Love Island All Stars returns to screens on Monday 12 January at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX, marking the start of ITV’s first Love Island run of 2026. For viewers searching when does Love Island start, the winter All Stars edition is the confirmed answer, launching with an extended third series expected to run for six weeks rather than the usual five.
The winter spin off will again be hosted by Maya Jama, with Iain Stirling returning as narrator, as a group of familiar faces head back into the South African villa for another attempt at romance.
Love Island All Stars 2026: Who Is Taking Part?
ITV has confirmed that the new All Stars series will feature a mix of former winners and well-known contestants from across the show’s recent history. Among those set to appear are Millie Court, Jess Harding, Whitney Adebayo, Belle Hassan, Helena Ford, Leanne Amaning, Ciaran Davies, Jack Keating, Sean Stone, Tommy Bradley, Charlie Frederick, and Shaq Muhammad.
The returning Islanders arrive with unfinished storylines and renewed hopes of finding a lasting connection, a format that has helped the All Stars edition carve out its own identity alongside the main summer series.
What’s Different About Love Island All Stars This Year?
Now in its third winter outing, Love Island All Stars has quickly established itself as a reliable January hit. Unlike the traditional summer version, the All Stars format brings back previous contestants rather than introducing brand-new Islanders, offering viewers a blend of nostalgia and fresh drama.
The decision to extend the series to six weeks reflects ITV’s confidence in the winter slot, a period when UK audiences are typically looking for appointment-viewing television following the Christmas break.
When Does the Love Island Summer Series Usually Start?
While the winter All Stars series answers the immediate question of when does Love Island start in 2026, many viewers are already looking ahead to the main summer run.
Historically, the summer series launches in early June, most often on a Monday night at 9pm. In recent years, start dates have fallen around the first or second week of June, with ITV typically confirming details in the spring once its wider schedule is finalised.
Although a specific date for summer 2026 has not yet been announced, the established pattern suggests a return within the first fortnight of June.
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Summer Love Island Format and ITV Schedule
The summer series is filmed in Mallorca and usually runs for around eight weeks, making it significantly longer than the winter edition. Episodes air six nights a week from Sunday to Friday, with Saturdays reserved for Love Island: Unseen Bits.
Former contestants have previously explained that Saturdays provide a pause in filming, allowing production teams to reset the villa. For viewers across Manchester and the rest of the UK, the schedule has become a familiar part of evening routines during the summer months.
What to Expect from Love Island in 2026
Love Island remains one of ITV’s strongest performers among younger audiences, with streaming figures consistently placing it among the broadcaster’s most-watched titles on ITVX. The continued use of both winter and summer editions reflects ITV’s strategy to keep the franchise visible throughout the year without oversaturating viewers.
While casting details for the summer series are still to be confirmed, applications for future editions remain open, and promotional activity is expected to ramp up in the months leading up to the June launch.
Ready for Love Island’s Return?
For now, the confirmed answer to when does Love Island start in 2026 is the All Stars series, which begins Monday 12 January at 9pm on ITV2. The extended winter run is set to dominate January evenings and bridge the gap until the main summer series returns later in the year.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan or a casual viewer tuning in from Manchester or elsewhere in the UK, Love Island All Stars looks set to reclaim its place as one of ITV’s most talked-about shows of the season.
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