Viewers slam BBC's new dating show as they compare it to Married At First Sight

Davina McCall is back on screen tonight with her new dating show Stranded on Honeymoon Island.

The format sees total strangers marry. After the 12 singles meet for the first time during a speed-dating event, the matchmakers then assign them a spouse.

Later that day, the assigned couples tie the knot and head straight to a remote island with nothing but the clothes they wed in, an outdoor loo, and three weeks to test their connection. But as the first episode went out on Wednesday night, viewers were quick to compare it to Married At First Sight, which airs on E4.

READ MORE: Davina McCall reveals her 'whopper problem' with new BBC dating show

READ MORE: Stranded on Honeymoon Island start time, cast, host and how to watch BBC reality show

One fan wrote on X:#StrandedOnHoneymoonIsand continues to struggle for ratings in Australia... Will BBC one version later this year struggle like it's survivor reboot did ? Or with it's mix of married at first sight and survivor prove more popular in the UK?", whilst another said: "I never understood the appeal of MAFS but I absolutely don't understand how people can degrade themselves on a show like Honeymoon Island, and I've only seen the promos."

Another questioned if the format was needed at all as they wrote: "With traitors, race across the world, destination x, apprentice been plenty of reality focus on BBC one was #StrandedOnHoneymoonIsland actually needed ??? Bit ott reality and too little focus on hit drama bbc1 2025"

Despite this, one fan in particular felt enthusiastic about the series and couldn't wait to see TV favourite Davina, who is known for starring on The Masked Singer and previously hosting Big Brother, back on their screens.

They said: "@ThisIsDavina is back with a new amazing and epic looking reality show with #StrandedOnHoneyMoonIsland on @BBCOne. Can’t wait to be glued to it and see Davina add that extra bit of spice and fun to it!" #BBCOne #HoneymoonIsland

Despite the lukewarm reception, the programme has already been renewed for a second series.

Speaking to The Sun, the source added: "It doesn’t want the exact same format, just something that can provide a similar kind of tropical, steamy vibe — and bosses think that’s what they’ve got on their hands here.

“Of course, they’ll wait to see what the audience reaction is, but execs have already cast their eye over early versions of the series and are feeling confident."

And the source claimed bosses are keen to "renew their vows" with another series of the show.

The series sees total strangers marry. After the 12 singles meet for the first time during a speed-dating event, the matchmakers then assign them a spouse.

Later that day, the assigned couples tie the knot and head straight to a remote island with nothing but the clothes they wed in, an outdoor loo, and three weeks to test their connection.

Prior to it airing, Davina admitted of her role and her own romance: "I like to think I’m not too high-maintenance." But she said one thing on the show is something she would struggle with. "The loo.

"I’d have a whopper problem with the poo! I don’t want to hear farting and pooing – I still want to be fancied!”

Explaining why she chose to be a part of the show, Davina said: "These couples are taking a massive leap of faith – literally off a boat. It’s such an extreme way to fast-track a relationship.

"You see who someone really is when things get tough – how they handle problems, whether they’re resourceful. That’s attractive! Confidence is key in this experiment.”

And explaining what she believes makes this show different from the rest, Davina said it’s the heart: “There’s deep learning – about yourself, about relationships. Even if they don’t find The One, they come away knowing what they want and need.”

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