The news that every reality TV fan has been waiting for is finally here. The winter blues are officially canceled. After weeks of silence, secret whispers, and teasing social media posts from our favorite host, ITV has finally given us the news we have all been waiting for. On Saturday, December 20 , the broadcaster officially confirmed the launch date for the highly anticipated third series of Love Island: All Stars .
For fans who have been missing the sound of “I’ve got a text!” and the drama of the fire pit, the wait is almost over. The show is set to return to our screens in just a few weeks to heat up the cold January nights. With a lineup of legendary Islanders expected to return and Maya Jama back at the helm, this series promises to be the most explosive one yet.
Here is a complete, detailed look at everything you need to know about Love Island: All Stars 2026, from the confirmed start date to the latest cast rumors and trailer details.
When Does Love Island All Stars 2026 Actually Start?
Get your calendars out and cancel your plans for the month. ITV has confirmed that Love Island: All Stars will premiere on Monday, January 12, 2026 .
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The show will launch at its usual prime time of 9:00 PM . In a move to make sure everyone sees the big entrance, the first episode will be a special simulcast event. This means you can watch it on the main channel, ITV1 , as well as on ITV2 and the streaming service ITVX . After the launch night, the show will continue every night at 9 PM exclusively on ITV2 and ITVX, as is tradition.
This mid-January start date is perfect for reality TV fans. It comes just as the Christmas decorations are being packed away and everyone is returning to work or school. It gives the nation something to look forward to during the darkest, coldest month of the year. The series is expected to run for five weeks, meaning the grand finale will likely take place just in time for Valentine’s Day in February.
Maya Jama Returns to South Africa to Host the Show
It simply would not be Love Island without the queen of the villa herself. Maya Jama is officially returning to host her second All Stars series and her fifth series overall.The 31-year-old presenter has become a massive hit with viewers due to her incredible fashion sense, her natural charisma, and her ability to handle awkward situations with humor.
Maya has already touched down in South Africa to prepare for the launch. Earlier today, she posted photos on her Instagram confirming that filming has started. She captioned her post “ .. Defrosting ,” followed by an eye emoji. This was a clever nod to the transition from the freezing UK winter to the South African summer. She will be there to welcome the initial lineup of Islanders into the villa and, of course, to deliver the shocking news during the famous dumpings.
Returning alongside her is the legendary voice of the show, Iain Stirling .His witty, sarcastic commentary is the glue that holds the episodes together. Fans will be relieved to know that he is back in the recording booth, ready to make fun of the Islanders’ slow-motion running and awkward flirting.
Who Is in the Cast? The Biggest Rumors About Returning Islanders
This is the question on everyone’s lips. Who is going back in? The unique concept of All Stars is that it only features contestants who have appeared on the show before.They are all single and looking for a second chance at love—or perhaps just a little more fame.
While ITV has not released the official list of names yet—they usually drop it exactly one week before the launch—the rumor mill is spinning out of control.
Casey O’Gorman (Season 9 & All Stars Season 1): As reported earlier today, Casey O’Gorman has dropped heavy hints that he is returning. He posted a photo of his luggage with a lion emoji and a South African flag. Casey is a fan favorite because he brings chaos, comedy, and a very relaxed attitude to dating. If he returns, fans are hoping his best friend Tom Clare will be right behind him.
Davide Sanclimenti (Season 8 Winner): There are strong whispers that the “Italian Stallion” might make a shock return. After his high-profile split from Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, Davide has been single. Producers would love to have a former winner back in the villa to shake things up. His one-liners and Italian charm would be a huge ratings draw.
Maura Higgins (Season 5): Every single year, fans pray for the return of Maura Higgins. She is arguably the most iconic Islander of all time. While she has said “no” in the past, rumors suggest that producers have offered a record-breaking fee to get her on board for the 2026 series. If she walks through those doors, social media will likely crash.
Recent Stars from 2024 and 2025: We can also expect to see some fresh faces from the most recent summer series. It is common for Islanders who were “dumped” early or had their hearts broken to come back quickly while they are still fresh in the public’s memory. Keep an eye out for fan favorites who deserved better.
Is There a Trailer for Love Island All Stars Series 3?
Yes and no. While a full-length trailer featuring the actual cast members has not been released yet, ITV has started airing teaser clips to build the hype.
The first teaser dropped just minutes after the release date was confirmed. It features the famous Love Island jeweled heart logo frozen inside a block of ice. As the dramatic theme music plays, the ice cracks and melts away to reveal the gold “All Stars” text. The tagline reads: “The Heat Is Rising.”
We can expect the full trailer to arrive on New Year’s Day (January 1) . Historically, this is when ITV releases the “Meet the Islanders” video, where the cast members introduce themselves and explain why they are returning. So, keep your eyes peeled on ITV1 during the ad breaks over the festive period.
Where is the Show Being Filmed?
The show is once again being filmed in the stunning wine region of Franschhoek, South Africa . The production team is using the breathtaking Ludus Magnus estate.
This luxury villa is very different from the one used in Mallorca for the summer series. It features a huge T-shaped swimming pool, a state-of-the-art outdoor gym (where all the gossip happens), and the iconic fire pit with a view of the mountains. It is a spectacular setting that feels more enclosed and intimate, which is perfect for creating tension.
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Because it is the Southern Hemisphere, January is the height of summer in South Africa. The Islanders will be enjoying 30-degree heat and blue skies, providing a beautiful escape for viewers stuck in the gray British winter.
What Makes This Series Different From the Summer Version?
Love Island: All Stars is a different beast compared to the main show. In the summer series, the contestants are strangers meeting for the first time. In All Stars , they all know each other. They have met at events, they follow each other on Instagram, and some have even dated in the real world.
This creates a very different dynamic:
- The “Ex” Factor: Producers deliberately cast ex-boyfriends and ex-girlfriends to enter the villa at the same time. This guarantees drama from day one.
- The Friendships: Alliances are formed quickly because people stick with their friends from the outside world. This can make the voting process very tactical.
- The Game Players: Since these contestants have done the show before, they know exactly how to play the game to win public votes. This makes the strategy much more intense and sometimes ruthless.
How Can You Watch and Vote?
For viewers in the UK, watching is easy. You can tune in live on ITV2 or stream it on ITVX. If you miss an episode, it will be available on catch-up immediately after it airs.
Voting will once again happen through the official Love Island App . It is free to download on iOS and Android. This is how you will choose which bombshells enter the villa, who goes on dates, and ultimately, who gets dumped from the island. The first vote usually opens right at the start of the first episode, where the public decides the initial couples.
So, get your personalized water bottles ready. The countdown has officially begun. Monday, January 12 is the date, and it looks like Love Island: All Stars 2026 is going to be a series to remember.
