Italian reality show 'Isola dei Famosi' shifts to pre‑recorded format and aborts Belén Rodriguez hosting plan

The 2024 edition of "Isola dei Famosi" on Canale 5 will abandon live broadcasts. Episodes will be filmed in advance and edited into a scripted narrative, aiming for greater tension and cinematic pacing similar to "Pechino Express". This new structure replaces the traditional real‑time format and requires more precise production planning.

The casting overhaul includes the surprise exclusion of former dancer Milton Morales, whose anticipated participation collapsed after a failed contract negotiation. Morales announced disappointment after withdrawing from the show to focus on other artistic projects.

Parallel negotiations for a new presenter fell through. Mediaset ended talks with Belén Rodriguez for the 2026 edition because the network could not fund the full support team she usually works with, not over her personal fee. Consequently the broadcaster is considering journalist Selvaggia Lucarelli as a replacement. Rodriguez has also been reported recovering from a health issue.