Jana Ina Zarrella reveals in an interview why shooting the spring season "Love Island" is a special challenge for her.
"Love Island" is part of a spring season for the first time. The new episodes of the dome show can be seen from March 8th (8:15 p.m. on RTLzwei, from March 9th always Monday to Friday and Sunday at 10:15 p.m.). Jana Ina Zarrella (44) has been a presenter since season one. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, she reveals what the fans can expect in the new location in Tenerife and how she wants to master the three-week shoot without her family. She also tells how a positive corona test and a certain candidate upset her last season.
Why are there two "Love Island" seasons in 2021?
Jana Ina Zarrella: "Love Island" is getting more and more successful from season to season. We have great odds and we also have high access rates online. There is actually interest. I can see it in my friends who are longingly waiting for the new episodes until September. When they heard that it was going to start again in March, they freaked out (laughs). It is of course a great challenge for all of us because we have to organize two such large productions in one year. But we can definitely do it and we are all looking forward to it.
How was the new season set up?
Zarrella: Not only is the season new, but we're also on another island in another villa. We decided on Tenerife, so we fly after the sun and give the islanders the first warm rays of sunshine. We found a new villa on site, everyone will be amazed. It looks fantastic and is even bigger. We have an infinity pool with an ocean view and a spa with a jacuzzi. Because we have more space and several rooms, we can also design the games a little differently. The basic concept remains the same: At best, everyone should find love.
What influence does the corona pandemic have on production?
Zarrella: There was a lot of discussion about whether we were shooting abroad or not. This also comes with a great deal of responsibility. The Canary Islands were a good destination for us because it is already warm there from March. And for the first time it will be the case that I am completely on site. Most of the time I fly back and forth to my family, but because of the pandemic, that's not feasible. We have a strict hygiene concept and that also means that the team has to stay there for three full weeks. Isolated and tested. To be without my family is a big challenge for me. I've never been apart from my children for so long. I think not even a week – and our son is already 13.
How will you organize yourself with your family?
Zarrella: We have always been a great team at home. Giovanni and I always organize ourselves so that one of us is there and takes over. My husband does the whole promotion for his album, which will be out in April, during this time. But the good thing is that many appointments are made digitally and my in-laws live around the corner. I already talk a lot with the children and prepare them so that mom will be away for such a long time. Fortunately, I can then hold video calls with them and even continue homeschooling. It would be a shame not to be part of "Love Island". It's like my baby and I still can't even imagine being there as a spectator.
You had to last season. Due to a positive corona test, you as a moderator briefly suspended …
Zarrella: I was so angry and suffered. It was so strange to see that I'm not there (laughs). I was totally grateful that Cathy (Hummels, editor's note) simply jumped into the deep end and took over. But if that's your show, it hurts. I was happy when it was all over and I was allowed to be back. Hopefully that won't happen again.
What were your highlights of the past season?
Zarrella: I can't avoid Henrik. I think there is no one who does not know the meaning of "Bonschlonzo". He was the face of the season and brought the whole thing to life – in a positive and negative sense (laughs). Pietro (Lombardi, editor's note) and I always commented on the episodes in the evening and we agreed: Even if what he's doing with the girls isn't really great – you can't hate him, you have to like him. The show lives from emotions, lives from the Islanders and their stories. It's like a surprise egg every time. At first you see the packaging, but you don't know what's inside. I know the new Islanders from introduction videos and photos, but I don't know what's behind them, that's the exciting thing.
Do you have favorite candidates from all seasons?
Zarrella: Absolutely. Elena is the number one grenade for me. For me, Samira and Yasin are the greatest role models with whom we can say: The "Love Island" love works. I like Tobi very much, he's such a good boy and he has such a good heart. No matter which reality shows he takes part in, he always remains true to himself, is always neutral and nice. I always say that to the Islanders: stay true to yourselves. Stay real and natural, you score with that. There is hardly a reality show that doesn't have an islander with it, that shows us that we cast very well.
What do you think of the love story of Yasin and Samira?
Zarrella: Honestly: Aren't the two cute? When the baby was born, I always wrote with Yasin how Samira and the little one were doing. I have to say this is one couple where I was completely wrong. I suspected it wouldn't last because they argued a lot and Yasin was really exhausting at the beginning of the season. So I'm all the more happy for the two of them and allow them to do it very much.
Are you always in contact with the former candidates?
Zarrella: I actually have contact with a few candidates. In addition to Yasin and Samira, I kept writing with Elena and Mike. For example, Danilo is a good friend of Pietro, Giovanni and my brother-in-law Stefano. The circle closes and you stay connected. I'm really happy about that, I'm part of the story from start to finish and I can't just finish with it afterwards. I also stalk everyone on Instagram (laughs). I keep checking Marc and Anna to see if they're happy too and it's going well.
What was the most difficult moment for you so far on "Love Island"?
Zarrella: The worst moment I suffered was when I told Aurelia that Henrik was coming back from glamping and let's see if he was alone or not. Shortly before I was told in my ear: Watch out, he won't be alone. Then he came to the villa with Sandra. I wanted to hug Aurelia and show her how much I empathize. But I had to be tough and just leave. I had goosebumps all over my body.
For the winning couple, "Love Island" has not yet worked out. Why?
Zarrella: It's an intense time for the islanders. Nobody knows them, then they come in there and all of a sudden all the excitement arises. The numbers on Instagram are skyrocketing. Everyone knows them, they get invitations for other programs. This hype sometimes gets in the way. That's why I always say: take good care of yourself. Then take your time to get to know each other better and to consolidate the whole thing so that you can then go through this first phase together. But by now they should all know how it works and what the hype is afterwards. You can't go to a show better briefed.