Survival of the Fittest: ITV2's new reality show is essentially Love Island in winter

In the summer of 2017, Love Island exceeded its trash TV expectations, becoming one of ITV2's highest viewed shows of the year, peaking at 2.9 million viewers.

Inevitably then, it's confirmed to be making a return this summer, but to keep fans of tanned 20-somethings 'cracking on' in their swimwear entertained until then, the makers of Love Island bring us Survival of the Fittest, which begins on 11 February.

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Billed as the 'winter Love Island', the premise is near enough identical.

A group of contestants described flatteringly as "hot singles" are flown out to the South African Savannah to compete in a series of boys against girls challenges to determine who really is the "fittest".

But there's still opportunity for steamy action between the teams when they're offered romantic dates with their rivals, in a 'gruelling' test of team loyalty.

The winning sex will receive a cash prize, and viewers will be able to have their say on who gets to stay in the competition and who goes home.

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The trailer sees two rival teams of scantily clad men and women 'wow' each other with dance moves, and engage in a tug-of-war with a flag (hopefully the final challenges are more engaging).

The boys' group then breaks, revealing a rogue couple getting to know each other: "Not again Steve!"

"Not again, ITV..."

The competitive element seems to be the only difference to Love Island's imprisoned match-making set-up, seemingly thrown in at the last minute to give it some distinction over the actual Winter Love Island that is no doubt in the works.

Paul Mortimer, ITV's Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions, explained the show's expected appeal: "ITV2’s younger audience will no doubt relish the escapism this immersive physical game show from sunny South Africa will provide."

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The line-up will no doubt be a who's-who of quasi-celebrities, spearheaded by the ex-boyfriend of Made in Chelsea's Georgia "Toff" Toffolo, the first confirmed participant in the show. A-list it ain't.

Presenter Laura Whitmore with oversee proceedings, following the career path of Love Island's Caroline Flack before her: appear on Strictly, front an ITV2 reality series.

Survival of the Fittest begins on ITV2 on Sunday 11 February at 9pm

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