Davina McCall's new reality series, Stranded on Honeymoon Island, offers a twist on the genre by pairing singletons in 'marriages' before leaving them on a remote island for three weeks. The show, which airs on BBC One and is available on iPlayer, combines elements of Married at First Sight and Love Island, but with contestants who are genuinely endearing rather than irritating.
The premise is simple: after speed-dating, a dozen singles are matched by matchmakers and married in a non-legally binding ceremony in the Philippines. They are then left on a nearby island with basic amenities—a double bed, rudimentary shelter, tinned food, and a basic toilet. Future episodes promise 'mystery crates' containing items and challenges to test compatibility.
Unlike many reality shows, viewers find themselves rooting for the couples. Highlights include effervescent Hannah and suit designer Sam, who recut her wedding dress for island life; Helen, an 'Essex girl and raging lesbian', and her partner Abby; and devout Christians David and Ini, though David's admission at the altar that another woman would have been equally suitable causes early tension.
Other couples face their own challenges: Moray, a boarding-school boy, tells his new wife Mae she gives him 'little sister vibes' on day two. Mae herself is single after her ex 'fell into his colleague's vagina'. Despite these hiccups, the show is fuelled by optimism rather than despair, with contestants who are frequently funny and seem to genuinely like each other.
McCall's presence is limited to the opening minutes of the first episode, leading to cheeky speculation that she might appear in a mystery crate later. With 12 hour-long episodes, Stranded on Honeymoon Island offers a refreshingly likeable addition to the autumn schedules.
