ITV has announced a Love Island style show for single middle aged people. The show, which will be titled The Romance Retreat, is currently looking for "vibrant single parents across the UK who are in search of love".
The broadcaster announced the new show today (Thursday, January 19) and says it will have a similar set up to the ever-popular Love Island as contestants make their way to a luxury villa to search for their perfect partner. While the concept appears similar to the popular ITV2 series, it remains unclear whether there will be a cash prize on offer for the eventual winners.
Show producers have not yet given away the location of the sunny villa, but have given wannabe contestants a glimpse of stunning ultra-modern pad. The casting announcement for the show read: "This is the ONLY dating show where single parents can search for love, by spending time in a luxury retreat, where all the parents have been nominated by their grown up children."
Read more: Love Island plays Stormzy track about Maya Jama just days after host made debut
Fans of Love Island who have been calling for a more 'natural' cast, in contrast to the perfect-everything of the show's usual twenty-somethings, are sure to be thrilled with the announcement - as is presenter Davina McCall, who recently admitted she had been "begging" ITV's hierarchy to hire her to host such a show, The Mirror reports.
Speaking to businessman Steven Bartlett on his Diary of a CEO podcast, she admitted she doesn't hold any embarrassment or shame in emailing a network's big boss about potential show ideas. She told host Stephen Bartlett: "'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."
She added: "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'."
Excited fans took to Twitter to share their excitement following the announcement. One potential viewer said: "#LoveIsland spin-off (ROMANCE RETREAT for single parents) I think this will be a HIT... as reality tv needs to reflect on everyone of all ages. So #kids, get the application for your mum or dad submitted as it's time 4 them 2 live their best life."
One person agreed Davina was the perfect person to host it, saying: "I really hope @itvstudios have hired @ThisisDavina for their new Romance Retreat show since she basically came up with the idea and promoted it on @SteveBartlettSC podcast!!"
However some Twitter users took issue with the show runner's decision to take applicants who have been nominated by their adult children: "So older people with no children arnt allowed to be single as well? @itvstudios that’s a poor decision - discriminating against childless singles."
Read next:
Love Island's Haris Namani's 'ex' claims he has had girlfriend after TikTok videos emerge
The Last of Us receives high praise after first episode airs
Amanda and Alan's Italian Job: Where it was filmed and how you can visit from Bristol
Amazon, Wayfair and Zara recall clothing, toys and sofas amid safety fears
