LOVE Island has given fans an update after the All Stars launch show was cancelled due to wildfires near the South African villa.
The third series of the reality spin-off was meant to air last night but it was thrown into chaos over the weekend as raging infernos broke out around Western Cape.
Love Island’s Maya Jama will strut into the villa in a matter of daysCredit: Instagram
Love Island has issued a new update on the delayed All Stars seriesCredit: Instagram
In a statement shared on Instagram, the show said: “Just a reminder that the Love Island launch show has been delayed due to wildfires near the Villa in South Africa.
“Everyone is safe though and we’re working on bringing you an iconic series, so keep an eye on our socials and we’ll let you know the new launch date as soon as we can.”
We reported yesterday that the show is back in action after firefighters got a grasp on the disaster and the remaining fire moved away from the villa site.
The unexpected delay but channel execs can breathe a sigh of relief now the show has resumed filming.
An insider told The Sun that filming will resume tomorrow – but the air date is still to be decided.
On Saturday, emergency services were still , a mile outside the villa.
Firefighters were pictured working on the charred landscape that has been ravaged by the fires.
The new legends edition of the hit dating show was due to air last night, but the natural disaster
A source said: “Bosses have no choice but to wait for the area to be deemed completely safe.
“The desire is to be back as soon as possible but risk and health and safety assessments are still ongoing.”
A spokesperson for a fire association in the area told local outlet SABC News that the biggest issue they faced was accessing water to put out the flames.
Due to the distance from a water source, they are relying on cars, trucks and helicopters to bring in huge volumes of water. However, when the time comes to replenish the supply, they are finding the fires are spreading further inland.
Meanwhile Love Island’s crew have been on standby in nearby hotels and flats while receiving their daily rates.
They included camera operators, runners, caterers and psychologists.
Returning Islanders like and Charlie Frederick command about £2,000 a week, while camera operators, runners, caterers, and more all need cash.
Host , 31, is rumoured to be getting £800,000 for the run.
She was said to be keeping safe indoors at her private villa, and on Saturday posted a picture of her in a bikini.
Filming was first called off on Saturday morning as firefighters along the Western Cape were called out to battle ferocious blazes sweeping down from the mountains.
Maya and the cast were quickly whisked away from winter villa L, which costs £9,000 a night to hire.
The raging inferno has already burned down one vineyard nearby in the Franschhoek area while eight more remain in flames.
Strong winds overnight have further fanned the fires.
There has been no loss of life or serious injury, the local authorities say.
A spokesperson for said: “Owing to an ongoing wildfire in the area, we have evacuated the production site as a precautionary measure.”
Firefighters surveyed the charred landscape left in the fire’s wakeCredit: Getty
Maya and the cast were whisked away from the villa, which is called Ludus Magnus and costs £9,000 a night to hireCredit: ITV
The series remains on hold as Cape Town’s wildfires rage onCredit: Facebook/Stellenbosch Municipality
Returning Islanders like Belle Hassan can command £2,000 a weekCredit: ITV
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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