ITV has broken the silence, finally confirming the much-anticipated start date for the third series of Love Island All Stars. The launch comes after an unexpected delay caused by external circumstances, promising fans a revamped viewing schedule.
New Launch Date and Time Revealed
The broadcaster announced that the wait is officially over. Love Island: All Stars will launch on Thursday 19th January at 9pm on ITV2 and the streaming service ITVX. This confirmation follows a period of uncertainty for fans eager to see their favourite former Islanders return to the iconic villa.
The delay was attributed to wildfires in South Africa, where the series is filmed, which disrupted production schedules. ITV moved swiftly to rearrange the premiere, ensuring the safety of cast and crew remained the top priority.
A Major Format Change for 2026
In a significant twist for the 2026 series, ITV revealed a major change to the show's traditional broadcast pattern. For the first time in the show's history, an extra full episode will air on Saturday night.
This means viewers will get a double dose of drama, romance, and recouplings each week. The additional episode is scheduled for Saturday 17th January at 9pm, creating a weekend Love Island fixture alongside the usual nightly shows.
What This Means for Viewers
This format shift marks a strategic move by ITV to capitalise on weekend viewing figures and provide more content for its dedicated audience. The addition of a Saturday night episode suggests a potentially faster-paced series, with more twists and developments packed into the schedule.
With the start date now locked in, speculation will ramp up around which past Islanders will be entering the villa as the first rumoured bombshells have already begun to surface. The All Stars format promises explosive encounters as former flames and personalities from different series collide under the South African sun.
All eyes will now be on ITV2 and ITVX come 9pm on Thursday 19th January as Love Island All Stars 2026 finally begins its journey.
