THERE’S already been a brutal dumping on ITV – and Love Island hasn’t even started yet.
I can reveal rival dating format The Singles Table has been binned after just a single series.
The Singles Table has been binned after just a single series
Now ITV has decided the best way to achieve another dating hit is by bringing back Winter Love IslandCredit: ITV
The ITVBe show, which aired last year, joins a number of one-season wonders axed after flopping with the Love Island audience, including Channel 4’s The Love Trap, ITV1’s Romeo & Duet and Ready To Mingle on ITV2.
A source said: “The Singles Table seemed a good idea at the time and was easy to make. But after much consideration, ITV decided to focus on other shows.
“It proves that dating series need to be instant hits, otherwise they’re unlikely to be renewed.”
Inspired by the hit movie Wedding Crashers, starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, The Singles Table followed four single women looking for love by attending six strangers’ weddings to meet eligible bachelors.
Some of the male contestants were reintroduced in later episodes to create more drama, but obviously not enough for ITV’s liking.
ONLY Fools And Horses fans have been raising a glass in memory of the show’s late star John Challis.
The much-loved actor, who played car dealer Boycie, passed away in September 2021 and a new headstone has recently been erected at his grave in Shropshire.
John’s grave has ‘I am here’ on it – a phrase uttered by Boycie during a seance scene in the showCredit: Rex
Fans have since been leaving quirky presents there, including his character’s favourite tipple – a glass of cognac – and even a packet of Jaffa Cakes, a nod to Boycie’s struggles to get wife Marlene, pregnant.
A source said: “Some have been travelling hundreds of miles to pay their respects. And they feel leaving these personal gifts would make John laugh. It’s lovely to see and his widow Carol has been left humbled by it.”
John’s grave has “I am here” on it – a phrase uttered by Boycie during a seance scene in one 1989 episode.
HUGH Bonneville had a hilarious stand-off with BBC security staff when he was filming W1A – because he had a fake pass.
In new book, Playing Under The Piano, Hugh, who played Ian Fletcher in the show, says: “I asked a commissionaire to let me through.
Hugh had a hilarious stand-off with BBC security staff when he was filming W1ACredit: PA
‘You will need to use your pass.’ ‘I haven’t got a pass.’
‘Well what’s that round your neck, then?’ ‘That’s a prop.’
“It’s got your photo on it.’ ‘Yes, that’s me in the photo.’ ‘Says Ian Fletcher.’ ‘But that’s not me.’
‘You’ve got a pass with your photo but somebody else’s name?’”
“‘You’ll have to sign in over there please, sir,’ he said, pointing to the reception desk. ‘I mean, you could be anyone, Mr Fletcher.’”
MAYA Jama is already the real winner of Love Island, with millions in the bank before she even struts into the villa.
Accounts from the new host’s company MIJ Entertainment Ltd reveal she made £2.86million in the last two years, on top of the £1.74m she already had.
Accounts from the new host’s company MIJ Entertainment Ltd reveal Maya made £2.86million in the last two yearsCredit: Getty
One of Maya’s biggest earners has been her cosmetics range, MIJ, which has almost £130k worth of assets.
A source said: “Maya’s the most sought-after presenter on telly right now – and when her Love Island role kicks in, her income is likely to rocket even more.”