TV & Showbiz

ITV has officially confirmed a Love Island: All Stars series with loads of ‘familiar faces’

Looks like all the rumours were true then.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 6th September 2023

ITV has confirmed the news reality TV fans have been waiting for… a Love Island all stars series with loads of “familiar faces” is actually on the way.

Yes, it’s official.

After rumours have been widely-circulating on social media for several months now, with fans eagerly awaiting to hear whether or not there was actually any truth to them, ITV has officially confirmed that the first-ever Love Island: All Stars series is in the works, and it’s set to hit our TV screens very soon.

Produced by Lifted Entertainment – which is part of ITV Studios – set in South Africa, just like the previous two winter Love Island series have been, and due to air “early” in the new year, the first series of Love Island: All Stars will see a lineup of legendary islanders venture back into TV’s most-talked-about villa for “a second chance at finding the one”.

Contestants from former series will each attempt to find love once again as they “crack on in a bid to couple up and avoid being dumped from the Island,” ITV explained as it teased the new show.

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And apparently, just like regular viewers of the massively-popular reality show will know all too well, newly-formed relationships in the villa will be put to the test as bombshells enter, which will see heads turn and leave some lovestruck hopefuls heartbroken in the ultimate quest for love.

As the couples “explore their connections” and “attempt to win the hearts of each other and the nation”, only one pair will be crowned the winners.

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The news of the new series comes as Love Island celebrates a decade of being on air.

ITV has officially confirmed a Love Island: All Stars series with loads of ‘familiar faces’ / Credit: ITV

Speaking as the highly-anticipated new series was announced this week, Mike Spencer – Creative Director at Lifted Entertainment – said: “It has been rumoured now for a while, but we are thrilled to finally confirm that we are making Love Island: All Stars early next year.

“It’s set to be a must-watch series, seeing some of your favourite Islanders from across the years heading back to the stunning South African villa to once again ‘graft’ as their search for love continues.”

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Paul Mortimer, who is the Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Controller at ITV2, has also teased that “iconic” former contestants will take part in the new series.

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He added: “I know the audience will welcome back some of the most iconic UK Islanders, as they set out in pursuit of love all over again in a brand new version of our worldwide hit.”

Love Island: All Stars will air on ITV2 and ITVX in 2024.

Featured Image – ITV

TV & Showbiz

Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Peter Kay statement after Co-op Live gigs cancelled for the second time

Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.

The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.

He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.

Co-op Live has also postponed The Black Keys, who were set to perform on Saturday.

Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.

He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”

He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”

The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.

Can always count on a comic to make the joke everyone else is thinking.

The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.

“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).

“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.

“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.

“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”

Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”

They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.

Touch wood.

This could back to bite them. It already has once before.

“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.

“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.

“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.

“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.

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“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”

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Featured Images — Press Images/The Manc Group

TV & Showbiz

Paddy McGuinness admits he thinks Bolton is ‘still in Lancashire’ not Greater Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Paddy McGuinness has admitted that he believes “Bolton still falls under Lancashire” and not Greater Manchester.

The famous comedian and TV presenter – who was born and raised in Farnworth in 1973, back when it genuinely was still categorised as Lancashire – made the somewhat controversial declaration to his millions of followers on Instagram this week as he shared some pictures of himself that are currently featuring as part of a photography exhibition.

McGuinness is one of dozens of local famous faces forming part of the ‘Greater Mancunians’ project by The Manchester College.

150 students have participated in the landmark photography project – which is currently on display down at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall – and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.

Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr, Ricky Hatton, Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Maxine Peake, Jonathan Warburton, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE are among the 100 contributors featured in the project, alongside McGuinness.

The 50-year-old, who is most well-known for his acting and presenting roles in Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere, Take Me Out, and Top Gear, says it was “a real honour” to be featured in the exhibition.

McGuinness wrote on Instagram: “It was a real honour to take part in the Greater Mancunians project with the students at The Manchester College. The exhibition is full of people from music, comedy, politics, poetry, television, medicine and beyond.”

He then said it’s “well worth popping in if you’re in town”, before dropping the final Bolton-related bombshell: “PS, I’m still saying Bolton falls under Lancashire.”

In case you’re unfamiliar with the borough’s history, Bolton was considered to be a part of Lancashire until Greater Manchester was formally established all the way back on 1 April 1974 – but still to this day, the town is located within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire.

Paddy McGuinness admits he thinks Bolton is ‘still in Lancashire’, not Greater Manchester (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

After making the bold claim about Bolton’s geographical location, McGuinness has been met with praise and has received hundreds of comments from other Bolton and wider Greater Manchester residents agreeing with him and sharing their similar opinions under the post.

“I think they should redefine Lancashire back to its old borders, it would bring unity to the area and create a northern powerhouse,” one person commented.

Another fan wrote: “Bolton will always be in Lancashire for me”, while a third commented: “ALWAYS Lancashire. Can’t move land boundaries, they’re not pieces of paper,” a fourth shared a similar sentiment: “They can tell us we’re Greater Manchester, but I know Im a Lancashire lass,” and a fifth added: “Lancashire all the way lad.”

“BOLTON WILL ALWAYS BE LANCASHIRE,” another clearly strong-viewed comment reads.

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It’s always very ‘Stockport is Cheshire‘, isn’t it?

What’s your take then? Do you think Bolton is still in Lancashire, or is it part of Greater Manchester? What about the rest of the boroughs?

We know full well we may have opened a can of worms with this one but that’s all part of the fun.

Featured Images – BBC

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