LOVE Island is moving to Canvey Island — as ITV looks to cut costs.
Our exclusive pictures show plans for a budget-friendly villa on the Essex seafront.
Love Island is moving back to the UK this summer as ITV cuts costs, pictured host Maya Jama[/caption]
ITV are moving the villa to Canvey Island, Essex[/caption]
And show host Maya Jama has been spotted checking out the love nest.
The surprise switch from Majorca comes as ITV chiefs battle a costs crisis which has seen cuts to programmes including Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
A telly source said: “ITV has already slashed the soap schedule to try to balance the books and it was only a matter of time before it looked to entertainment programmes. Packing Love Island’s bags should do the trick. Canvey Island was a holiday hotspot back in the 1940s so it’s not that different to Majorca, really, once they put all those neon signs up.”
In another boost to the budget, ousted Islanders can head home by bus to Benfleet station, then take a 43-minute c2c train to London’s Fenchurch Street.
Famous faces who have called Canvey Island home include Peter Green from Fleetwood Mac, former England manager Peter Taylor and 1970s rock legends Dr Feelgood.
The island, which is below sea level and susceptible to tidal flooding, was a popular seaside resort from 1910 to 1950.
In 1953 some 58 people died in a devastating North Sea flood.
Canvey is protected by 14 miles of sea walls and is connected to the mainland by road bridges at South Benfleet.
Local resident Flora Opil said: “Canvey has got an excellent big Morrisons nearby and a decent McDonald’s to feed the crew.
“The sea wall is perfect for those Maya Jama walking shots.
“West Canvey Marshes and Thorney Bay beach are great locations for a date, with loads of amazing birds.
“Maya will love Pink Chilliz curry house for a takeaway, too.
“It’s gonna be such a giggle.”
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The Love Island villa in South Africa[/caption]
