Tonight six brave souls seeking love entered into a wild, crazy dating experience unlike any other in Stranded On Honeymoon Island.
The adventure began with a speed dating event of 20 rapid-fire dates, each lasting just two minutes. The catch? No names, no occupations, just pure chemistry. Couples were then matched based on compatibility and chemistry, plus their ability to grow together and challenge each other’s relationship hang-ups.
Next step: marriage. After exchanging vows, the newlyweds will spend the next 21 days stranded on Honeymoon Island. Each couple will be on a separate island, completely isolated from the world: no phones, no luxuries, and no easy escape.
Confident influencer Amy, 30,is a true believer in love but endured a string of failed relationships, making her wary of her romantic instincts. Amy felt an immediate spark with Haydn, 29, whom she dubbed “salmon jacket man bun” during speed dating, but was instead matched with motorsports presenter Mike, 37.
Initially disappointed, Amy embraced the experience, realising she needed someone who could challenge her: “Maybe stranded on an island together, something could grow. What could possibly go wrong?” Amy asked.
Things took a turn for the worse when they arrived on their island, as Mike’s old-fashioned views on gender roles rubbed strong-willed and independent Amy the wrong way.
Mike lives his life by something his dad told him: “It’s a man’s job to make a woman feel loved, and in turn, she will respect you.”
As Amy cut up her wedding dress, Mike tried to joke and flirt, but Amy was not feeling it.
Byron, 33, was matched with Brie, 28, who has never been in love. With an undeniable connection at their wedding, Brie and Byron approached their island, taking a literal leap of faith, jumping into the ocean and swimming ashore together.
Byron, who lost his mum to breast cancer at 15, reflected: “The reason why I haven’t had long relationships in my life is probably because I have always been on the go. I’ve just pushed the dating life aside, but finding love is important to me because I saw how much my mum loved dad, and how much joy he brought her. That’s what I want.”
Serial dater Brie admitted her fear of commitment had kept her running from love: “As much as I am scared of commitment, I am ready to fall in love.”
The pair were off to a fairytale start with Byron taking in his stride Brie’s lack of survival skills. However, as Brie settled into island life she started to pull away, fearing she would self-sabotage this perfect match.
Chad, 46, admitted he hasn’t been able to commit to love as he is deeply involved in caring for his sister, who was born with special needs: “My family situation complicates my dating life. I think I invest a lot of emotional bandwidth in my mum and sister.”
Georgia, 35, finds the idea of marriage “very scary” after being left at the altar three days out from her destination wedding: “Last time I was in paradise, I got my heart broken, but if I let that experience define me I will never have that beautiful relationship I’ve always dreamt of.”
Chad was instantly reassured when Georgia walked down the aisle: “As soon as I saw her, I knew everything was going to be alright.”
Georgia beamed: “You can leave me stranded with him. It’s totally fine.” Their chemistry was undeniable as they shared a kiss on their first night, but they also agreed to take it slow to ensure they could build a strong connection.
Throughout their Stranded On Honeymoon Island experience, couples will receive crates containing surprises, tests and relationship challenges to help them accelerate their bond and navigate their way to love.
After 24 hours, the first crate arrived, containing heartfelt messages from family and friends. Brie’s brother urged her to tackle her commitment fears, inspiring an emotional Brie to be more open with Byron.
Mike’s video contained some home truths from his ex, which empowered Amy to confront Mike on his toxic behaviour and “underlying misogyny.”
Mike struggled to understand Amy’s “harsh” words, stating: “The whole time I was just trying to be nice and just do what men should do in this situation, but it is what it so moving on.”
Amy surmised: “I’m not romantically feeling it. I don’t even think we’re there as friends yet.”
