As the winter chill sets in across the UK, anticipation is heating up for the return of one of television’s most addictive reality shows. Love Island All Stars is back for its third season, and this time, ITV promises the most dramatic and drawn-out series yet. With a cast of returning favorites, a sun-soaked South African villa, and Maya Jama once again at the helm, fans are bracing themselves for six weeks of romance, rivalry, and, inevitably, heartbreak.
According to The Tab, the third installment of Love Island All Stars is set to premiere on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. ITV confirmed the news—and the full cast—on January 5, 2026, sending social media into a frenzy as speculation about returning islanders was finally put to rest. For the first time, the All Stars series will run for a bumper six weeks, making it the longest in the show’s history. The opening episode is set to be a blockbuster, lasting a full hour and 35 minutes and wrapping up at 10:35pm. After that, viewers can expect nightly episodes at 9pm, except Saturdays, which will feature a weekly roundup of the best bits.
Returning to host the series is Maya Jama, who will be flying out to South Africa to oversee the proceedings. Her effortless charisma and quick wit have made her a fan favorite, and her presence is sure to keep both contestants and audiences on their toes. The villa, nestled in the South African sun, offers the perfect backdrop for a new batch of singles to try their luck at love (and perhaps a bit of fame, too).
The lineup for 2026 is a veritable who’s who of past Love Island legends, with a mix of former winners, memorable personalities, and a few infamous "villains" thrown in for good measure. As reported by Capital FM and confirmed by ITV, the cast includes:
- Jess Harding (winner, Season 10, 2023, age 25)
- Millie Court (winner, Season 7, 2021, age 27)
- Whitney Adebayo (runner-up, Season 10, 2023, age 28)
- Tommy Bradley (Season 12, 2025, age 22)
- Ciaran Davies (Season 11, 2024, age 23)
- Helena Ford (Season 12, 2025, age 30)
- Jack Keating (Season 8, 2022, age 26)
- Belle Hassan (Season 5, 2019, age 27)
- Charlie Frederick (Season 4, 2018, age 30)
- Sean Stone (Season 11, 2024, age 26)
- Leanne Amaning (Season 6, 2020, age 28)
- Shaq Muhammad (Season 9, 2023, age 27)
Each contestant brings their own unique story and motivation for returning. Jess Harding, who won her original season, is coming back with a newfound confidence. As she put it, "I was the nice girl in the corner. But now my confidence has grown; I’ve got a great personality, I’m nice looking, if you don’t want me, someone else will be lucky to have me." (as quoted by Capital FM and Heart).
Millie Court, another former winner, is also back in the spotlight. After her much-publicized breakup with Liam Reardon, she’s ready to show a "funnier Millie than before" and is "more comfortable in [her] own skin." She added, "I feel the older I’ve got, I know myself a lot better. I’m a lot more comfortable in my own skin. When I was 24 I wasn’t so much. I am more confident this time. I feel like I know what I want. When it comes to coupling up I’m going to be a bit more strict and make sure I pick properly."
Whitney Adebayo, who finished as a runner-up in 2023, is seeking a fresh start after a messy breakup. She told Heart, "Last year was something… so a fresh start in the place that started it all for new memories and experiences. I’ve been out in the dating scene… The streets are cold. You might as well go and be warm. I feel like on Love Island you get to speed date and cut the nonsense."
Other contestants are also approaching the show with new strategies and hopes. Tommy Bradley admitted, "I’m going to get to know more people. In the early days I was all eyes for one girl and I may have shut a lot of doors too early on. I’m going to be more open-minded and not fall for someone so quickly." Meanwhile, Helena Ford is determined to "go for the nice boys and not go for the menaces. That’s where I went wrong last time."
Some islanders are seeking redemption. Jack Keating, who lasted just a few days on his original season, is back to prove himself, saying, "There’s definitely a lot of personal growth that has happened - It’s been eight years since I went to Love Island, so people will notice a massive difference. I've grown loads as a person and I’m more confident in who I am and I don't care what people think. I’m a nice guy and I want the opportunity to show that."
For others, the motivation is simple: they’re ready for love. Belle Hassan declared, "I feel like I’m ready to find me a husband! I’m sick of heartbreak and I’m ready to meet someone new." Leanne Amaning, reflecting on her growth, said, "I think I’m older and wiser, six years to be precise! A lot changes, I know what I want now and I’m much more logical and level headed. I didn’t even know myself before but now I’m dating from a completely different perspective."
Shaq Muhammad, who previously found love on the show, is hoping for a different outcome this time. "Last time I did find love but it didn't work out. This time round, I need to find a wife and give my mum some grandchildren! It worked last time so I feel like it could happen again hopefully!" he told ITV.
The show’s format remains familiar, but with six weeks to play with, there’s more time than ever for alliances to form, hearts to be broken, and reputations to be made or remade. The weekly Saturday roundups will give viewers a chance to catch up on all the high drama, while the nightly episodes promise the usual mix of romance, competition, and the unexpected twists that have made Love Island a cultural phenomenon.
With the cast now confirmed and the villa prepped for another season of love and chaos, fans are counting down the days. Whether you’re rooting for a returning winner, a fan favorite, or hoping to see some long-awaited reunions, there’s no shortage of reasons to tune in. As the countdown to January 12th continues, one thing is certain: the third season of Love Island All Stars is set to be the hottest—and possibly most unpredictable—yet.
With so many familiar faces ready to take another shot at love under the South African sun, expectations are sky-high. All that’s left is to settle in, grab the popcorn, and see who finds romance, who stirs the pot, and who ultimately walks away as the next All Star champion.
