
Four weeks is half the length of time the summer series currently runs for. However other reports have suggest it will run for six weeks and two weeks will also be shaved off the summer series.
Where will winter Love Island take place?
While the hills of Mallorca in Spain have been the home to Love Island since its inception in 2015 with its soaring temperatures and endless sunshine, it’s not exactly the warmest place to be come January/February time.
Therefore, bosses are uprooting the show for the winter edition and taking it all the way to South Africa, introducing a brand new villa.
South Africa previously served as the setting for short-lived ITV2 reality series Survival Of The Fittest, which was originally billed as the answer to a winter Love Island when it aired in 2018. It also featured eventual Love Island winner Dani Dyer as a contestant.
The Daily Mail has already published a first look at the villa with some aerial shots of the villa being kitted out for the series – and we’re not exaggerating when we saw it looks HUGE.
Will Caroline Flack and Iain Stirling be back for winter Love Island?
Where do we start with this one?
So, Caroline Flack was due to return as the show’s presenter and had already filmed a trailer for the new series.
However, on 13 December, it was revealed Caroline had been arrested and charged with assault by beating following a private domestic incident at her London home, which she shares with her partner Lewis Burton.
After being released on bail, her future on the show remained unclear until the star announced she would be sitting out the sixth series so her personal drama did not overshadow the show.
“Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it’s the best show on telly,” she said in a statement posted on her Instagram Story.
“In order not to detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is stand down for series six.”
Caroline’s replacement was later announced as Laura Whitmore.
“To say I’m excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement,” she said.
“I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend. We’ve spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role. I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice.
She added: “Above all, I am a massive fan of this show. I’ve never been to a Love Island villa, and I can’t wait to get in there to meet all the new Islanders looking for love.”
Laura has been dating Love Island narrator Iain Stirling since 2017, and joked: “The Love Island team are the best in the business… including the voice and heart of the show, Iain. He thought he was getting a holiday away from me… not a chance!”
Caroline’s statement suggests she intends to return, while ITV said it “will remain in contact with her over the coming months about future series of Love Island”. A source close to the show also told HuffPost UK that the “door is open for her”.
What about the usual summer Love Island?
ITV bosses have confirmed the show will return to Europe for its usual summer series. While they were not specific with the exact location, it’s widely anticipated it will once again come from Mallorca.
It could also feature the return of Caroline Flack as presenter.
Can I still apply to be on winter Love Island?
Applications for the new series have been open since the conclusion of the summer series – but it’s not too late if you fancy yourself as the new Amber or Greg.
They are open until 11 January (the day before the new series kicks off), as bosses will still be casting for bombshells to send in throughout the series.
Apply now at the ITV website here.
What else has been said about winter Love Island?
Paul Mortimer, Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions at ITV said: “Off the back of a record-breaking year, we’re delighted to be bringing an extra series of our biggest and sunniest show to the 2020 schedule.
“Love Island has proven yet again to be the perfect format that engages younger audiences. In response to this viewer appetite, a new batch of young singletons will deliver some highly anticipated post-Christmas romance and drama from our new and luxurious location.”
Angela Jain, Managing Director ITV Studios Entertainment added: “We love making Love Island for ITV2. The show’s success is testament to the magnificent production team that decamp to Mallorca every year to deliver the award-winning show with its trademark warmth, wit and wide-ranging appeal. And now 2020 is going to have even more love than before.”
Is there a trailer?
Awkwardly, the trailer for the new series features Caroline Flack and was released prior to her arrest. Whether it will be reshot featuring the new presenter, or if a new version with Caroline edited out debuts remains to be seen.