On January 10, 2026, the usually sun-soaked set of Love Island: All Stars in South Africa turned into a scene of urgency and uncertainty as wildfires swept through the Western Cape, forcing the evacuation of contestants and crew. The highly anticipated third season of the reality dating show—hosted by Maya Jama and featuring a star-studded cast of returning Islanders—was scheduled to premiere in the UK on Monday, January 12, and in the US on Peacock two days later. But as flames approached the iconic villa, ITV, the show’s broadcaster, made the difficult call to halt production and delay the season’s launch indefinitely.
ITV released a clear and sobering statement across its platforms: “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.” According to Deadline, the network further explained, “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.” With the safety of Islanders and crew at stake, there was no hesitation in putting the brakes on what is typically a tightly scheduled, fast-turnaround series.
The timing couldn’t have been more dramatic. The third series of Love Island: All Stars had been generating buzz for months, with fans eager to see familiar faces return for another shot at romance—and perhaps a bit of redemption. This year’s line-up boasted 12 contestants, including two former winners: Jess Harding, 25, and Millie Court, 29. The cast also featured Jack Keating, 26, the son of Irish singer Ronan Keating, alongside Belle Hassan, 27; Charlie Frederick, 31; Ciaran Davies, 23; Helena Ford, 29; Leanne Amaning, 28; Sean Stone, 26; Shaq Muhammad, 27; Tommy Bradley, 22; and Whitney Adebayo, 28. With Maya Jama returning as the charismatic host, the stage was set for another season of love, drama, and high ratings.
But nature had other plans. According to South Africa’s state broadcaster SABC, the Western Cape was battling multiple fire-related incidents, prompting authorities to work closely with the South African Air Force to contain the blazes. The villa’s proximity to these wildfires made evacuation a necessary and urgent step. ITV, in its official statement, underscored the gravity of the situation: “Health and safety is our greatest priority and will always come first.” As the flames drew nearer, the network’s decision to delay the show was not only prudent but, as many observers noted, absolutely essential.
The postponement has left fans and industry insiders alike wondering when—and if—the season will resume. ITV has not provided a new premiere date, leaving viewers in suspense. The delay also ripples beyond the UK, with the US premiere on Peacock, originally scheduled for January 14, now also on hold. The show’s format, which relies on filming close to the air date for maximum audience engagement, means that any interruption has significant consequences for scheduling and production logistics.
Love Island is no stranger to controversy or high stakes. Last summer, during the twelfth series of the regular format, the show drew in a staggering 2.6 million viewers for its debut episode, with ITVX streams up 9% year on year. Yet, the same season saw more than 14,000 complaints alleging bullying, abusive behavior, and misogyny—particularly surrounding tensions among some of the women in the villa. Media watchdog Ofcom ultimately declined to investigate, stating that the negative behavior “was not shown in a positive light” and was in line with what viewers have come to expect from the series.
ITV, for its part, has responded to past criticisms by emphasizing the training provided to participants. According to the broadcaster, contestants receive guidance on “mutually respectful behaviour in relationships” and are educated about “behaviour patterns associated with controlling and coercive behaviour.” The network insists that these measures are designed to foster a safer, more respectful environment, both on and off screen.
This season’s cast—composed entirely of returning Islanders—was expected to bring both familiarity and fresh dynamics to the villa. The inclusion of former winners and high-profile contestants like Jack Keating was seen as a strategic move to reignite fan interest and perhaps steer the narrative toward redemption and second chances. Maya Jama’s return as host further cemented the sense of continuity and star power, with her presence widely credited for boosting the show’s appeal in recent years.
But the wildfires have thrown a wrench into these carefully laid plans. The Western Cape, a region known for its natural beauty and volatile climate, has faced its share of fire emergencies in the past. This latest incident, however, has brought the realities of climate risk directly into the world of reality television, serving as a stark reminder that even the most meticulously produced shows are at the mercy of the elements.
For the contestants, the evacuation was undoubtedly a jarring experience. Many had returned to the villa with hopes of rekindling old flames or forging new connections, only to find themselves facing an entirely different kind of challenge. The abrupt halt to filming left them—and the production crew—grappling with uncertainty. While ITV has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the evacuation, the consensus is clear: safety comes first, and the show will only resume once it is deemed safe to do so.
As fans await updates, speculation abounds. Will the third season pick up where it left off, or will the disruption force a complete reimagining of the show’s format? For now, ITV’s message is one of caution and patience. “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.” The network’s unwavering stance has been met with widespread support, even as disappointment lingers among viewers eager for their next dose of villa drama.
In the ever-unpredictable world of reality TV, this season of Love Island: All Stars has already delivered a plot twist no one saw coming. As the production team, contestants, and fans alike wait for the all-clear, one thing is certain: when the show finally returns, it will do so with a renewed sense of purpose—and perhaps a heightened appreciation for the unpredictability of both love and life itself.
