If it feels like Love Island has only just ended, that’s because it has.
But while the South African pool water is still warm, the Spanish island of Majorca has welcomed another crop of perma-tanned singletons for the long-running show’s eleventh series.
And an early look at Monday evening’s opening episode – the first in another exhaustive eight-week run of pies, fire-pits and petty strops – suggests they’re in for more than they’ve bargained for.
Indeed, the new islanders don’t have time to lace their grafting boots before they’re confronted with a double twist, courtesy of show host Maya Jama.
‘Welcome to Love Island,’ she tells them. ‘It’s lovely to meet you guys but I think we should have a little game to get things going.’
Monday evening can only mean one thing – the return of Love Island, and host Maya Jama is back to deliver a double twist
Indeed, the new islanders don’t have time to lace their grafting boots before they’re confronted with a double twist
After splitting into boys’ and girls’ groups, the perplexed islanders are given an unenviable challenge by the host, who arrives in typical style by wearing a revealing white lace minidress.
‘You’ve already started getting to know each other so you guys have had enough time for first impressions, right?
‘First impressions count. Boys and girls, I now want you to rate each other in order of who you think has come across the most like boyfriend and girlfriend material, right down to who has given the least relationship vibes.’
The girls then gather and organise the boys from most to least on who they think is boyfriend material.
Soon, it is the boys turn to place the girls from most to least on who they think is girlfriend material. And their decision immediately sparks controversy, with Maya revealing a second twist.
‘Well, that was very interesting,’ she crows. ‘I bet you’re wondering how we’re going to couple you up. Well, you’ve done it yourselves!’
The new twist – a first for Love Island – means each girl will couple up with whoever is placed in the same position as them on the most-to-least scale.
And it doesn’t end there for the gang, with Maya returning later that night to deliver more unexpected news as they gather round the fire-pit.
After splitting into boys’ and girls’ groups, the perplexed islanders (pictured) are given an unenviable challenge by the host
The new twist – a first for Love Island – means each girl will couple up with whoever is placed in the same position as them on the most-to-least scale
And it doesn’t end there for the gang, with Maya returning later that night to deliver more unexpected news as they gather round the fire-pit
‘It’s good to see you’re all settled in but as you know, you’re on Love Island,’ she tells them. ‘You must always expect the unexpected’
It comes after the show’s executive producer told MailOnline the lineup will be coupled up in a brand-new way this series, which could leave them vulnerable
‘It’s good to see you’re all settled in but as you know, you’re on Love Island,’ she tells them. ‘You must always expect the unexpected.’
But what does it all mean?
It comes after the show’s executive producer told MailOnline the lineup will be coupled up in a brand-new way this series, which could leave them vulnerable.
Mike Spencer said: ‘We have changed the day one format too and there will be something very new, it’s not a public vote… but there will be a new way to couple up our Islanders.
‘I hope it will shock the Islanders… I don’t want to say too much but there will be an element of a new game play that will lead to their couples without them knowing it.’
On keeping both the viewers and contestants on their toes this season, Mike added: I think the audience want that and they want to be entertained all series and it’s good to keep things fresh and remind them they’re here to find love.’
Love Island airs on ITV2 from 9:00pm.
