The Love Island launch show was left in crisis after 50mph winds descended on the South African villa.
The ITV2 dating show is set to return to screens tonight with the first Winter series in three years, after Paige Turley and Finley Tapp took home the crown in 2020. The contestants were left with more than they bargained for after gale force winds swept through the villa, leaving the singletons shivering despite the tropical South African climate.
Love Island will air tonight as new host Maya Jama makes her debut alongside a slew of stars hoping to couple up and find love. The reality show is set to be bring the drama, as for the first time ever fans were allowed to pick the first bombshell to enter the villa before the series even aired.
Speaking about the intense weather filming crews faced, an insider told The Sun: "Every department was affected — sound, lighting, cameras, wardrobe."
Maya, 28, is set to make her grand entrance to the newly-built, £1.2million mansion in Cape Town via helicopter as crew fought to film the scenes. A source added: “ITV have big plans for this series to be more epic than ever, and were really excited about Maya’s big arrival on the helicopter so thank God that footage was all in the can before the winds crept up.
“But by the time it came to filming in the evening it had really kicked up a gear. It caused mayhem.
They continued: "Every department was affected — sound, lighting, cameras, wardrobe. And poor Maya could’ve done without the worry of her dress whipping up on her first day on set.
“None of the Islanders expected to be shivering around the fire pit either, but it came into its own.”
This comes after Love Island bosses were scrambling to replace essential items for the villa after their shipment went missing at sea. Producers were reportedly frantic after a cargo ship containing Love Island branded condoms alongside the contestants personalised water bottles and suitcases failed to dock in Cape Town.
A source told The Mirror: “It’s a logistical nightmare. Everything should have arrived days ago. They are missing essential camera equipment, all the iconic neon pink stash the islanders use, and the Love Island condoms and sexy lingerie that was destined for the hideaway retreat.
“They have stocked up on alternative condoms to make sure everyone is safe in the meantime. If it all arrives in time it will be a miracle. If they don’t manage to secure everything it will be a blow for them kicking off this weekend.”
So far, the Winter Love Island line up has impressed fans of the show as the cast includes a TikTok famous farmer, a Michelle Keegan body double, and the show's first-ever partially sighted contestant.
The confirmed stars include Olivia Hawkins, Shaq Muhammad, Tanyel Revan, Will Young, Anna-May Robey, Ron Hall, Lana Jenkins, Kai Fagan, and Tanya Manhenga.
Love Island airs tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
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