Laura Whitmore CONFIRMED as winter Love Island host

Caroline Flack stepped down earlier this week


Laura Whitmore has confirmed via Instagram she will replace Caroline Flack as the host of the upcoming winter Love Island series.

Laura said in the post: “I will be hosting Love Island and Aftersun this series. Whhhhaa??? To say I’m excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement.

“I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and friend. We’ve spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role. I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice.

“Above all, I am a massive fan of this show. I’ve never been to a Love Island villa, and I can’t wait to get in there to meet all the new islanders looking for love.

“The Love Island team are the best in the business… including the voice and heart of the show, Iain. He thought he was getting a holiday away from me…not a chance.”

Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions, Paul Mortimer, said: “I’m delighted that Laura is able to step in this winter on ITV2’s biggest show.

“She is the best person for the job and is a popular and experienced presenter of live television. Whilst Caroline is away, we know that Love Island will be in very safe hands.”

Laura Whitmore is reported to have got the iconic presenting role as bosses are “keen to keep it in the family”.

Laura’s hiring comes after Caroline Flack stepped down from presenting the upcoming series after being arrested for alleged assault.

Laura is good friends with Caroline and since she started dating Iain Stirling, knows the crew for Love Island as well.

ITV bosses were keen for Laura to take over because of her squeaky clean image and didn’t want to take “any risks” with the new host.

On Tuesday it was reported that Laura was in secret talks with ITV bosses after Caroline announced she was stepping down.

She apparently had a “chat” with the producers and claimed she was “open” to the hosting gig.

 

Laura has also previously hosted ITV’s Survival of the Fittest in 2018, which was meant to be a winter replacement for Love Island and starred Dani Dyer.

There was a lot of speculation as to who would replace Caroline with loads of fans wanting Maya Jama to replace her.

Other favourites were Rochelle Humes, Maura Higgins and Emily Atack.

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