From Love Island to Married At First Sight and the recently-announced Love Triangle, you'd be forgiven for thinking there couldn't be more dating shows on the horizon. But Channel 10 is adding another one to the mix with The Real Love Boat.
Inspired by the American 1970s scripted drama, The Love Boat, this Aussie reality TV dating competition takes a group of singles away from the usual mansion or island and actually captures their dating adventures out at sea.
While aboard a luxury cruise ship in the Mediterranean, the contestants will participate in challenges and go on dates that will test couples' chemistry and compatibility.
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Who Is In The Cast of The Real Love Boat?
There are 21 contestants (or contributors — as they're supposedly called) on The Real Love Boat.
Sally, 31, WA (Wedding Dress Designer)
Hailing from Perth, Sally is a wedding dress designer and has a four-year-old daughter.
Jay, 30, NSW (Social Enterprise Manager)
Jay is a Sydney based business owner and like Sally, also has a four-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.
Ben, 39, QLD (Wellbeing Coach)
Chelsea, 28, QLD (Hairdresser)
Chris, 29, ACT (Real Estate Agent)
Openly bisexual Chris says he's on the hunt for "Someone who shares my passion for travel and can help me best version of myself".
Courtney, 25, VIC (Functions Manager)
Dalton, 27, QLD (Personal trainer)
Daniel, 25, QLD (Distillery Manager)
Harley, 23, QLD (Physio Assistant)
"I can cook and I am driven and respectful," says Harley, who's on the show with twin brother, Jesse.
Jack, 34, NSW (Carpenter)
Jesse, 23, VIC (Carpenter)
Josh, 28, NSW (Adventure Co-ordinator)
Katie, 25, QLD (Event Co-ordinator)
Keanu, 26, NSW (Disability Support Worker)
Mikaila, 23, QLD (Digital Marketer)
Moana, 26, QLD (Dental Receptionist)
Naomi, 28, QLD (Business Manager)
Paddy, 27, NSW (Chef)
Paul, 28, WA (Health and Lifestyle)
Sari, 24, QLD (Retail Assistant)
Tyler, 23, NSW (Digital Strategist)
"I am just a lot for people to get used to," says Tyler who has never been on a date before.
Watch the trailer below for a glimpse of the contestants:
Who Is The Host?
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Former The Voice Australia host Darren McMullen is the main host of The Real Love Boat, and will also be joined by a fun crew who play key role in the matchmaking and navigation, including Cruise Director Hannah Ferrier, Head of Entertainment Daniel Doody, and Princess Cruises’ Captain Paolo Arrigo.
McMullen, who will be guiding the singles throughout the experience, says he's "pumped" for the show.
"My first time on a ship and what better way to kick this off than cruising around the Mediterranean in summer," says the 40-year-old. "This is one of those experiences that you really have to pinch yourself and can’t believe your luck. I feel incredibly blessed and I’m looking forward to seeing the romance blossom for our singles."
When Does The Real Love Boat Start?
The Real Love Boat will premiere on Wednesday, October 5 on Channel 10 and 10 Play. The network decided to push back the premiere date of The Bachelor starring three bachelors until 2023 in order to prioritise The Real Love Boat this year. It comes as a slew of other reality TV shows air in the final months of 2022 including The Block: Tree Change, Love Island Australia, Love Triangle, The Traitors, The Challenge, Australia's Got Talent and Kitchen Nightmares.
Where Is It Filmed?
Contestants hop aboard a Princess Cruises ship that makes its way across the Mediterranean. There will also be destination dates where the singles jump off the boat and explore gorgeous locations like Tuscany, Italy.
What Is The Prize?
The singles will be out at sea for almost a month, and after that only one winning couple will make it to the final port to take home a cash prize (the amount is yet to be confirmed) plus a once-in-a-lifetime trip courtesy of Princess Cruises (the series’ exclusive cruise line partner).
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Remember to keep checking back here as we continue updating the behind-the-scenes details about the 2022 season of The Real Love Boat.
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