If you’ve been scrolling through your feeds wondering why your January schedule isn't yet packed with slow-motion walks and dramatic re-couplings, you aren't alone. The answer to "is there a new season of Love Island" is a resounding yes, but getting it to your screen has been a literal trial by fire.
We were supposed to be knee-deep in "All Stars" drama by now. Monday, January 12, was the original date circled on everyone's calendar. Then, things went sideways. Wildfires in South Africa's Western Cape—right near the Franschhoek villa—forced an emergency evacuation of the cast and crew. It wasn't just a minor production hiccup; it was a full-blown safety crisis that left producers "scrambling," according to insiders.
The Wildfire Delay and the New 2026 Schedule
Honestly, it’s a miracle we’re even talking about a premiere this week. Maya Jama, our resident queen of the villa, finally broke the silence via Instagram on Wednesday, January 14. She was in her glam chair, rollers in, looking as unfazed as ever, to confirm that filming had officially resumed.
If you're looking for the actual launch, here is how the 2026 schedule finally shakes out:
- ITV2 and ITVX (UK): The premiere of Love Island: All Stars Series 3 officially kicks off tonight, Thursday, January 15, at 9 pm.
- Peacock (USA): Because of the two-day lag for international streaming, US fans can expect the first episode to drop on Saturday, January 17.
- Bonus Episode: To make up for the three days we lost to the fires, ITV has added an extra episode this coming Saturday night.
The wildfires were no joke. Producers had to manage the "Get In" day—that high-stress logistical nightmare where Islanders are kept in separate locations so they don't see each other before the cameras roll—while simultaneously evacuating a luxury villa. It’s a bit of a mess, but the show is back.
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Is There a New Season of Love Island USA Coming Too?
While the All Stars cast is currently sweating it out in South Africa, the American side of the franchise is already moving. Love Island USA Season 8 is officially happening.
Casting is open right now. If you’ve got a personality that fits a villa and don't mind the world seeing your "chat," Peacock is looking for you. The word on the street—and from production leaks—is that they are pivoting away from the "influencer" vibe this year. After a few controversies in Season 7 involving some questionable social media histories, the producers are reportedly doing deeper background checks and looking for "real people" with diverse body types and actual careers.
Expect Love Island USA Season 8 to land in its usual summer slot, likely late June or early July 2026. Ariana Madix is widely expected to return as host because, well, the ratings when she’s on screen are basically untouchable.
The All Stars 2026 Cast: Who Is Back?
This is where it gets spicy. This isn't just a random group of singles; it’s a mix of heavy hitters and "unfinished business" types. The 2026 lineup is a weird, wonderful blend of winners and villains.
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- The Winners: Jess Harding (Season 10) and Millie Court (Season 7) are both heading back in. It’s a bold move for a winner to return—there’s everything to lose and only a £50,000 pot to gain.
- The Fresh Faces: Tommy Bradley and Helena Ford, who literally just finished Season 12 last summer, are already back for more. Is it too soon? Maybe. Is it going to be chaotic? Definitely.
- The Fan Favorites: Whitney Adebayo is finally returning. She was the heart of Season 10, and her presence in the villa is basically a guarantee for viral clips.
- The Legacy Picks: We’ve got Jack Keating (Season 8), Ciaran Davies, and Sean Stone (Season 11), plus old-school picks like Charlie Frederick from Season 4 and Belle Hassan from Season 5.
What Happened to Love Island Games?
If you prefer the competitive side of things over the "I'm happy but could be happier" conversations, Love Island Games Season 2 already aired late last year. Isaiah Campbell and Lucinda Strafford took the crown in October 2025.
There hasn't been an official greenlight for a Season 3 of Games yet, but given the success of the format on Peacock, it’s almost a certainty for late 2026. For now, the focus is entirely on All Stars and the upcoming summer season.
Why This Season Feels Different
There’s a shift happening in how these shows are built. Between the 14,000+ complaints ITV dealt with last year regarding "bullying" behavior and the increasing demand for authenticity, the 2026 seasons are under a microscope.
Producers are reportedly being much stricter with "the edit." They want drama, sure, but they’re trying to avoid the toxic label that has dogged the show recently. Whether that actually happens once the tequila starts flowing and the bombshells walk in remains to be seen.
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The South African villa for All Stars is set to host the islanders for six weeks this time. That’s a week longer than the previous All Stars runs. More time means more head-turning.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're trying to keep up without getting spoiled, you've got to be proactive.
- Set Your VPN: if you're in the US and can't wait for the Saturday Peacock drops, a VPN set to the UK will let you stream live on ITVX starting tonight.
- Clear Your Saturday: Since ITV added that extra episode on January 17 to compensate for the delay, the weekend is going to be heavy on content.
- Check the App: The Love Island app is already updated for the 2026 All Stars season. If you want to vote on who goes on the first dates, you need to have it downloaded and ready before the 9 pm GMT broadcast.
The fires are out, the villa is safe, and Maya Jama is ready. The wait is finally over.
Next Steps: You can now download the official Love Island app to participate in the first public vote of the season, or set a series recording on ITVX to ensure you don't miss the rescheduled 9 pm GMT premiere tonight.