Love Island has been confirmed to return in the summer after the last two series were cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

The hit dating show, now hosted by Laura Whitmore, sees contestants “coupling up” to find romance – plus a cash prize – usually while sunning themselves at a luxury villa in Majorca.

It has not aired in the UK since the first ever Love Island winter series, filmed in South Africa, took place early in 2020.

As the COVID-19 crisis began to escalate in March, the summer series was cancelled, followed by the second winter series that was due to be broadcast earlier this year.

ITV has now confirmed the seventh series of the show will go ahead later this year, although details on dates and a location are yet to be revealed.

While a roadmap out of lockdown has been announced, travel bans are currently still in place, so it is unclear whether Majorca is still an option this year.

Kevin Lygo, director of television at ITV, said last year that producers had looked into the possibility of moving the show to “Cornwall somewhere”, but eventually ruled it out as it would not “be the same”.

It has previously been reported that the island of Jersey is being considered for 2021 if it is not possible to produce the show in Majorca.

:: Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

Announcing ITV’s spring schedule, Lygo said: “There’s so much to look forward to on ITV this spring and into summer, with the Euros and the return of Love Island, but much more besides.

“Brilliant drama production teams have worked in the most challenging production conditions to bring these very different but equally strong series to air.”

The last summer series of Love Island, which aired in 2019, was won by Amber Gill and Greg O’Shea, who are no longer in a relationship.

The winter series of Love Island in 2020 was won by Paige Turley and Finley Tapp, who are still a couple.

Whitmore had taken over as host for the first time for the winter series after presenter Caroline Flack was charged with assault.

Less than two weeks before the final was due to be held, Flack took her own life.

Episodes were pulled from the TV schedule, but the series later resumed with a tribute to its original host.

The show marked the anniversary of her death in February, saying Flack is “always in our hearts”.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK

Related posts:

Kate Moss revealed as new face of Kim Kardashian West’s shapewear brand SKIMS ‘Let’s celebrate that theatre is back’: Rankin on his latest West End photography project Soaps to make UK TV history with first crossover episodes to highlight climate change ‘We’ve suffered enough’: Fans clamour to stop James Corden from starring in Wicked film adaption ‘A rebel and wildly talented’: Quantum Leap star Dean Stockwell dies aged 85 ‘I’ve had enough breakdowns and burnouts’: Model Bella Hadid opens up about mental health US surgeon general responds after Matthew McConaughey says he won’t vaccinate his children yet Arlo Parks and Dave among those leading MOBO nominations ahead of Coventry ceremony ‘Beloved by everyone’: Tributes as comedian Ed Byrne’s younger brother dies from cancer Dr Dre joined by all-star cast of hip-hop royalty for Super Bowl half-time show Amazon drops Lord Of The Rings show trailer during Super Bowl ad break ‘Better go watch some movies’: Oscars reveals history-making line-up to host 2022 show