Mark’s lonely Heartbreak:

Heartbreak Island host Mark Dye goes solo for the new season and promises ‘naughtier’ contestants this time. Cass Marrett reports.

Heartbreak Island returns ... but without Matilda.

When somebody tells you their job is to live on an island for six weeks, it’s almost impossible not to feel a touch of jealousy.

“I don’t think there is a sweeter job in the world,” boasts Heartbreak Island host Mark Dye.

The reality dating show, a morph between Survivor and The Bachelor, returns this week with another eight young singletons vying for love and money.

“They’re naughtier this year,” teases Dye. “Everybody had seen the first season and had come into season two with a bit of strategy.

“They misbehave more this season and that will be what separates the two.”

The show itself has a reputation for being ‘naughty’.

It came under fire last year for a ritual in which 16 singles were matched with a partner based simply on looks – a process which is similar to online dating.

Dye says that’s just the way it is these days.

“When it came to backlash, it was people who don’t live in the online world – Tinder, Bumble, what have you. We experience rejection every single day. That is part of life now and it sucks and it’s horrible but that’s the way the world works.”

When asked if the same ranking system would return, Dye keeps his cards close to his heart and gives the same response about whether the entire format will be changing.

“There are a few tweaks but again I think it’s better for you to watch and find out.”

What is known is that Dye’s 2018 co-host, Bachelor NZ 2015 winner Matilda Rice, will not be returning.

“We’d go to the gym together, we’d go eat together. I got to know her

every which way possible. So yeah, I really did miss her,” says Dye.

Rice, who is engaged to her Bachelor NZ match, Art Green, has bowed out of the show because of ‘timing clashes’.

She will also be joining the cast of Dancing With The Stars this year.

Following the premiere of Heartbreak Island season one, Rice told media the ‘barrage of hate’ she received was stopping her from sleeping.

“For Matilda it was kind of a new experience and it’s horrible hearing those things,” says Dye, who is used to the hate after his years working on Newstalk ZB with Kerre McIvor.

“I got called every name under the sun. I had every aspect of my life torn apart and spat out at me.

“I got told I was an idiot, I should die, my mother should have had an abortion, you name it they said it. My skin is pretty much as thick as you can get now.”

Dye hopes hosting the show solo will lead to more of his personality coming across on screen.

“I got to say pretty much anything I wanted when I wanted. It’ll be interesting to see what makes the cut.”

Dye reiterates that hosting Heartbreak Island is the best gig in the world, though he did have his reservations when it began. “I heard horror stories out of America and people going on MTV shows where they were liquored up constantly. “There was part of me that was worried that’s how this TV show was going to be made but it really wasn’t.” Aside from the $100,000 prize up for grabs, Dye ponders what might motivate someone to sign up for Heartbreak Island. “I think there is the opportunity to meet somebody that you truly like, to fall in love. “It really comes down to the experience ... how often do you get the opportunity to live in paradise for six weeks?” With that in mind, would Dye sign up as a contestant on Heartbreak Island? “Never.” But for those people who do, his sentiment is simple. “Be genuine, be yourself.” And the same goes for dating in the real world. “Be somebody that the people you’re associating with can trust ... but hold back a few truths to begin with. “The full reality of you on night one – that’s probably not really a good thing.” Roger that, Dye. Reel them in first, tell them about the 23 cats later.

“We experience rejection every single day. That is part of life now and it sucks and it’s horrible but that’s the way the world works.” – Mark Dye