The New Year is about to get a whole lot hotter as Winter Love Island has announced the new series will kick-off on ITV2 Sunday, 12th January.
The dating reality show confirmed in August that two series of the show were coming in 2020, with the first coming just after the new year and moving to a brand new abode in Cape Town, South Africa.
At the time, Paul Mortimer, Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions at ITV said: "Off the back of a record-breaking year, we're delighted to be bringing an extra series of our biggest and sunniest show to the 2020 schedule."
"Love Island has proven yet again to be the perfect format that engages younger audiences. In response to this viewer appetite, a new batch of young singletons will deliver some highly anticipated post-Christmas romance and drama from our new and luxurious location."
Although they remained tight-lipped about details, ITV2's official social media pages finally confirmed the news about the air date on Thursday.
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They penned: "January, don't be such a melt. It's time to thaw out those inflatables, @loveisland is BACK! #LoveIsland Returns Sunday 12th January".
They don't have to tell us twice.
The news comes days after host Caroline Flack confirmed that she would be stepping down from the winter instalment in light of her arrest for assault last week.
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Interestingly, Laura Whitmore, who is being tipped to takeover from Flack, has liked the post on Instagram. It could also be coincidence since her boyfriend, Iain Stirling, is the show's hilarious narrator.
People had been pondering who could replace Caroline on the ITV show since news broke of her arrest, with many speculating it would be either Laura or Radio 1 DJ Maya Jama.
One of last year's most popular islanders, Maura Higgins, also sparked speculation she could be Caroline's replacement too, after she shared a picture on a private jet teasing an "exciting" project.
She later added fuel to the fire, sharing a topless picture on a hilltop and writing the new show's catchphrase: "Do one, winter."
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Although, Maura's boyfriend Curtis rubbished claims she could be taking up the mantle moments after the pics came to light.
On Tuesday, Caroline, 40, released a statement to announce she was stepping down as ITV host for the next series following her recent arrest for assault.
After much speculation as to whether she would be returning in the wake of the incident, the TV presenter took to social media to break the news.
Last week, Caroline was arrested and charged with assault by beating following a dispute with her boyfriend Lewis Burton at her North London home.
A Met Police spokesperson said at the time: "Caroline Flack, 40, of Islington was charged on Friday, 13 December with assault by beating. She will appear on bail at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Monday, 23 December."
She is still in a relationship with Lewis, and despite the row, he has since publicly spoken out to defend her.
Winter Love Island returns Sunday, 12th January, 2020.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/UnsplashTopics: Caroline Flack, Winter Love Island, TV News, TV Entertainment, Love Island, ITV
