While hot girl summer is ending, the BBC is insisting on keeping those vibes alive with a brand-new reality show with a rather wild concept.
Stranded on Honeymoon Island brings together six newly formed couples who have just got married and are sent on a private secluded trip, surviving on limited resources… with all the drama captured on camera for your viewing pleasure.
If you’re intrigued about what else this new series entails and how you can watch along, keep on reading.
When will Stranded on Honeymoon Island be released?
Stranded on Honeymoon Island will begin on Wednesday, 3 September 2025 at 9pm, filling the Wednesday and Thursday primetime evening slots previously occupied by Destination X, with episodes also rolling out on Fridays.
You can watch it live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with the latter also providing on-demand access. If you’re outside the UK and still wish to stream Stranded on Honeymoon Island, check out our guide for watching BBC iPlayer from abroad.
What is the premise of Stranded on Honeymoon Island?
The show begins with a five-minute speed-dating event, where each person chooses who their favourites are. Note that the images from the event show some contestants who don’t seem to be part of the final twelve that were chosen, so it looks as if the inital group will be whittled down.
With their preferences considered, a relationship expert then pairs them off into six couples. The next time they meet each other is at the altar to get hitched.
Post-wedding, the couples go to their own tropical island to embark on a far-from-traditional honeymoon for three weeks. They get their own beach home (though it’s not exactly luxury), and they’ll be faced with a survival atmosphere that will truly test their nuptials.
The show is not just about how attracted couples are to one another. The environment will test their resourcefulness skills and see whether they can cope with difficult scenarios. Unlike most series of Love Island, this show will not just be limited to heterosexual couples.
The official BBC press release confirms that all the contestants will gather at ‘Couples Cove’ to socialise, so they won’t be completely isolated. This will also be a chance to bond with other stars and see how their journeys compare.
Imagine throwing Love Island, Married at First Sight and Survivor all into a big pot, and you’d get this. Like other reality series such as The Traitors, this format has already seen success in other countries such as Belgium, Germany and Australia.
You can get a taste of what’s to come with the first trailer:
Who is the presenter for Stranded on Honeymoon Island?
TV legend Davina McCall, known for Big Brother, Long Lost Family and The Masked Singer, is taking on presenting duties for this next dating series.
McCall won’t be with the contestants all the time. She will welcome them all at the speed dating event and will be a familiar face towards the end to be a voice of reason. As Davina puts it:
“I’m there in the last couple of shows to support the couples, they’ve been on quite a journey so I wanted to go in and have a chat with them. I feel like they needed to see Mummy, I’m like the mother of the show and they needed a bit of motherly love. It was a tough journey for all of the cast, so I felt it was important for me to be there at the beginning and the end.”
Who are the contestants for Stranded on Honeymoon Island?
Twelve honeymooners are taking part in the series, with ages ranging from late twenties to mid-thirties. Each contestant has their own preferences when it comes to dating, though whether the show will match them up with someone who fits that bill remains to be seen.
Abby
32-year-old from Berkshire
With a love for all things fitness and nature, sports coach and ex-footballer Abby is finally ready to settle down with someone who shares her gym enthusiasm. She is particularly interested in blonde femmes.
BBC/CPL Productions
David
30-year-old from Montreal/London
David values partners with high ambitions and goals and is not afraid of deep conversations and connections. He has a love for neo-soul, and a strong commitment to his faith.
BBC/CPL Productions
Hannah
29-year-old from London
After being single for six years, Hannah is looking for a man to meet her high expectations. In particular, a dashing, snappy dresser with a nice build, all with a splash of confidence.
BBC/CPL Productions
Helen
35-year-old from Manchester
Bubbly Helen enjoys singing, dancing and playing the ukulele. While she has an open mind, she typically goes for masc-presenting women, with bonus points for tattoos. But she also wants someone who doesn’t take life too seriously.
BBC/CPL Productions
Ini
28-year-old from Kent
Life and soul of the party, Ini, loves to push herself out of her comfort zone and is looking for someone who also has a thirst for adventure. While she’d prefer someone tall and fit, someone with a solid heart matters more to her.
BBC/CPL Productions
Jordan
30-year-old from West Yorkshire
Typical Yorkshire lad Jordan is happy to talk to anyone but feels left behind now his friends are settling down. He’s looking to meet a fellow adventurous girl who would tag along for a day out at the football.
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Mae
30-year-old from Nottingham
Self-confessed ‘high maintenance queen’ Mae loves her skincare routine and dancing, as well as games evenings with friends. She’s looking for a mature and grounded partner who gets on with her friends – and has great hair to boot.
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Millie
30-year-old from Cheshire
Girly-girl Millie may love make-up and teddy bears, but she’s on the hunt for a driven and mature man with a good sense of humour and is willing to challenge her previous mindsets to build a deeper connection with a potential partner.
BBC/CPL Productions
Moray
28-year-old from Edinburgh
Moray was once quite shy around girls and has been single after his last serious girlfriend cheated on him. He hopes Honeymoon Island will allow him to open his heart to someone new, preferably an intellectual and ambitious partner.
BBC/CPL Productions
Oliver
31-year-old from London
After six years of being on the dating scene in London, Oliver is looking for someone confident and clever that he can form a deep connection with, from partying in festivals to having a quiet night in at home.
BBC/CPL Productions
Sam
30-year-old from London
Sam is looking to build a long-term and meaningful relationship, particularly with a woman who is kind, caring, empathetic and beautiful on the inside and out. He’s particularly drawn to people with striking eyes.
BBC/CPL Productions
Taniae
33-year-old from London
Taniae has been single for a decade, having been focused on her independence and career. She’s looking to step outside of comfort zone, and as an Aussie she loves British guys who are clever, funny, confident and loyal.
BBC/CPL Productions