‘Love Island: All Stars’ is set to make its much-anticipated return on January 13, 2025, at 9 pm on ITV2 and ITVX, promising fans another dramatic season filled with romance and nostalgia. Twelve contestants are confirmed to return to the villa, all eager to rekindle old flames or spark new connections.
The lineup includes recognizable faces like Curtis Pritchard from series five and Gabby Allen from series three. Joining them are Kaz Crossley from series four, Scott Thomas from series two, and Ronnie Vint from series eleven, among others, rounding out this eclectic mix of returning islanders.
This marks the second season of the All Stars spin-off, which is set against the stunning backdrop of South Africa. The series aims to reignite interest amid declining viewer numbers, with the previous season's final drawing only 1.3 million viewers—a stark decline from its peak of 6 million.
Returning host Maya Jama will guide the islanders through their new adventures. Among the cast, India Reynolds, who garnered fame during her stint on series five, has already been spotted arriving at Cape Town Airport, carrying suitcases and showcasing excitement for her comeback.
Other notable returning contestants include Marcel Somerville, fresh off his split with his wife Rebecca Vieira; Luca Bish, the former fishmonger attempting to find love after previously coupling with Gemma Owen; and Olivia Hawkins, whose divisive presence made her one to watch the last time she was on the show.
Contestants like Scott Thomas mention personal growth since their last appearance. Scott, now 36, reflected on his time away from the villa, stating, “When I first went in, I was still a bit of a boy… I feel like I finally know who I am.” This maturity marks a shift from the youthful exuberance exhibited during his original season.
Fans will also be intrigued by Curtis Pritchard, who shared his thoughts on returning, saying, “I feel like I’m at a different stage of my life. The idea of settling down is serious for me right now.” He humorously added, reflecting on his past with Amy Hart, “If I do find a girl this time, I’ll perhaps cuddle her rather than make coffee.” Such nostalgic references are sure to resonate with long-time fans of the show.
Kaz Crossley, who has been out of the limelight since her controversial detention overseas, expressed her eagerness to return. “I’m even more mature now, so I’m ready to find a relationship,” she said, signaling her readiness to mingle with fellow contestants.
Among the returning contestants, Nas Majeed hopes to repeat the success he found on his previous season, stating, “It was quite successful for me the first time around, so I’m hoping Love Island can come through again.” His return also adds layers of intrigue after he split with his girlfriend shortly after their villa romance.
The drama is predicted not just from the on-screen relationships but also from the history between contestants. Gabby Allen’s return may re-spark tensions involving her past relationships, particularly with Jacqueline Jossa and her husband Dan Osborne.
“I think it’ll be interesting,” Gabby commented, hinting at unresolved issues. “There are so many different stories from previous seasons, and the audience is going to love how they play out.”
Main producers of the show have indicated plans to introduce even more bombshells as the season progresses, adding to the excitement. This could potentially include unexpected guest appearances from earlier islanders, increasing the stakes for those currently vying for love.
The show’s concept hinges on giving previous contestants another opportunity to find love, amid the camaraderie and rivalries established during their earlier seasons. With so many returning favorites, ‘Love Island: All Stars’ looks poised to deliver on excitement and entertainment, tapping deeply from the established history of its participants to fuel viewer engagement.
Fans of previous seasons are already buzzing about the potential fireworks and romance, particularly since some contestants like Marcel Somerville have changed their relationship statuses since their last appearances.
“Last time I was here, I had my wife,” Marcel said, hinting at the differences he will encounter this time around. “This go-around, it’s all about finding my happiness.”
The depth of relationships and the narratives stemming from previous seasons make for compelling viewing. Producers are committed to ensuring the format remains fresh, drawing excitement from past connections and unresolved tensions.
Expectations are high for this season, with numerous fan-favorites set to return. Mark your calendars for the premiere on January 13, as ‘Love Island: All Stars’ promises love, drama, and more than its fair share of surprises.