Davina McCall's new series, Stranded on Honeymoon Island, combines elements of Married at First Sight and Love Island, but with a refreshing twist: the contestants are genuinely likeable. The show pairs up singles through speed-dating and matchmaking, then marries them in a non-legally binding ceremony before leaving them on a remote Philippine island for three weeks. With only basic amenities, including a double bed and a rudimentary toilet, the couples face challenges designed to test their compatibility.
Unlike many reality dating shows, the participants here are endearing rather than irritating. Viewers find themselves rooting for couples like Hannah and Sam, where Hannah's past relationship issues threaten to overshadow their connection. Similarly, Helen and Abby, a self-described 'Essex girl and raging lesbian', seem perfectly matched. Even the devout Christians David and Ini, despite David's awkward mention of another woman at the altar, inspire hope.
The show's optimism is a welcome change from the cynicism of other dating programmes. While Davina McCall's on-screen presence is limited to the first few minutes, the focus remains on the couples' genuine interactions. With 12 episodes, Stranded on Honeymoon Island promises to be an addictive autumn watch, fuelled by hope rather than schadenfreude.
