Fans of Love Island All Stars were in for a shock just days before the new series was set to premiere.
ITV has confirmed that the show’s launch has been postponed due to dangerous wildfires in South Africa.
What was supposed to air on Monday is now on hold, leaving viewers waiting for a new date.
Safety First as Wildfires Threaten Filming
The delay comes after wildfires caused road closures near the villa, making it impossible for the production team to continue safely.
ITV released a statement emphasizing that health and safety are their top priorities:
“Further to a production evacuation owing to ongoing wildfires in the area, our assessment of the location site has concluded that filming will need to be postponed.
Health and safety is our greatest priority and will always come first, and therefore the transmission of Love Island: All Stars will be delayed until a date to be confirmed.”
Earlier on Saturday, the villa had already been evacuated as a precaution, with producers working frantically to try to salvage the launch episode.
Unfortunately, Monday’s broadcast has now been officially canceled.
The Wildfires’ Impact on the Region
Multiple wildfires have been raging across the Western and Eastern Cape, fueled by high temperatures, shifting winds, and prolonged dry conditions.
Residents in Zwartenbosch, Oyster Bay Road, Kromme River, and Riverside areas in the Eastern Cape were evacuated, while fires also broke out in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.
The Love Island villa, located in the Ludus Magnus Estate, sits about an hour outside Cape Town in the Western Cape, putting it directly in the affected area.
The Contestants Waiting for Love
Before the delay, excitement had been building over the new cast.
The lineup features returning favorites looking for a second chance at romance, including two former winners and a mix of familiar faces with intriguing backstories.
The female contestants are Whitney Adebayo, 28, Millie Court, 29, Belle Hassan, 27, Helena Ford, 29, Jess Harding, 25, and Leanne Amaning, 28.
They will be paired with Ciaran Davies, 23, Jack Keating, 26, Sean Stone, 26, Tommy Bradley, 22, Charlie Frederick, 31, or Shaq Muhammad, 27.
Fans were especially curious about the “nepo babies” and the finalist whose past breakup still casts a shadow over her journey.
With the villa now evacuated, the contestants will have to wait a little longer before love—and drama—gets underway.
Host Maya Jama Battles the Flu
Adding to the drama, host Maya Jama, 31, revealed she’s been unwell in the lead-up to the launch.
She pulled out of the event and shared a candid update on Instagram during her 12-hour flight to South Africa.
“Used to spend this flight on the reds chatting away to the flight crew but entering this year wholesome… Lol truthfully the flu came in last minute to kick my a* for the last 24 hours.
Vitamin C’ed up and praying the sun deletes it all, next stop [South Africa flag emoji].”*
Despite her illness, Maya kept her spirits up with a small smile for a selfie, hoping the sunny South African weather would help her recover in time to host the series.
What’s Next for the Show?
As of now, ITV has not confirmed a new premiere date.
Production teams are closely monitoring the wildfire situation and prioritizing the safety of everyone involved.
Fans will have to remain patient, but the delay ensures that when Love Island: All Stars does return, it will be under safe and controlled conditions.
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