The BBC is launching a new reality dating show, Stranded on Honeymoon Island, hosted by Davina McCall. The series will feature twelve singles matched into couples, who then marry and immediately begin their honeymoon on a remote tropical island. The series is slated to air later in 2025.
Here’s the Lowdown: The show begins with a speed dating event in London. The singles are then paired up, get married, and are sent to a deserted island for their honeymoon. They’ll have limited resources and will have to work together to survive. Davina McCall will serve as the host, guiding both the couples and the audience.
What This Means Now: This is a new, untested dating show format, described as a “relationship experiment.” It’s borrowing elements from established shows like Married at First Sight (which CPL Productions, the company behind Stranded on Honeymoon Island, also produces) but adds a survival element.
The Bigger Picture: The BBC is clearly looking for a new hit in the reality dating genre, and they’ve brought in a well-known host in Davina McCall. The show’s success will depend on whether the “stranded” concept adds genuine drama and interest, or if it’s just a gimmick. The show is based on a concept by Snowman Productions, the creators of Married at First Sight. The new program is described as “a match made in heaven.” Stranded on Honeymoon Island, which is scheduled to be a 12 episode series, is set to air on BBC One later this year.
