The winter series of Love Island is just around the horizon, with less than a fortnight until the reality show’s highly awaited return to ITV2.
The network has verified that the new chapter will begin at 9 p.m. on Monday, January 16, so cancel all plans and mark your calendars.
Maya Jama will host the inaugural episode of 2023, following the departure of presenter Laura Whitmore last year.
Maya, 28, looked stunning in the five-second teaser, which debuted last week, wearing a black sequined jumpsuit with gold encrusted star sign embellishments.
The official start date of Love Island follows the announcement that the latest batch of competitors will be required to suspend their social media accounts throughout the show in order to safeguard themselves and their families.
For the first time, the broadcaster will invite islanders to keep their accounts ‘dormant’ while they are in the villa so nothing can be published on their behalf and they avoid ‘the adverse effects of social media’.
Contestants would also receive ‘advice and training’ on ‘mutually respectful behaviour in relationships,’ following thousands of complaints to media watchdog Ofcom following the most recent series.
Many of the complaints were over “alleged misogynistic and bullying behaviour,” but they were dismissed.
Islanders will be offered resource links to read before meeting the other contestants to help them ‘identify negative behaviours in relationships’ and ‘understand the behaviour patterns associated with controlling and coercive behaviour’.
The new measures have been introduced as part of ITV’s Duty of Care measures for 2023.
Love Island returns Monday, January 16 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.