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Featured Image Credit: ITV
Topics: Love Island, Entertainment, Sex and Relationships
Dominic Smithers
We're well into the depths of winter now, and I think we could all do with a bit of sun.
But with the beach holiday still some way off yet, I guess we'll have to settle for another season of Love Island.
The hit dating show will return to our screens tonight tonight, 16 January, with another batch of hopeful romantics set to descend on the villa in South Africa in the hope of finding 'the one'.
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This year's cohort includes 25-year-old Ellie Spence; semi-pro footballer Tom Clare, 23; Tanya Manhenga, 22; teacher Kai Fagan, 24; 25-year-old make-up artist Lana Jenkins; Ron Hall, 25; Anna-May Robey, 20; 23-year-old farmer Will Young, 23; Tanyel Revan, 26; airport security officer Shaq Muhammad, 24; ring girl Olivia Hawkins, 27; and 21-year-old TV salesman Haris Namani.
And people simply cannot wait for it to get started.
Sharing their excitement on social media, one fan said: "Buzzing for Love Island tonight."
Another commented: "Absolutely buzzing that Love Island is starting back tonight, cannny wait."
"Happy love island day! Cannot wait to hibernate every night at 9pm," put a third.
While yet another viewer added: "I CANNOT WAIT FOR LOVE ISLAND. My mind is buzzing. My heart is buzzing. I AM BUZZING."
As well as new housemates, this year will also see the show led by a different host - radio presenter and TV personality Maya Jama.
Maya will be taking over presenting duties from Laura Whitmore, who had fronted the show since the tragic death of Caroline Flack.
Last year, Laura announced she was stepping down from hosting the show, saying there were elements she simply found too 'difficult' to continue with, including travel commitments.
Sharing the news on Instagram, mum-of-one Whitmore wrote: "Some news! I won’t be hosting the next series of Love Island. I hope I did you proud, Caroline."
ITV said in a statement: "Laura has been a fantastic host across the last three series of the show. We are so grateful for everything she has brought to the programme but understand and respect her decision, and we look forward to working with her on upcoming ITV projects."
Jama was confirmed as the new host in October, with the Love Island official Instagram account posting: “Okay, the rumours are true. Say hey to your brand-new #LoveIsland host @mayajama!"
In response, Maya added in the comments: "SO BLOODY EXCITED! GET ME ON THAT ISLAND."
Love Island kicks off on ITV 2 at 9pm tonight.