Former Love Islander claims All Stars cast are ‘too old’ for the show

Returning for a second series, the Love Island spin-off Love Island: All Stars returns to ITV this Monday (13 January), reuniting 12 former islanders in a South African villa for another shot at love. Featuring big names like Curtis Pritchard, Gabby Allen, Scott Thomas, and last year’s contestant Ronnie Vint, and hosted by the beloved Maya Jama, the series promises a nostalgic yet exciting mix for viewers.

In recent years, however, it’s been no secret that ITV and other broadcasters have been battling an ongoing war against streaming services to retain audiences. Last summer’s series, which starred reality TV icon Joey Essex, who made Love Island history by being the first celebrity bombshell on the series, offered a glimmer of hope by drawing the show’s highest viewership in two years.

Although now, the franchise may be set for another major blow as the latest rumour on the street is that primary presenter, Maya Jama, who replaced Laura Whitmore in 2023, might step down to pursue new opportunities. With Jama having quickly become a fan favourite, ITV bosses are under pressure to maintain the momentum they’ve built if they hope to ensure the show’s long-term success.

Ahead of the new series, Betfred Showbiz Specialist Kayley Cornelius spoke with former islander and Betfred pundit, Frankie Foster, who appeared in season four of the reality series. In the exclusive interview, Frankie shares his thoughts on whether it’s time for Maya to step aside and who might take her place. He also sends his best wishes to co-star Kaz Crossley, gives his take on the potential of Ekin-Su coming back as a bombshell, questions whether the All Stars cast is perhaps too old for the Love Island format, and offers his perspective on the show’s future…

Addressing the latest headlines, Foster appeared nonchalant about the prospect of Maya Jama taking a backseat from her hosting responsibilities on the show. When questioned about whether this is the right decision for all parties, he said: “I wouldn’t say that she’s needed, but she is a good presenter and has done a great job on the show. Although, that doesn’t mean that someone else couldn’t come in and do the same thing.” Speaking about her future on the show, he added: “She will definitely do this season, but she’s already hinted at doing other things which will likely be her gateway to step down and to go off and do something else, I would imagine. She likely already knows and has contracts in place and signed.”

Speculation is already rife about who could be next to take over. Frankie admitted it would be some big boots to fill, however, appeared to have an overwhelmingly positive response when suggesting Muara Higgins, who recently had a strong run on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, is an early favourite to take on the role. Discussing Maura’s potential, he commented: “I think she would be really good. She has a huge following so she definitely would pull some much-needed eyes back to the show. Her season was a huge success, so it’s likely that the people who like and follow her would then have more of an inclination to watch.”

While Foster thinks Higgins could be the right woman for the job, he doesn’t think that Maura, nor any other new presenter, will be the key answer to fixing the show’s issues in the long-term, he added: “While I think she [Maura] would bring back some viewers and there would be a bit of excitement for a short period, I don’t think that excitement would be sustained.” 

Could Laura Whitmore make another return? Foster seemed less convinced at the thought and was quick to shut down that theory as he retorted: “I really don’t think so – they need someone new to generate that excitement and to draw people in.” 

When asked about other potential presenters, Foster joked that he’d be up for the role himself but suggested the idea of a male host: “Maybe they should have a male presenter to shake things up. Given the show’s demographic, a female presenter makes sense, but it would be a fun twist.”

Despite his interest in hosting, Foster’s outlook on the Love Island franchise was less optimistic. “I think the series is finished, in my opinion.” He started. “It still has its loyal followers, but it’s not the type of show people talk about unless they already watch it or know someone who does. Unlike The Traitors, it doesn’t spark the same kind of buzz anymore.”

He continued: “It feels like a show aimed at avid fans who’ll keep watching, but I don’t think it can be reinvented in a way that makes it super interesting again. Other shows have taken its place, so I think it’s run its course.”

Is ITV just flogging a dead horse in that case? Frankie agreed with my remark but understood why the broadcaster continues to air the series every year:

“They know the numbers. Even if it’s not what it once was, it must still be beneficial. It’s not a bad show, and it likely draws more viewers than some of ITV’s other programming.” He also highlighted the wider Love Island brand: “There’s a huge brand behind the series, with merchandise and other products. That’s probably part of why it’s still going.”

Concluding his thoughts on the return of Love Island and the All Stars series this year, Frankie said: “Maybe I’m just getting old, but I definitely don’t think that the show is what it used to be. In the terms that it would create a real buzz and everyone would at least know a couple of people that were in there, or you would have an idea of what was going on; now I would barely know it’s starting.”

Although, there’s a familiar face amongst this year’s All Stars cast for Foster as fellow season four star, Kaz Crossley, is among the list of returning islanders. Quick to wish Kaz well and backing her to win the series, Frankie said:

“She’s smart, business-minded, and very popular. She’ll know what she wants to achieve but will probably just enjoy the experience. She’s also into fitness, so I’m sure she’ll go all out in the challenges. She’s a really cool girl, so I hope she does well.”

Foster also mentioned personal friend Gabby Allen as another contestant he’ll be rooting for.

While the islanders for the upcoming series have been confirmed, many fans were disappointed to see that the heavily rumoured Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, who won the show back in 2022, failed to make the list. However, fans are already theorising that she may make a return to All Stars as a bombshell, similar to her original appearance on the show.

Ekin-Su found herself at the centre of controversy after featuring on 2024's Celebrity Big Brother as she received mass backlash for her behaviour and comments surrounding women adult workers whilst on the show. Ever since, she has kept a low-profile, so a return to All Stars would mark a significant comeback for the reality star.

Convinced that this would be a good move for her, Frankie said: “For anyone that plays in the social media game, like her, then it’s just going to drum up more views for your own accounts, bring in more brand and TV deals, and ultimately more money. However, the only negative is when you have a career doing something else. If you have a different audience that doesn’t agree with Love Island, then that’s where things may begin to get problematic.” 

Although, would Ekin–Su be as successful a second time around on the series? Foster thinks so. “I think she would be just fine. I don’t think it could damage her brand, and it would have to go badly wrong for someone who was liked before to come back on and to be hated.”

Like Ekin-Su, Frankie Foster also entered Love Island as a bombshell back in 2018. However, only managed to stay in the game for ten days before being banished via public vote. With this in mind, could an All Stars move be on the cards? As for himself, Foster, now 29, ruled out the prospect of a return. Reflecting on what has changed since his time in the villa, Frankie believes he may be ‘too old’ for the show’s format as he said: “I can’t get my head around the idea of going in as a 29-year-old – it would almost be comedic having those ‘chats’ and conversations with people.”

Being a similar age to some of the contestants featuring on the show this year, I wondered if Frankie also thought that some of the cast may have outgrown the Love Island game to which he said:  “TV is for everyone and anyone, but I do want to say that some of the cast are too old to be having those nonsense conversations, and certainly too old to be getting immersed in the Love Island ‘little chats’.”

On the conversation of age, Frankie rounded off things with a wild pitch for ITV. He stated that it would be ‘hilarious’ if there were to be a Love Island for the older generation and reckons that would have more success than the show that currently stands.