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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Tasha Hall

Davina McCall announced as Love Island host for new 'middle aged' show

Davina McCall has been announced as the host of Love Island's new spin-off show, The Romance Retreat.

The programme will see a group of single parents looking to find love come together in a 'middle-aged version' of the popular ITV dating series.

The Masked Singer judge, 55, confirmed the news on Instagram with a video sharing her excitement for her new gig.

In the clip, she said: "I manifested and I made it happen. I willed there to be an amazing new dating programme for grown-ups, people who have lived a life, who have been through experiences, bad, moving, they've had tough lives.

"They've got luggage but they deserve love and it's happening. It's coming to ITV soon."

The caption read: "Omg.. I manifested and it came true!! I’ll be hosting a brand NEW grown up dating series for ITV1 !! This is a show for single parents who have lived a life , have stories to tell about their dating pasts and deserve another chance at love and I’m gonna help you.

Davina announced the news on her Instagram page. (Instagram/davinamccall)

"It will all take place in the most romantic countryside location!"

Davina encouraged anyone who wants to find love and has a child over the age of 18 to apply before adding: "It's going to be amazing."

Although the location of the villa is yet to be announced, ITV has revealed a little clue as to where filming will take place as they shared a photo of a stunning-looking villa on the application page.

Speaking on Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO podcast, the 55-year-old previously spoke of how much she wanted to be given the role.

ITV confirmed applications are now open (ITV)

She said: "I’m literally begging ITV to let me present mid-life Love Island. I could fill a villa in Love Island 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’re people who have split up with somebody and decided they want to try to go out with somebody the same sex as them.

"They’re interesting people! I’d watch that show."

No official air date for The Romance Retreat has been given just yet, but as applications close at the end of March, the new dating show is likely to air in the second half of 2023.

The brand new ITV dating show is set to launch later this year on ITV1 and ITVX.

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