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Winter Love Island UK is finally returning to TV after a long hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and fans cannot wait to get a first glimpse of the show. This will be the second winter edition of the famous British dating show — after the first edition aired in 2020. Altogether, this will be the ninth series of the franchise. As much as fans love the summer editions of the show, there is an air of uniqueness surrounding the winter series — and viewers cannot seem to get enough of it. There has been so much hype around the upcoming season, and there is some optimism that viewership may top the 3.4 million who tuned in to watch Ekin-Su and Davide take home the prize last season.
Still, the most interesting thing about this season is the “newness.” Nearly everything associated with the show is new — from the new host to a new villa to new safeguarding measures put in place. The series’ producers have pulled all the stops to ensure that the series meets its fans’ lofty expectations. Winter Love Island 2023 is scheduled to air its first episode on Monday, January 16, as confirmed by ITV. The show will be moving from the Balearic Islands to South Africa to guarantee some warm weather.
Maya Jama Is The New Love Island Host
After the summer edition of Love Island was concluded in August, host Laura Whitmore announced via her Instagram page that she would be stepping down from her role as host. Fans of the show did not have to wait too long to get a new host as it has been confirmed that Radio DJ and TV star Maya Jama would take over from Laura. Maya also confirmed the news on her Instagram, and it was easy to see that she is very excited about it. Maya is not new to working with cameras as she has previously worked on MTV, Radio 1, and Channel 4. While Love Island stands on its own, compared to her prior works, Maya is adamant that she can do a great job.
Winter Love Island 2023 Has a Brand New Villa
ITV has spared no cost to ensure that this Winter Love Island season is one to remember for a long time. Apart from getting a sweet new host in Maya Jama, the series also unveiled a brand new villa. The beautiful spot in South Africa is a dream, and this year’s batch of islanders would be rearing to get acquainted with all the luxurious amenities available in the villa. The site has a large swimming pool, a plush bar, and a fire pit. The villa also comes with a surprising new feature — a treehouse — which gives a stunning view of the mountains. It is a perfect spot for contestants looking to peel away to enjoy some private moments.
Meet The Winter Love Island 2023 Cast
The Winter Love Island UK premiere is fast approaching, and as expected, ITV has finally confirmed all 10 islanders for the show. The exciting line-up includes a biomedical science student, a bond star, and a farmer. First on the line-up is 27-year-old Olivia Hawkins. She is a ring girl and actress. Olivia claims she has never been in a relationship and is eager to find love on the show.
Tanya Manhenga, 22, is a biomedical science student who wants a boyfriend. Tanyel Revan, 26, is a hairstylist who wants to move out of her comfort zone. Also, Lana Jenkins, 25, is a make-up artist who claims she has been single for too long. Finally, payroll officer Anna-May Robey, 20, is the fifth female islander who wants to find a boyfriend. The first male contestant is 24-year-old science and PE teacher Kai Fagan – he is genuinely looking to connect with someone. Meanwhile, Ron Hall, a 25-year-old financial advisor, believes the show is the best place to find love.
Airport security officer Shaq Muhammad, 24, is the third male contestant. He is optimistic he can find his future wife in the villa. The fourth islander is Will Young. He is a farmer who wants to find a wife in the villa. The final contestant is Haris Namani, a 21-year-old TV salesman who claims he has never found love. If the focus for this year is fresh, young, and hot — then ITV certainly got it right with this line-up. Now, it is time for some fireworks in the villa.