Winter Love Island 2023: Everything we know about the series so far-Evelyn Richards and Jon Fellowes-Entertainment – Metro

Thing are heating up this winter. (Picture: ITV)

Forget the summer of love – things are about to heat up this winter, with the return of Winter Love Island just around the corner.

The hit ITV dating show will have both a winter and summer series this year, with the first season of bombshells, bust-ups, and bromances airing next month – with a brand new host.

But when does the next instalment of Love Island start, and what else has been confirmed about the winter series?

Here is everything we know so far.

When could Winter Love Island 2023 start?

The exact date has not yet been confirmed by ITV, but bosses have confirmed that the show will start ‘in January’ 2023.

The previous winter season began on January 12 and ran until February 23 – so we could be looking at a similar mid-January start date.

The show returns in January (Picture: ITV)

Where will it be filmed?

The winter stars will once again be ditching their usual Majorcan villa in favour of a South African version in during the winter series.

Being in the southern hemisphere means South Africa experiences its warmer temperatures while the UK is battling through its cold season – meaning the islanders won’t need to swap swimsuits for snowboots.

ITV bosses confirmed that the singletons will be heading into a brand spanking new villa.

The summer series will then see the dating show return to Mallorca.

Who will be hosting it?

Maya Jama will be taking on hosting duties for both of the new series in 2023.

It was announced that the last series of Love Island (won by Ekin-Su and Davide) would be Laura Whitmore’s final as host of the show after stepping into the role following the tragic death of Caroline Flack.

Laura Whitmore had been the face of the hit show since 2020 – but it was announced in August that she wouldn’t be returning for another series.

Laura Whitmore won’t be returning (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Montblanc)

After confirming her exit on Instagram, an ITV spokesperson said: ‘Laura has been a fantastic host across the last three series of the show.

‘We are so grateful for everything she has brought to the programme but understand and respect her decision, and we look forward to working with her on upcoming ITV projects.’

The news sent the internet rife with rumours as to who could replace Whitmore, with popular names including former contestants Maura Higgins and Ekin-su Cülcüloğlu, comedian Katherine Ryan, actress Emily Atack, and dancer AJ Odudu.

After plenty of speculation on who might take her place, it was recently made public that Maya Jama would be hosting the show from now on, with Whitmore taking to Instagram to voice her support, saying: ‘Yes girl!! So delighted for you! You’re gonna be fab❤️x.’

Maya Jama will be taking on the iconic role (Picture: John Phillips/Getty Images)

An insider had previously said: ‘Maya was ITV’s dream option. She is fun, beautiful and a brilliant presenter.’

The insider also told The Sun that Jama was ‘discussed’ as a ‘possible replacement’ for Caroline Flack before Whitmore had been chosen two years ago, ‘but now the time is right.’

It is understood that Whitmore’s husband Iain Stirling will continue to provide the show’s iconic comedic voiceover.

When was the last Winter Love Island series and who won it?

The first and only winter Love Island aired in 2020 and saw Paige Turley and Finn Tapp win the show.

Paige and Finn won the first and only Winter Love Island (Picture: Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage,)

The pair beat Siannise Fudge and Luke T, Luke M and Demi Jones, and Jess and Ched to the crown.

Paige and Finn said of the show’s return: ‘Love Island enabled us to find love with someone that without the show, our paths would never have crossed.

‘We both found everything that we’d asked for in a partner in each other and we now live together in Manchester (we’ve been here for almost two years).

‘We’ve got a new amazing group of friends and literally couldn’t imagine life without each other.’

How can you apply for the new series?

Fancy a trip to a villa in South Africa surrounded by gorgeous singles? You’d be mad not to. If you want to take part in Love Island then applications are open now and you can apply here.

You must be 18 or over to enter and have a passport that’s at least 10 years old and valid for a minimum of six months after the programmed date provided by the broadcaster.

You’ll need to be available for a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks and must keep ITV aware of any changes to your passport or travel eligibility.

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