New details are emerging around a new show which has been dubbed the ‘middle-aged’ Love Island, as ITV bosses confirm it will be called The Romance Retreat.
The new project will see middle-aged single parents, nominated by their kids, competing to find new love.
In a similar format to the existing hit dating show, contestants will all live together in a country house as they try to find their soulmate.
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In an Instagram post, Davina said: "Omg... I manifested and it came true!! I’ll be hosting a brand NEW grown-up dating series for ITV1!!
"This is a show for single parents who have lived a life, have stories to tell about their dating pasts, and deserve another chance at love and I’m gonna help you.
She then added: "It will all take place in the most romantic countryside location!! We are still casting so if u want my help finding love and u have a child who is over 18, what are you waiting for ??? ( particularly u eligible men .. where are you ?! )
"Sign up here itv.com/beontv It’s going to be AMAZING !! x."
Applications close in a matter of weeks, on March 31, and ITV says it is looking for vibrant single parents from across the UK who are in search of love, for the brand-new dating show.
This will be the only dating show where single parents can search for love, by spending time in a luxury retreat, where all the parents have been nominated by their grown-up children.
Since the news broke on Thursday, a major discussion online has led to hundreds of people hitting out at the eligibility rules for the show with many saying it's unfair.
They are asking why the middle-aged contestants must be parents, as some argue there is a huge group of people ‘who deserve love’ and are being left out.
Under Davina’s Instagram post, one woman queried: “What about grown-up single people that don’t have children? I have single friends in their 40s who would happily like to meet people with kids”.
Another added: “What about the people who couldn’t have children and deserve love? They have as much of a story to tell. The women who have lost friendships due to not fitting in anymore as they couldn’t have children”.
A third echoed this and said: “This really annoys me because I’m single but not a single parent. I happen to be 53 years old and looking to find someone special.
“It’s not my fault that I don’t have kids and I’m happy to meet someone who does. Why am I being precluded?”
Despite the outcry for a change to the rules, many people are congratulating the star in her new role and say she ‘is perfect for the job.’
One fan responded to the post saying: “Well done you are perfect for the job,” while another said “Amazing, cannot wait for this”.
A third among hundreds of well-wishers wrote: “No one better to present the show. Can’t wait”.
An air date for the show has yet to be confirmed, but according to Davina it’s ‘coming soon.’
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