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Love Island's grown up spin-off sparks backlash over single parent rule

The show will see single parents spending time in a luxury retreat and looking for love

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14:  Davina McCall attends the Sun's Who Cares Wins Awards 2021 at The Roundhouse on September 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/WireImage)
Davina McCall will host the dating show. (WireImage)

Love Island’s upcoming middle-aged spin-off has sparked a backlash because only single parents can apply.

Entitled The Romance Retreat and hosted by Davina McCall, the show will see single parents spending time in a luxury retreat and looking for love, with all the parents having been nominated by their grown up children.

However, the fact that the contestants have to be parents has not gone down well with everyone.

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“What about grown up single people that don’t have children?” one person asked on Instagram.

“I have single friends in their 40s who would happily like to meet people with kids.”

Another said: “This really annoys me because I’m single but not a single parent. I happen to be 53 years old and looking to find someone special. It’s not my fault that I don’t have kids and I’m happy to meet someone who does. “

“I WISH this was open to people without children,” posted somebody else.

“I’m 40 years old. I’ve been single a long time and sadly have never met the right guy or had children. The older people without children deserve to find love too.”

“What about the people who couldn’t have children and deserve love?” asked another viewer.

“They have as much of story to tell. The women who have lost friendships due to not fitting in anymore as they couldn’t have children.”

It was confirmed this week that McCall, 55, would host the new show.

“Omg.. I manifested and it came true!!” she said on Instagram.

“I’ll be hosting a brand NEW grown up dating series for ITV1!! This is a show for single parents who have lived a life, have stories to tell about their dating pasts and deserve another chance at love and I’m gonna help you It will all take place in the most romantic countryside location!!

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"We are still casting so if u want my help finding love and u have a child who is over 18, what are you waiting for ??? (particularly u eligible men .. where are you?!) Sign up here itv.com/beontv It’s going to be AMAZING !! x."

Yahoo has contacted ITV for comment.

Watch: 'I manifested and it came true': Davina McCall will host The Romance Retreat