ITV has been forced to postpone the highly anticipated launch of Love Island: All Stars after dangerous wildfires broke out close to the show's villa in South Africa. Host Maya Jama has shared a calm update from the luxury compound as bosses scramble to confirm a new start date.
Production Halted Amid Safety Concerns
Filming for the new series of returning Islanders was scheduled to begin over the weekend, with the launch episode due to air on Monday evening. However, plans were pushed back indefinitely after wildfires raged in areas near the villa, located within the Ludus Magnus Estate about an hour from Cape Town in the Western Cape.
An ITV statement released on Saturday confirmed the delay, emphasising that health and safety is the greatest priority. The statement read: 'Further to a production evacuation owing to ongoing wildfires in the area, our assessment of the location site has concluded that filming will need to be postponed.'
Maya Jama's Update and Mounting Costs
Presenter Maya Jama, 31, who flew out last week, took to her Instagram Stories on Monday with a serene snap showing the villa's lush lawns and clear blue sky. The image hinted that conditions might be improving, but the wait continues.
The delay is proving extremely costly for ITV. Reports indicate the network is losing over £15,000 an hour due to commitments to crew, staff, camera operators, and psychologists who are all on standby in South Africa.
A source told The Sun: 'Bosses have no choice but to wait for the area to be deemed completely safe. The desire is to be back as soon as possible but risk and health and safety assessments are still ongoing.'
Islanders in Limbo and Hopeful Restart
The twelve confirmed Islanders for the All Stars series, including former contestants like Millie Court and Tommy Fury's brother Tommy Bradley, are reportedly staying in high-end accommodations along with several unannounced 'bombshells'.
While an official new launch date is still pending, there are hopes that filming could finally commence on Wednesday. A follow-up statement from ITV on Monday night said they were 'working on bringing you an iconic series' and promised to announce the new date via their social channels as soon as possible.
The wildfires are part of a larger crisis in the region, with multiple blazes burning across the Western and Eastern Cape due to high temperatures, shifting winds, and dry conditions, leading to evacuations in several areas.
