tue 19/03/2024

Heartbreak Holiday, BBC One review - can it match up to Love Island? | reviews, news & interviews

Heartbreak Holiday, BBC One review - can it match up to Love Island?

Heartbreak Holiday, BBC One review - can it match up to Love Island?

Ten strangers and their not so achy-breaky hearts

Ten go mad on Mykanos BBC/Ray Burmiston

The BBC’s version of Love Island has familiar ingredients: ten 20-somethings, many with pale manicures and hair extensions, on an island, in this case Mykanos. It’s not to everyone’s taste. “All I see is water, I don’t see no nail shops,” observes Melissa, whose argumentativeness causes her to fall out with people and who wants to improve her friendship skills.

The concept that they’re united by heartbreak – they’re not – is a shaky one, which weakens the programme’s impact. There are too many variables, not enough clarity about goals. Are they mainly just here for a nice Greek island break? Luke, who admits that some might think he’s a man slag, has a girlfriend back home and is here to test how committed he is. Not very, is the answer, as he’s soon two-timing Courtney and Erin, who was Miss Teen GB and has red eye-shadow on the corners of her eyes.

At least I think he is. It’s confusing because you mainly find out what’s going on from texts, of which there are many, especially between Lauren and her ex, who’s a bad-energy comfort zone and who she can’t manage to leave. The most impressive bit is when her staunch best friend Brooklyn joins her briefly as a surprise visitor (there’s one every week) to stage an intervention. “How can you let go if you’re still holding on?” she asks. Lauren isn’t sure. If I could block him, I would, she says feebly. “But you can,” rejoins Brooklyn. She’s so right.

Deano, an enthusiastic chap – “Oh mate, I’m gassed. What a wicked. I’m tellin’ ya” - has never had a girlfriend so perhaps he’s here to find one. All the girls are cushdie, anyway. Maxine is the poshest and did actually break up with someone a year or so ago. And she’s trans, having transitioned when she was 16. She hasn’t told the group yet. “I’m gay as fuck,” says Archie, who’s from a traditional Nigerian family and came out recently to his parents. “This is my opportunity to live my life and have a sick time.” Drama lies ahead, no doubt, and it's going to be lit. Continues tomorrow and all week.

There are too many variables, not enough clarity about goals

rating

Editor Rating: 
3
Average: 3 (1 vote)

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