Popular reality show Love Island set to film in Port Douglas

Cupid is coming to town with Channel 9’s popular reality show, Love Island Australia bringing production to Port Douglas later this year.

Screen Queensland has confirmed the shows third season will be filmed in Port Douglas where viewers worldwide will be smitten by the picture-perfect tropical scenery, which is sure to work its romantic magic on the show’s loved up contestants

Secured by Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy, the show produced by ITV Studios Australia is set to return an estimated $8.6 million to Queensland’s economy and create more than 100 jobs for local crew.

Far North Queensland Screen Champion and Member for Mulgrave, Curtis Pitt said the tourism industry in Far North Queensland will also gain from Love Island being filmed in Port Douglas.

“Love Island enjoys a huge national and international following with the reality juggernaut broadcast in over 20 countries around the world, so this is great news for the region whose lush rainforests and pristine beaches will be showcased globally,” he said.

“The local FNQ community and its businesses will also benefit in a myriad of ways from the production spend on catering, transport, construction, accommodation, technology and much more.

“We are thrilled that postcard Port Douglas will star in Season three and proud of the opportunities, for crew and the wider FNQ community, the production will deliver to the region,” Mr Pitt said.

Aussie sweetheart and charming all-rounder Sophie Monk will return in season three to host and play Cupid in Port Douglas while the Love Islanders must couple up, stay together, and win over the hearts of the public, all while surviving the temptations of beautiful new singles entering the villa.

“Love Island is such a fun and irresistible show and you can’t help but get wrapped up in all the flirting, dating and dramas,” she said.

“I can’t wait to join a whole new group of girls and guys looking for love, and filming in my hometown of Queensland is an added bonus for me as well, as Port Douglas is one of my favourite places to visit.”

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said that Love Island was the next in a strong line of productions, both domestic and international, to fall for the charms of Far North Queensland.

“The economic boost to regional centres due to these large-scale reality formats coming to town is significant; this is another fantastic result for Queensland.

“This announcement further confirms the growth of Far North Queensland as a significant film and TV hub for the state, growth to be aided by the construction of a studio facility in Cairns, to be operational by early 2022,” Ms Munnich said.

Other productions choosing the Far North this past year include Netflix teen series, Dive Club, feature film This Little Love of Mine, and Matchbox Pictures’ Irreverent, to start production next month.

ITV Studios Australia’s Head of Content, Beth Hart, said what better location, than Port Douglas, for one of the sexiest shows on Australian TV screens.

“Showcasing the incredible surroundings that are second-to-none, we will be bringing to viewers, not only the hottest Australians, but the hottest scenery in the world.

“We couldn't be more excited to shoot this season in picture-perfect Far North Queensland.”