Celebs Go Dating axes huge part of show amid budget cuts
CELEBS Go Dating has axed a huge part of the show ahead of the next series, The Sun can exclusively reveal.
We recently told how Love Island All Stars‘ Chris Taylor has signed up for Celebs Go Dating in a third attempt of finding romance through reality TV.
But anyone planning to take part in the show shouldn’t expect the traditional overseas cast trip thanks to budget cuts.
An insider told The Sun: “Celebs Go Dating will not be doing an overseas cast trip for the second year running after the show was affected by Channel 4’s ongoing budget cuts.
“The jaunt was always a much-loved fixture for the dating show, and romance often sparked in the sunshine, so fans were gutted last year when the show didn’t jet the cast away to hotter climes.
“They really hoped they would be able to make it work for this year’s show, as it felt like something was missing, but unfortunately it’s off the table once again.”
The Sun has contacted a rep for the show for comment.
Chris will be hoping that it’s third time lucky for him in the search for love.
A source said: “He’d be a huge get for them as, beyond Love Island, he’s got a huge TikTok following and also been in the Barbie movie, which got loads of people talking.”
“Chris is keen too as he was really hoping to find a meaningful connection in the Love Island villa, but failed both times.”
As well as Love Islander Chris, we recently told how Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb has also agreed to appear in the upcoming series following his split from husband Daniel.
A TV insider told us: “Stephen is set to sign up for Celebs Go Dating after successful advanced talks with E4 producers.
“Bosses were really keen to get him as soon as they heard he and Stephen had split as they know viewers will invest in his path to finding love again, and he’s already a big favourite with Channel 4 viewers after years on Gogglebox.”
Celebs Go Dating follows a group of single stars as they look for love, with a bit of help from dating experts Anna Williamson and Paul Brunson.
While a return date has not yet been confirmed, series 12 premiered in September 2023.