Davina McCall Will Front ITV's "Middle-Aged" Love Island

With not one, but two editions of the reality dating phenomenon now airing each year, Love Island fans might assume there’s simply no room on the TV calendar for yet another sun-kissed spin-off. Well, it turns out there is (kind of), as a brand new ITV dating show with a twist is on the way. Titled The Romance Retreat, the latest reality offering will follow a group of single parents as they search for “the one” in a luxury villa. Keen to learn more? Keep scrolling for everything we know so far about ITV’s The Romance Retreat.

The Romance Retreat Host

Speaking on The Diary Of A CEO podcast in Jan. 2023, former Big Brother presenter Davina McCall revealed that she pitched the idea of a “middle-aged” Love Island to ITV. “They’ve lived a life — they’re widows, they’re people who have been through horrific divorces,” McCall said at the time. “They’re like interesting people. I’d watch that show.”

On March 16, less than two months after ITV first announced the upcoming series, McCall revealed that she will officially be hosting The Romance Retreat — much to her delight.

“I manifested and I made it happen. I willed there to be an amazing new dating programme for grown-ups… and it’s happening,” the presenter confirmed on Instagram. “Do you want to find love? Do you have a parent you think, if you’re over 18, deserves to find love? I am gonna help you,” McCall added.

The Romance Retreat Release Date

An exact release date is yet to be announced. However, ITV has confirmed that The Romance Retreat will air on ITV1 and ITVX later in 2023.

How To Apply For ITV’s The Romance Retreat

ITV has already begun casting for the new series, which is described as “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 grownup children.”

The closing date for applications — which are now open — is Friday, March 31, and hopefuls must be at least 18 years old to apply.