Dating show season is back in full swing this summer with Love Island’s gallant return to ITV2 last night (June 28) as well as season two of Netflix’s sexed-up reality series Too Hot To Handle. And, to top it off, ITV is bringing us yet another dating competition to get invested in: Ready To Mingle. The new series will feature one single woman, 12 potential suitors, and a big cash prize. The twist? Some of these supposed singletons are already in relationships. ITV teased the spicy new series during an ad break last night, but what else is there to know about Ready To Mingle?
When Will Ready To Mingle Air?
Announced earlier this year, Ready To Mingle has already been filmed in Torquay, so, thankfully there’s not too long to wait before the drama is unleashed on ITV 2. Although an official date has yet to be confirmed, Ready To Mingle is set to be released in the Autumn, meaning it should filled the Love Island-shaped hole in your viewing schedule.
Who Is Hosting Ready To Mingle?
ITV has employed the hosting duties of Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan for the upcoming series, so it’s safe to say we can expect hilarious commentary and witty quips throughout. The comedian, best known for shows such as The Duchess, Your Face Or Mine, and panel shows like 8 Out Of 10 cats, says Ready To Mingle is like “nothing we’ve seen before.”
“I am so excited to be a part of this new dating game show,” Ryan told ITV. “How could I say no? It’s like nothing we’ve seen before but still with all the drama and dating dilemmas we love to see, and I’ll be there front row as it all unfolds!”
What’s The Premise To Ready To Mingle?
With promises of a huge twist, Ready To Mingle clearly won’t follow the same format as our current favourite reality dating shows and contestants will require much more than just attraction to win the show’s cash prize.
Per ITV’s synopsis, the series will follow “a single girl in the search for her perfect partner, as twelve male suitors compete for her affections and the chance to win a big money prize.” However, “in a mischievous twist” not all the boys are single, “with a number of them being guided by their partners in pursuit of the prize.”
“Taking up residence in a luxurious house, the single girl will get to know all the boys through activities, games and dates, eliminating each boy one-by-one until her ‘dream man’ remains,” it adds.
From first look, the new series seems to have all the romance of The Bachelor mixed with the deception of The Circle. And Ready To Mingle is already stirring up controversy, with some concerned viewers tweeting their discomfort about the show’s premise.
“So if the girl falls for a guy then finds out his partner has been in on it to win the contest… what happens to the girl? No wonder society has trust issues…” wrote one person. Another said, “Really? How is this good for anyone? You are literally encouraging people hurting other people. No. You can do better ITV.”
In response, Ryan reminded naysayers that all of the contestants consented to the programme. She wrote, “LOL yes register your displeasure EARLY over that which doesn’t exist. SHE knows. THEY know. Consent – and eager enthusiasm to participate – obtained from all parties & partners. How else may I offend today please.”
Is There A Trailer For Ready To Mingle?
ITV has been teasing its new dating series since April, and viewers finally received a “first look” during the Love Island ad break last night. It sees attractive young contestants flirt in a luxurious villa… sound familiar?
In the short trailer, Katherine Ryan explains Ready To Mingle’s surprising premise, stating that “half of the boys are only in it for the money” and are “already in relationships.”
“People are going to get found out sooner rather than later,” says one contestant in the clip. Here’s hoping they’re right!
