Production on the highly anticipated Love Island All Stars series has finally restarted after being dramatically halted by dangerous wildfires near its South African filming location.
Wildfires Force Evacuation and Launch Cancellation
The launch of the 'legends' edition was abruptly cancelled last week as raging fires swept through the Western Cape. ITV bosses were forced to postpone filming and evacuate the entire cast and crew from the remote villa to ensure their safety. The decision came just days before the planned debut episode.
Firefighters battled the blaze for days in Wemmershoek, an area just a mile from the villa. Local reports state emergency crews worked through the night to contain the flames. A significant challenge was the scarcity of water in the remote area, with crews relying on vehicles and helicopters to transport supplies.
Mounting Costs and Crew on Standby
The unexpected shutdown came at a steep price for ITV, with the network reportedly facing mounting costs of around £15,000 for every hour production was stalled. While filming was paused, crew members including camera operators, runners, and psychologists remained on standby in nearby hotels, continuing to receive their daily rates.
Contestants, including returning Islanders like Belle Hassan and Charlie Frederick, were also kept waiting. Reports suggest such contestants earn roughly £2,000 per week, while host Maya Jama is said to be on an £800,000 deal for the series. Jama was reportedly staying indoors at a private villa during the fires.
Safety First as Filming Gets Back on Track
An insider confirmed that filming was expected to resume from Wednesday, 12th January 2026, once the area was declared safe. "Health and safety is our greatest priority and will always come first," an ITV statement read, confirming the transmission delay. The network has not yet announced a new official air date for Love Island All Stars.
Viewers should now expect the premiere to be later than originally planned, with ITV set to confirm a new schedule once production is complete and the location is deemed fully secure for long-term filming. Updates are anticipated in the coming weeks as the situation stabilises.
