When does Love Island 2023 start? Date of winter series, how long is it on for, who is the host, how to watch

Love Island fans can look forward to two new seasons in 2023 as the show returns for a winter and summer season.

ITV has confirmed the popular dating show will get a double billing in 2023, with the winter version airing just a few months after the 2022 summer series came to an end.

The finale of the 2022 summer series aired on 1 August on ITV2 after eight weeks of dramatic twists and turns. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming series to air in January 2023.

When will winter Love Island 2023 air? 

ITV and Lifted Entertainment have confirmed that Love Island will return for two seasons in 2023.

It has been confirmed that winter Love Island 2023 will start on Monday 16 January and will take place in South Africa. This will be the first winter Love Island since 2020.

Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning and Controller, ITV2, said: “Love Island has once again proved itself to be the nation’s favourite talking point across the summer, and we’re always blown away by the show’s ongoing impact and talkability amongst our younger audience.

“So, rather than just serving up a Summer of Love, we thought we’d make 2023 the Year of Love with two full series of the show.”

Mike Spencer, Executive Producer at Love Island producers Lifted Entertainment, added: “After eight brilliant series, we are excited to be serving up two helpings of love in 2023 by kicking off in January at a stunning new villa in South Africa.

“We can look forward to more romances, bromances and everything in between as we embark on another epic year of love.”

The first and only season of Winter Love Island aired back in South Africa in 2020, with Paige Turley and Finley Tapp crowned winners. However, due to the Covid pandemic the season was shelved for 2021.

Who is hosting winter Love Island 2023?

This year, Maya Jama will be hosting both series after Laura Whitmore announced she will not be returning for another series in August this year.

After confirming her exit on Instagram, an ITV spokesperson said: “Laura has been a fantastic host across the last three series of the show.

“We are so grateful for everything she has brought to the programme but understand and respect her decision, and we look forward to working with her on upcoming ITV projects.”

In October, Jama was revealed as the new presenter. The 28-year-old said: “I’ve always been such a massive Love Island fan and I’m so excited to be hosting one of the nation’s favourite shows! I can’t wait to get into the villa to meet all of the islanders.”

How can I watch Love Island on TV?

Both Love Island series in 2023 will be available to watch on ITV2 and ITVX. The show was available to watch on catch up shortly after it finished on the Hub and on BritBox the following day.

Who is in the winter Love Island 2023 cast?

The line-up has not been revealed just yet, but as the show is due to air in mid January - we could be finding out very soon. This article will be updated as soon as we know more.