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Channel Seven's much-anticipated new dating series Stranded on Honeymoon Island is tipped to be a very costly 'mistake' as the show faces multiple setbacks.
Hosted by Jackie 'O' Henderson, the heavily hyped dating series was originally scheduled to be released before the end of 2024.
But Seven bosses have now announced that the unique format will debut next year after cast members recently expressed concerns about the show being cancelled.
As the cast, who remain under contract for the yet-to-be-aired series, awaited clarification on the release date, confidence in the show's potential has waned among network executives.
They now fear it could cost the network 'up to one million dollars'.
'The premise sounded great on paper and everyone was excited when they signed it as the format has done well overseas, but after getting the first edits back to watch at the start of the year, a lot of people [at Seven] started doubting it's potential and thinking they'd made an expensive mistake,' a source involved in production told Yahoo.
Channel Seven 's much-anticipated new dating series Stranded on Honeymoon Island is tipped to be a very costly 'mistake' as the show faces multiple setbacks
Hosted by Jackie 'O' Henderson (pictured), the dating series was originally scheduled to be released before the end of 2024. Seven bosses have since announced it will debut next year after cast members recently expressed concerns about the show being cancelled
'They hoped bringing Jackie O in to narrate each episode would lift it and bring some star power and they paid big to make this happen, but there's only so much a familiar voice can do,' a second insider told the outlet.
Seven has officially announced plans for their racy new dating series, after fears from its cast that the show would never see the light of day.
The announcement was made during their Upfronts event in Sydney, where they highlighted their programming for 2025 on Wednesday.
After being left in the dark about the show's future, a disgruntled bride set to appear on the show vented her frustration.
'We've had enough. We've all put our lives on hold for this, and now we're just sitting here waiting for a decision,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday.
'Some of us have moved on and started new relationships — one of the guys even proposed to his girlfriend in real life!'
The bride, who wishes to remain anonymous, added that it's 'insulting' to still be under contract after such a long delay.
'We were told to keep quiet, no relationships, no social media posts. We're basically living like prisoners, while Seven plays games with us,' she added.
As the cast, who remain under contract for the yet-to-be-aired series, awaited clarification on the release date, confidence in the show's potential has waned among network executives. They now fear it could cost the network 'up to one million dollars'
'Some of the cast were even hoping to make it as influencers by now, but instead, they're back on job hunts. It's beyond frustrating.'
Filmed over a year ago, the show was originally slated to air between October 1 and December 31, 2024.
Based on a Danish format, the series centres on half a dozen strangers all looking for love.
And in a bizarre twist, the matched-up singles then get to test their compatibility after being stranded on a desert island.
The couples discover romantic sparks amidst gruelling hardship as they struggle to survive the harsh living conditions and isolation.
As anticipation builds for its release, it's been claimed the show could be Aussie TV's next big thing.
According to one insider, the premiere of the new series was delayed due to the network 'throwing' even more money at producing it.
In June, the source suggested the extra money was to compete with Channel Nine's big reality TV hits such as MAFS and The Block.
The insider also suggested the producers splashed out the cash to secure radio icon Jackie O as the narrator for the show.
They shared: 'When you get your cheque book out for the highest-paid female radio host in the country you know you have faith in your product.'
A steamy trailer for the upcoming show introduced the twelve singles who hope to find love while deserted on a remote island in the South Pacific.
The video promises an equal mixture of romance and adventure, as the cast work to form romances while fighting the elements.
One scene shows a new bride and groom literally taking the plunge off a yacht into the crystal clear water and then passionately kissing underwater.
Another suspenseful moment captured a woman confronting her male companion, asking why he 'has a relationship on the outside of this'.
'Are we on Honeymoon Island... or Nightmare Island?' another cast member asked.
The format appears to be a blend of Married At First Sight and the cut throat world of the Survivor franchise.
Seven's Head of Programming Angus Ross said of the show: 'We're taking the reality dating genre to a whole new addictive level.
'It blends fledging love with the adventure of a lifetime. We have no doubt viewers will lap up every minute of this bold and exciting new format.'
Seven has officially announced plans for their racy new dating series, after fears from its cast that the show would never see the light of day
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