The villa doors may have only just closed on the most recent winter of discontent, but ITV bosses are reportedly already planning a massive comeback for Love Island: All Stars in 2027.
The news comes as a surprise to many, given that the latest spin-off series was defined as much by its record-breaking Ofcom complaints as it was by its “all-star” cast.
Despite over 11,000 complaints and a winning couple that barely lasted long enough to unpack their suitcases, the commercial success of the brand remains undeniable.
With over 80 million streams and a dominant hold on the 16-34 demographic, ITV is proving that even “rowing over romance” is a recipe for ratings gold.
The most recent series of All Stars was plagued by what critics described as “toxic” atmosphere. In January, the show reached a boiling point during an explosive argument between Islanders Belle Hassan and Lucinda Strafford.
The fallout resulted in a staggering 11,000 complaints to Ofcom, with viewers alleging “bullying” behavior on screen.
For a brand that has spent years trying to pivot toward “duty of care” and mental health awareness, the aggressive nature of the All Stars confrontations put producers in a difficult position.
ITV insiders reportedly expressed concerns that the show was beginning to feel “more like Big Brother in bikinis than Love Island.”
The fear within the network is that if the show loses its romantic core, it risks becoming a redundant clone of other reality formats.
Further complicating the show’s legacy is the fate of its champions. Samie Elishi and Ciaran Davies, who were crowned the winners of the latest series, shocked the public by announcing their split just 15 days after the finale.
This rapid breakup is one of the fastest in the franchise’s history and has led to a “brand crisis” for the spin-off.
ITV bosses reportedly told The Sun that quick splits are “bad for the brand,” particularly when the winners—who are meant to embody the ultimate success of the experiment—fail to make it to the three-week mark.
The lack of longevity in All Stars relationships has raised questions about whether the cast members are returning for love or simply for a boost in their Instagram following and brand endorsements.
While the 2027 return is on the cards, the face of the franchise, Maya Jama, has yet to officially ink a deal for the offshoot.
Sources indicate that while the 31-year-old presenter will host the main ITV2 series this summer as per usual, contract negotiations for the 2027 All Stars installment won’t be finalized until the autumn.
Jama remains one of ITV’s most valuable assets, credited with maintaining the show’s relevance and energy.
Securing her for the long-term future of the spin-off is considered a top priority for network executives as they look to stabilize the show’s reputation.
Samie Elishi Moves On: A New “Island” Connection
In a twist that could easily serve as a plot point for a future season, winner Samie Elishi hasn’t stayed single for long.
Just weeks after her split from Ciaran, the 26-year-old influencer has gone public with a blossoming romance with fellow alum Tyrique Hyde (Season 10).
The new couple was recently spotted enjoying a sun-soaked getaway in Agadir, Morocco. Social media clips shared on TikTok show the pair cosied up on a jet ski and relaxing at luxury resorts.
Tyrique, who previously had a high-profile relationship with Ella Thomas, has been vocal about his attraction to Samie for months, admitting in online clips long before the show that she was the Islander he most wanted to get to know.
While Samie celebrates her new role as a W7 Cosmetics brand ambassador and navigates her new relationship, her quick transition has left fans wondering if the real “All Stars” connections happen after the cameras stop rolling.
As ITV prepares for the main summer series of Love Island, the 2027 return of All Stars suggests a shift in strategy.
By waiting until 2027, the network may be giving the format “room to breathe,” allowing for a fresh pool of iconic former Islanders to become available for the villa.
The challenge for 2027 will be striking the balance that the latest series missed: providing enough drama to keep the 80 million streams flowing, without crossing the line into the territory that triggers thousands of regulatory complaints.
For now, the “All Stars” brand remains a commercial juggernaut, proving that even in the face of controversy, the public’s appetite for villa life shows no signs of waning.