Heartbeat replaces Ultimate Love? – The Nation Newspaper

Six years after testing the dating-reality-show waters with Ultimate Love, MultiChoice, through Africa Magic has created a new reality dating series, Heartbeat.

With some similarities, and some disparities, both Ultimate Love and Heartbeat are Nigerian reality dating shows featuring single contestants living together in a secluded location to find love.

While the formats are very similar, the main difference lies in the nature of the final prize and commitment. For Ultimate Love, the winning couple is declared the ‘Ultimate Couple’ and receives cash prize, a fully furnished apartment, and an all-expenses-paid traditional wedding. The emphasis is on reaching a clear, life-altering commitment (marriage) by the show’s end.

However, for Heartbeat, the climax involves couples deciding whether to offer their partner a ‘Promise Lock,’ a symbolic pledge to continue their relationship and commitment beyond the confines of the house, potentially leading to a lasting partnership. The commitment is more open-ended than the direct path to a sponsored wedding offered by Ultimate Love.

In the same vein, while Ultimate Love had a total of 22 love couples – 11 males, 11 females – parading as housemates, HeartBeat has just 10 individuals – 5 males and five females – seeking love in the house.

The Heartbeat House will start airing on Sunday, January 11, 2026 as against February 11, when Ultimate Love launched in 2020.

The love seekers scheduled to participate in the first season of Heartbeat include 25 year old Alvin Leonard, 29-year old Igwe Cruise,  27-year old Henri Promise Chibueze, 26 year old Ken Nwaomucha, 31 year old Ikenna Damian Maduba, 30 year old Chidera Eggerue, 28 year old Queen Latifah, 28 year old Hilda Braso Agyekum, 24 year old Shekinah Esosa, and 26 year old Toriah Kim.