ITV has officially confirmed its most recent dating show, which has been dubbed the ‘middle-aged Love Island’, is on the way to a TV screen near you.
It's been long rumoured that ITV were to bring out a Love Island spin-off series that is more geared towards those looking for love in the middle of their lives, with reports hotly-tipping it to hit screens soon first surfacing back in July of last year.
Sources told the tabloids last year that contestants in the proposed new mature series would bring something that the main Love Island series does not - that being “intelligent conversation”.
“They know their minds, will be capable of intelligent conversation, and are likely to be much more adventurous,” the source admitted.
“All ingredients regular Love Island sometimes lacks.”
But now, after months of speculating whether or not it would ever become a reality, the broadcaster has announced that all the rumours are true – and single parents are now being encouraged to get their applications in.
Image: Unsplash
The brand-new dating show, which is titled The Romance Retreat, will see a group of “vibrant single parents” from across the UK all meet under one roof.
Set to be the only dating show where single parents can search for love in a safe space, the group of contestants will be whisked off to spend some time in a luxury retreat.
All the parents competing in the new series will have been nominated by their grown-up children.
ITV hasn’t really given too much away about what viewers can expect from the new series at this moment in time, but it has announced that applications are now open for parents over the age of 18 to shoot their shot and give love another try, and you have until 31 March 2023 to stick yours or your parent’s name down to be considered.
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
The Hoot -
19th January 2023 
