Middle-aged Love Island: spin-off to show ‘normal bodies’ and ‘intelligent conversation’

A 'middle-aged' spin-off of Love Island UK will reportedly hit screens next year, following criticism of the ITV dating series for its lack of diversity in casting contestants.

The new version of the popular reality show will send single 'mums and dads' over 40 into the Mallorca villa for a 'second chance' at love, an inside source has revealed.

Its rumored launch comes shortly after ITV was slammed for the show's lack of diversity, while also enjoying high ratings from fans watching Love Island from all over the world.

The new format will apparently have a strong body positivity message, moving away from the narrow beauty ideals that have dominated the Love Island scene ever since the TV guilty pleasure first aired in 2015. Deeper conversations and higher standards for relationships are also expected to unfold in this mature spin-off, with contestants likely to bring more life experiences as they seek out meaningful connections in the iconic villa.

With a speculated working title of 'Your Mum, My Dad', the Love Island spin-off will reportedly begin production later this year in the hope of airing in 2023.

"This show will give those who settled down young a second chance at love while they still feel in their prime," a source told the Sun. "Let’s face it, they know their minds, will be capable of intelligent conversation and are likely to be much more adventurous – all ingredients regular Love Island sometimes lacks."

It's also understood that, while the contestants may be older, they will still share their younger counterparts' value for appearances.

"Times change and the current generation in their 40s and 50s still care about how they look, are fit and healthy, into fashion, and are ready to let their hair down," they added.

Love Island has always had a reputation for casting young singletons, with most of the stars in the show aged between 20 and 30. Its oldest ever contestants were Jordan Ring, Marcel Somerville, and Paul Knops, all of whom were 31 years old when they entered the villa, while its youngest was Amelia Peterson, who was just 18 when she took part in the third season.

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Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.