An aerial image of the Cape Town villa which is under renovation for all the ‘Love Island’ action. Image supplied (Daily Mail/BackGrid)
‘Love Island’: Lavish Cape Town villa sets scene for popular reality show
A Cape Town villa is undergoing a transformation ahead of the launch of the new ‘Love Island’ series in the Mother City.
An aerial image of the Cape Town villa which is under renovation for all the ‘Love Island’ action. Image supplied (Daily Mail/BackGrid)
Love will be in the air at a Cape Town villa from 12 January 2020 when the new series of British reality TV show Love Island launches.
According to the Daily Mail, renovations on the property began in early December.
“After renovations on the property began earlier this month, the £5.3-million (R97.2-million) house is almost ready – with some of the show’s signature hotspots, including the famous fire pit and day beds – visible in new aerial shots.”
Sparks to fly again around famous fire pit
“Among some of the home’s highlights are the famous fire pit which remains a focal point of the series as the couples gather for a re-coupling or a dumping. Along with the day beds, the house also has a rooftop terrace which remains the origin of many villa romances, and there is also a camera crew area so producers can watch the Islanders’ every move.”
The Daily Mail reports that Cape Town-based property development company STAG African are working on the renovations of the villa and on ensuring it’s ready for the Islanders to move in early January 2020.
While the exact location of the villa has not yet been confirmed, images reveal that it is situated in one of the Western Cape’s most exclusive areas and boasts panoramic views.
The ins and outs of Love Island
For the duration of the show, contestants live in isolation from the outside world. They are under constant video surveillance, and in order to “survive” and eventually win, they must couple up with other contestants – whether it’s for love, friendship or money. The prize money for the winning couple is £50,000 (R918 176).
Laura Whitmore to host new series
The new series will be hosted by Irish presenter and actress Laura Whitmore.
In a press release from ITV2, host Laura Whitmore shared her joy to be heading to the Mother City.
“To say I’m excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement. Above all, I am a massive fan of this show. I’ve never been to a ‘Love Island’ villa, and I can’t wait to get in there to meet all the new Islanders looking for love.”
Previous seasons have been shot at what is called the “summer villa”. It’s located in Mallorca and includes a bedroom and outside beds. The property also has a hideaway bedroom for couples to spend the night away from the others as a reward. It also includes an interview room where the Islanders are allowed to talk in private.
‘Love Island’ popularity
Love Island has spawned versions set in Australia, Finland, Germany, Poland, Sweden and the US.
It’s growing popularity also saw the show win a 2018 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) TV award for best reality and constructed factual show.
