Dating fans, you’re in for a treat. A brand new show is landing: Stranded on Honeymoon Island is here, with and with remote beaches, newbie couples, and Davina McCall, it’s a dream come true.
BBC’s Stranded on Honeymoon Island will see 12 singletons set out on their wildest mission yet: embarking on honeymoons with someone they met for just five minutes while on a speed date. This isn’t set to be an all inclusive cocktails kind of honeymoon, though. Stranded on six remote tropical beaches, the couples must communicate and collaborate to get through. Put simply, the show ‘seeks to discover whether, away from the distractions of modern-day life, love can thrive in isolation.’
To top it all off, it’s hosted by the one and only Davina McCall. We’re already obsessed.
With the show set to land soon, here’s everything to know about Stranded on Honeymoon Island.
What is Stranded on Honeymoon Island about?
The brand new BBC dating show will see six newbie couples put their fresh relationship to the test while honeymooning on a remote island. Arriving on the show with no idea who they’re about to marry, contestants start with a speed dating session, pick their favourites, before relationship experts choose ‘the one.’ Turning up to the wedding, they have no idea who’s at the end of the alter.
If living on a remote beach wasn’t enough, the newlyweds will also have to navigate Couples Cove. Giving everyone the chance to socialise together, there’s every chance some wandering eyes might begin looking elsewhere...
Who hosts Stranded on Honeymoon Island?
The series is hosted by Davina McCall – but don’t expect to see her every five minutes. She shared, ‘As it’s called Stranded on Honeymoon Island, they do need to be and feel stranded, so I can’t keep popping up every week.’
‘I’m there in the last couple of shows to support the couples. They’ve been on quite a journey so I wanted to go in and have a chat with them. I feel like they needed to see Mummy, I’m like the mother of the show and they needed a bit of motherly love.’
Opening up about what viewers can expect, Davina adds, ‘Everybody can really learn something from this show about themselves, about each other, about the human condition, and even if they don’t end up with somebody, everybody learns something they can take into their next relationship.’
Who is the cast of Stranded on Honeymoon Island?
In comparison to out long roster of dating shows, the cast of Stranded on Honeymoon Island do seem to run a tad older than other shows, such as Love Island. This year’s contestants range from ages 38 to 35.
Abby
32 year old Abby is a fitness enthusiast who loves spending time outdoors hiking, snowboarding, and exploring nature. Seems like a remote beach could be right up her street…
Originally from Berkshire, she previously played football for Bristol City, before moving to the US for 10 years, where she worked in strength and conditioning for the NFL. A self-professed 'player' who’s been single for 12 months, Abby says she’s now ready to settle down and start a family with the woman of her dreams – describing her ideal type as blonde femmes who enjoy the gym. While she does like a bit of spice, someone who’s ‘kind and caring’ is more important.
David
David, 30, is looking for a partner who's goal oriented, has a clear sense of direction in life, is driven to achieve their dreams, and is both kind and compassionate. That’s not too much to ask, surely?
In his spare time, David – who is from both Montreal and London – enjoys audiobooks, long walks, deep conversations, and listening to music.
Hannah
Having been single for six years, unlucky in love Hannah is a self-confessed perfectionist, admitting she worries no man will ever each her high expectations.
The 29-year-old Londoner says she’s ready for a ‘big journey of self-discovery’ on the show, hoping to meet someone who is handsome, well-dressed, has a nice build, a beard, and swishy hair or a buzz cut. As for what’s inside, Hannah’s dream man is quietly confident, a strong communicator, and creative.
Helen
Helen, 35, describes herself as ‘bubbly, with a zest for life, and most definitely the life and soul of any party.’ She loves to sing, dance, and play the ukelele – so here’s hoping we get some seafront concerts.
Having been single since the beginning of 2024, Mancunian Helen’s type on paper is typically ‘masc presenting women who are tall, dark, handsome, and tattoos are an extra tick.’ Her dream partner is someone positive, passionate, and isn’t too much of a homebody.’
Ini
28 year old Ini, from Kent, describes herself as being ‘funny, joyful, hardworking, goofy, and a tad dramatic.’ Having been single for three years, Ini’s looking for a love that’s real, intentional, and ‘rooted in God.’ For her, it’s important her new partner shares her values and visions.
When it comes to looks, her tick list includes tall, full beard, and gym bod – but ‘a solid heart matters more.’
Jordan
Your ‘typical Yorkshire lad,’ Jordan describes himself as extremely loyal, a great friend, and a laugh to be around.
Revealing his reasons for joining the show, the 30 year old explained that all his mates are getting married – and having been single for five years, ‘Sunday nights and lonely and dating is expensive!’ He's only been in one serious relationship and isn’t quite sure he’s ever been in love before, but he’s hoping Honeymoon Island might change that.
As for the barber’s type on paper, Jordan says he’d love a pretty, adventurous girl who’s into fitness, and would happily join him for a day out at the football.
Mae
It’s been six years since 30 year old Mae’s last relationship, and while she’s dipped her toe into the dating pool more than one, she lovingly refers to herself as a ‘foster girlfriend’ – with every guy she’s dated ending up in a serious relationship and finding their ‘forever home’ after her.
The Nottingham based contestant – whose hobbies include game nights, dance, and maintaining her skincare routine – is hoping to meet someone on the island who is mature and grounded, with an adventurous spirit and great hair.
Millie
Self-confessed girly-girl Millie, 30, has had a rocky ride when it comes to dating. Having been single for nearly four years, the Cheshire-based contestant reveals that she’s built up high walls and even higher standards. She tends to get the ick pretty quickly, and hopes being stranded on Honeymoon Island might force her into building more meaningful connections.
Millie’s dream husband is ‘mature, independent in his career, and doesn’t need to be looked after.’ She wants someone who’s into fitness, has a good sense of humour, and a great sense of style. A couple of tattoos would be bonus points, too!
Moray
28 year old Moray, from Edinburgh, hasn’t always been the most confident when it comes to dating. His one serious relationship ended three years ago when his girlfriend cheated on him, and he admits the experience has left him with some trust issues. For Moray, he’s hoping Honeymoon Island brings him more than just a wife – helping him to overcome his fear of commitment.
His ideal partner is someone who’s his ‘best friend in female form’ – intellectual and ambitious, but doesn’t take themselves too seriously.
Oliver
Describing the London dating scene as frustrating, 31 year old Oliver (who has been single for six years) says his dating life in the city is ‘expensive and repetitive,’ and often involves girls who ‘catfish’ him.
As for his future wife, Oliver’s hoping to meet someone on the show who is ‘stunning, confident, and with their life together.’ Having an intellectual conversation and an emotional connection is key, as well as someone who’s equally happy partying at a festival as they are enjoying a night in.
Sam
Sam, 30, is looking for a kind, caring, and empathetic girl, with eyes ‘so striking, you can see her soul through them.’ His words, not ours.
Finally ready to settle down with the love of his life, the Londoner would prefer his future wife is in good shape and dresses well – with the added bonus of being beautiful both inside and out.
Taniae
Originally from Australia, 33 year old Taniae moved to London in 2023 for a fresh start. Having spent the past decade single, Taniae admits she has a history of going for ‘bad boys,' with her high standards and career-driven mindset sometimes scaring off potential suitors. She's hoping Honeymoon Island will help her step outside her comfort zone and become more open to love.
As for her type on paper, Taniae loves British guys! She’s a fan of a tall, dark-haired man who is clever, funny, and confident, as well as ‘honest, loyal, emotionally available and committed to their growth.’ Her non-negotiables include being spiritual or having faith – and given she’s ‘deeply spiritual and passionate about astrology’ she’s hoping her future husband will be open to that world!
When does Stranded on Honeymoon Island begin?
Stranded on Honeymoon Island is set to begin on Wednesday 3rd September, airing three episodes each week from Wednesday to Friday. Episodes will land on BBC One and iPlayer at the same time, starting at 9pm and running for around an hour.
Charlotte Roberts is a news and entertainment writer at Grazia UK. She spends her days covering everything celebrity, culture, and entertainment.