'I went inside the revamped Love Island All Stars villa - this secret feature will cause chaos'

Love Island's All Stars is making a comeback for its second series in South Africa, a year after the revamped show premiered on ITV2. The winners of the first series, Molly Smith and Tom Clare, are still going strong, having recently purchased a house in Manchester less than a year after their first meeting on the show.

This year, Maya Jama returns to welcome 12 more returning islanders in search of love. Among the familiar faces returning to the reality dating show are Curtis Pritchard, Scott Thomas, and Kaz Crossley.

They will be joined by Series 11 contestant Ronnie Vint, series five star Elma Pazar, and Catherine Agbaje from series 10. Rounding out this year's line-up are series six islander Nas Majeed, Olivia Hawkins from series nine, series eight islander Luca Bish, India Reynolds from series five, and Marcel Somerville and Gabby Allen from series three - who had a notably messy break up.

The villa has undergone an all-stars makeover, with a gold theme throughout to make the celebrities feel at home. The house catchphrases adorning the walls and mirrors, paying tribute to past series, have been removed as bosses aim to give the house a fresher feel.

The kitchen area, known to long-term viewers as the scene of some of the show's biggest arguments, has undergone a significant makeover. It now wouldn't look out of place in Barbie's dream-house, thanks to the bold pink stripes adorning the walls, ceiling and even the fridge, reports the Mirror.

Love Island bosses have confessed they're unsure how the vibrant update will be received by TV audiences - whether it will mesmerise or induce migraines with its intense stripes. One thing viewers will be eager to see is the new addition to the villa - the Secret Garden.

This secluded area, hidden from the main action, offers ultimate privacy for any clandestine activities. The space feels entirely different from the rest of the villa, with layers of foliage hiding the walls. Decorative lanterns ensure that islanders can sneak off for some alone time, day or night.

This brand new area also comes with its own set of rules. Islanders are free to enter the Secret Garden whenever they wish, but only with someone who isn't their current partner. Producers are hoping this private spot will spark plenty of affairs, gossip and backstabbing.

"It's the Secret Garden for a reason," Love Island's executive producer, Mike Spence explained about the latest set addition. "What happens in here could potentially stay in here... or it could get shown at Movie Night, the PDA Awards. But it's so chilled in here, it's private, you feel like you are away from it all."

"Basically if you want to do something naughty you can come and do it in here," host Maya Jama cheekily said, sharing her enthusiasm for the new chaotic feature.

Yet beyond the mayhem, show creators are counting on the villa to ignite some true romance.

The Hideaway serves as an idyllic spot for couples to connect intimately, now lavishly revamped for the All Stars with plush purples and golds offering an opulent overnight escape. This season sees the introduction of a pool to the adjacent outdoor area, a cooling haven if temperatures soar between islanders.

But the surprises don't end there; the Hideaway boasts not just one, but two double beds, hinting at the potential of a Love Island milestone—a 'throuple'.

"It's not the traditional coupling up format. There is another double bed. Maybe we'll see a sleepover in here," revealed producer Mike. Despite ITV bosses hoping for some explosive moments, more intimate bedroom scenes will no longer be aired, reflecting the evolution of the series over its nine-year run.

"It's very tastefully shot. Times have changed, for us it's more of a nod to what's happening," Mike elaborated. If you're not paired up in the Hideaway, you might find yourself relegated to one of the living room's single beds.

The lounge houses seven concealed beds that flip down to accommodate any islanders left without a partner. "We'll have more people coming in so we'll need these beds," Mike explained. "We've got an incredible group of bombshells lined up. But Joey Essex is not returning! We'll give him a break. We love him but he's not coming back."

Outside, the notorious coloured bean bags (including the 'cursed' yellow chair) have been discarded and replaced with pristine white versions. The main bedroom continues the minimalist theme with white and grey bedding (very Molly Mae Hague) to keep the islanders comfortable.

However, any islander hoping for uninterrupted sleep may be disappointed to learn that the beds are closer together than ever this year. What happens after lights out might not necessarily remain hidden... And it's not just the villa that's undergone changes, with the series set for a number of significant shake-ups from the opening episode.

Mike also hinted at a groundbreaking start to the series, saying: "We have a brand new opener. Maya doesn't even know what's going to happen. It's a really exciting totally new way of starting the series. There will be lots of new things in episode one and it will feel very different to Love Island or All Stars."

Maya chimed in with her take on the surprise elements: "It's the biggest opener yet, but I don't know anything! I find out everything literally just before the viewers do. But I prefer it that way. I don't ever want to be responsible for anything getting out. I say, 'Tell me last minute! I'll find out when you guys do.' And that way my reactions are more genuine as well."

Mike also discussed the approach to casting, mentioning past seasons: "We kicked off last All Stars with Molly and Callum. So we're not looking to do that again," he explained. "We had Jake Cornish and Liberty Poole in the opening line up again. But with the amount of islanders we have of course there will be exes in the mix."

Love Island All Stars begins on Monday 13 January on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm.