Love Island UK pushed to 2021

ITV has pushed its hit reality series Love Island to 2021 due to the coronavirus crisis.

It’s a big move by the broadcaster given the runaway success of the series.

Kevin Lygo, Director of Television at ITV said: “We have tried every which way to make Love Island this summer but logistically it’s just not possible to produce it in a way that safeguards the wellbeing of everyone involved and that for us is the priority.

“In normal circumstances we would be preparing very soon to travel out to the location in Mallorca to get the villa ready but clearly that’s now out of the question.

“We are very sorry for fans of the show but making it safely is our prime concern and Love Island will be back stronger than ever in 2021. In the meantime Love Island fans can still enjoy all six series of Love Island on BritBox.”

In addition to location challenges, the broadcaster had previously indicated the show’s intimate content would be sending a wrong message at this time.

New host Laua Whitmore tweeted: “Like with a lot of things because of restrictions with travel, social distancing and unable to plan ahead, Love Island is postponed until 2021.

“Great news is that there have been more applications than any other series! Next year is going to be BIG. Stay safe.”

A 2020 Australian Love Island has not been confirmed, with Nine previously indicating the show had been under discussion with ITV Studios Australia. Some media articles speculated Sophie Monk removing Love Island from her social media bio might also indicate she was no longer associated with the show.

Last year’s season was filmed in Fiji, with 2018 filmed in Mallorca.

10 has similarly been forced to pause The Bachelor while The Bachelorette is yet to begin filming.