Though we’re only three episodes deep into the newest season of Winter Love Island 2023, ITV are already making plans on a series spin-off that will put a unique twist on the format we know and love.

When it comes to what we can expect from Love Island, you know the drill. It’s almost guaranteed that in every episode, someone will be pulled aside “for a chat”, the ping of phone will result in someone screaming, “I’ve got a text!”, and generally, just lots of “cracking on.”

But for ITV’s newest show, The Romance Retreat, things are looking to be shaken up slightly. Intrigued? So are we. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with the lowdown on this newest romantic reality show…

What is The Romance Retreat?

The Romance Retreat is an upcoming dating show, in which the contestants spend time in a luxury retreat in order to find love.

Sounds familiar so far, right? But that’s where the Love Island similarities end, because The Romance Retreat is all about finding love for single parents.

To get into this version of the villa, single parents will be nominated by their children for their chance to get onto the show and potentially find a match.

It’s unconfirmed as to whether the contestants will be competing for a cash prize in the same way the current Love Islanders are, or whether this show will include the same challenges, but we know we already can’t wait to find out.

Is there a cast announced?

ITV is still in the casting process for the new spin-off, with the casting call now live on their website.

According to the official description, they are looking for “vibrant single parents from across the UK” to apply. With the closing date set at the end of March, it’ll probably be a while still before we get any detail on the new contestants that will no doubt be flooding our social media feeds once things kick off.

There is one name floating around the Love Island-sphere for potential host. Davina McCall, former Big Brother presenter and television icon, has spoken in the past about wanting to be involved in such a project that includes older contestants.

On a recent episode of the Diary of a CEO podcast, McCall said:

“I could fill a villa in Love Island with middle-aged people with the best backstories you have ever heard in your life. They’ve lived a life – they’re widows, they’re people who have been through horrific divorces. They are people who have split up with somebody and decided they want to try going out with somebody the same sex as them.”

Better still, there have even been conversations with ITV about McCall coming on board.

“I was like, ”I need to present it please”. They said, ‘We’re looking at something else that’s quite similar, we might consider you for that”.”

Should we be excited?

Viewers have been asking for a more-inclusive Love Island for a while.

With a cast that includes more variation on body types, it’s no secret that audiences are keen to see something a bit different.

At the very least, a show that revolves around a different type of contestant is a step in the right direction.

Though we’ll have to wait for any updates on The Romance Retreat, there’s no doubt that this new series has the same amount of potential as its younger counterpart. After all, there’s no age limit on love.

Via Cosmopolitan UK