Stranded on Honeymoon Island review: Yes, it’s a rip off of MAFS, Castaway and Love Island – but CLAUDIA CONNELL is hooked, despite swearing off dating shows

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In simpler terms, attractive individuals, some in minimal clothing and others bare-chested, gather near a fireplace engaging in deep conversations about their thoughts and feelings. They ponder if they’ll proceed with their assigned partners romantically or choose someone new instead. The phrase ‘mugged off’ is informally used to denote being made fun of or insulted.

Does this sound reminiscent of something? No, it’s not a Love Island episode, but rather Stranded on Honeymoon Island, a new reality dating show on BBC, presented by Davina McCall. The show seems to make little effort to disguise its obvious attempts to mimic other popular programs.

Beginning this coming Wednesday, the 12-episode series is being billed as an innovative and unique social exploration. In it, six couples find themselves stranded on an uninhabited island, embarking on their ‘marital’ journey together.

Davina wonders if solitude might be more effective than contemporary romance when it comes to relationships, but it seems clear what the outcome usually is.

In reality, the TV show “Stranded on Honeymoon Island” isn’t particularly innovative or groundbreaking. The concept revolves around 12 singles being paired with a potential partner and then being stranded on an island in the Philippines for three weeks (assuming they can last that long), each occupying their own secluded beach.

In the opening episode, a fast-paced speed dating event commences, allowing single individuals to converse for five minutes before expressing their preferred matches. Subsequently, expert matchmakers determine the final pairings based on these selections.

Tonight, we see the first three couples to be matched and dispatched.

Initially, we have Hannah, the vibrant and energetic marketing manager, aged 29, often referred to as a ‘party girl’. Alongside her is Sam, a 30-year-old entrepreneur who manages his own fashion label.

At the subsequent phase of the performance, couples participate in their simulated wedding ceremony. The bride, adorned in a white gown and veil, makes her way down the aisle unsure of who awaits at the altar to marry her – does this sound familiar? It’s here that the Love at First Sight clone factor kicks in (as I warned you, it wasn’t an original concept).

The event doesn’t have legal significance, but even if it did, I think the attention-seeking individuals involved would still participate. As Hannah recites her personal vows, she acknowledges being somewhat flighty and not the most intelligent in the group. Considering she’s agreed to ‘marry’ someone she’s only known for a short while, that’s hardly surprising.

Stranded on the shore, a pair cohabit in a rudimentary seaside dwelling, devoid of power, featuring a shared bed and a somber washroom facility, encompassing a shower and toilet.

The pairing will include a lesbian duo: Helen, a 35-year-old radio host who identifies as both an ‘Essex girl’ and a passionate lesbian, and Abby, a 32-year-old sports coach who is equally active in her profession and personal life.

Third couple are Mae, 30, a recruitment consultant and Moray, 28, a property developer.

Mae, openly admitting to being a diva, shares with the audience the heartbreaking story of her previous lover. With a wistful gaze into the camera, she confides, ‘Unfortunately, there was an incident involving a fall… straight into his colleague’s lap.’

Right off the bat, I find myself deeply drawn to Mae. It’s evident that her pairing with Moray could lead to trouble. Moray is reserved and thoughtful, almost enigmatic, whereas Mae is lighthearted and full of life, radiating infectious energy.

Indeed, as expected, by the second day on the island, he sadly confessed his feelings for her were brotherly instead of romantic, causing her deep sorrow.

The pair who seem to be in sync, as they put it, are Hannah and Sam. However, there’s a minor hiccup: Sam’s ex, Megan, is participating too, and she harbors hopes of getting back together with Sam.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but ponder if the producers might have pulled off an ingenious move by arranging for her to mysteriously appear on the island, stirring up some intriguing drama. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time they’ve added a twist to keep things interesting!

On Thursday, we’ll gather the last three pairs of participants. Among them is Mille, aged 30, who has an unusually long list of dislikes. Topping her list is men who drive manual cars. She’s paired with Jordan, a kind-hearted barber, who we wish good luck to in this encounter.

In a friendly twist, seasoned coder Oliver, aged 31, finds himself teamed up with modern Australian Taniae, 33. As a thoughtful wedding gesture, Taniae gave her partner a box filled with 40 positive affirmations. Here’s wishing Oliver the best of luck as he embarks on this new programming journey alongside Taniae!

Lastly, Ini, aged 28 and a building safety officer, encounters David, a 30-year-old marketing executive, who happens to be quite handsome. Initially, they appear well-suited, but things take a turn when David carelessly reveals that Ini wasn’t his initial preference; instead, he had chosen Taniae.

Toward the end of the week, the pairs will assemble at ‘Marital Meadow’, which resembles Love Island’s Casa Amor, to celebrate a wedding reception.

1. Is David going to chase after Taniae?
2. Will Millie continue to put more oddities on her list, and what are Moray’s thoughts about Mae’s playful wedding speech?
3. What does Moray think of Mae’s cheeky wedding toast?

In this paraphrase, I have attempted to make the language natural and easy to read while preserving the meaning of your original sentence. The first question asks if David will pursue Taniae, the second question inquires about Millie adding more items to her list and Moray’s opinion, and the third question focuses on Moray’s thoughts regarding Mae’s wedding speech.

Later still, the couples have to make a decision to ‘commit or quit’.

Indeed, Stranded on Honeymoon Island seems to be a typical dating show, but surprisingly enough, I found myself enjoying it.

The group of individuals includes both intellectuals and those less academically inclined; there’s no audience poll involved, the event concludes within a month, and Marvellous Mae consistently provides amusement throughout.

Despite vowing three years ago that I wouldn’t get drawn into another reality dating show like Love Island, this one managed to reel me back in.

If Davina, the shouty host, happens to be someone you’re not a fan of, rest assured – she plays a minimal role in the narrative and primarily interacts with the castaways through video messages.

Stranded on Honeymoon Island begins tonight [September 3] on BBC One and iPlayer.

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2025-09-03 21:34