ITV officially announce middle-aged Love Island spin off for ‘single parents’ and reveal first look at ‘villa’
AFTER months of rumours, ITV have officially confirmed a middle-aged Love Island spin-off - and shared a look at the 'villa',
The network announced a new series via a call-out on their website for love-lorn ageing wannabes to apply.
The series will be called The Romance Retreat and air on the main channel, as opposed to the younger-skewing sister network.
Producers are inviting "single parents" to audition for the eagerly anticipated Love Island-style series.
The blurb for the show reads: "ITV1 are looking for vibrant single parents from across the UK who are in search of love, for a brand new dating show!
" This is the ONLY dating show where single parents can search for love, by spending time in a luxury retreat, where all the parents have been nominated by their grown up children."
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The ad also appeared to give viewers a first look at the 'villa' that will likely be used in the series.
The image shows a stunning modern pad with a glass balcony, surrounded by a sprawling garden.
It looks like the perfect place for romance to blossom.
The Sun previously reported on the plans for a more grown-up Love Island-esque show but it appears the title has changed.
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A TV source said: “Times change and the current generation in their 40s and 50s still care about how they look, are fit and healthy, into fashion and are ready to let their hair down.
“This show will give those who settled down young a second chance at love while they still feel in their prime.
“And, let’s face it, they know their minds, will be capable of intelligent conversation and are likely to be much more adventurous — all ingredients regular Love Island sometimes lacks.”
A host for the new series has yet to be announced by Davina McCall has made no secret of the fact she has begged to host an older version of Love Island.
The star - who shot to fame in 1998 as the presenter of Channel 4's dating show Streetmate - pitched the idea to ITV bosses who said they were working on a similar concept.
Davina, 55, said: "I've got no embarrassment or shame in emailing a TV company and going 'have you thought about this? What about this? Can I do this?'
"I'm literally begging ITV to let me present mid-life Love Island.
"I could fill a villa in Love Island with middle aged people with the best back stories you have ever heard in your life.
"They've lived a life, they're widows, they're people who have been through horrific divorces."
