Love Island's new host: All the celebs that were rumoured

These celebs were in the running to take over from Laura Whitmore

Author: Hazel ScottPublished 1st Nov 2022

After hosting the show since 2020, Laura Whitmore quit as Love Island's host after the 2022 series ended. Sharing a statement on 22nd August, she broke the news and explained why she would be leaving the show.

She added that she knew we would 'be in safe hands', with fans immediately speculating who the next host of the ITV2 show might be. Although the host has now been confirmed, a huge number of names were thrown into the mix, with several former Islanders being suggested like Molly-Mae Hague, Maura Higgins and 2022 winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu.

Who will host Love Island 2023?

Although ITV2 have now confirmed that Maya Jama will be replacing Laura Whitmore as the show's host, let's take a look at who fans thought would be in the running!

Molly-Mae Hague

Although she didn't win Love Island when she appeared on the show in 2019, Molly-Mae was a fan favourite, and was a good contender for new host.

Maura Higgins

It's been three years since Maura Higgins was on Love Island, but fans were very keen to see her come back as the show's host.


Some fans also said they thought she might return as a costestant this year, after Adam Collard joined the show for the second time.

Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu

Not only did Turkish singer Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu win the 2022 series of Love Island, but she also became a fan favourite throughout the series with her highly entertaining dramatic ways.


Many fans thought she should return to the show, this time as the host! She certainly would have brought the drama. Following the host being confirmed, Ekin-Su even revealed that she was offered the gig - however decided to turn it down!

Maya Jama

Fans of TV presenter and DJ Maya Jama have been saying for years they would love to see her host Love Island. She was rumoured for the role before Laura Whitmore took over so it was no surprise fans were mentioning her name again...

Emily Atack

Actress and presenter Emily Atack was also in the running for the role to replace her fellow Celebrity Juice star Laura Whitmore.

Aj Odudu

Fans of Love Island have said they would have loved to see presenter Aj Odudu take over as host.

Dani Dyer

Season four winner Dani Dyer was also in the running! She's had experience presenting from co-hosting MTV series True Love or True Lies with her dad Danny Dyer, so would have been a good fit.

Amber Davies

Actress Amber Davies is no stranger to Love Island, having won the show in 2017, and fans thought she would have made a great host for the next series.

Amber Rose Gill

Not only has Love Island Winner Amber Rose Gill lived through the show, but she also has experience presenting ITV show The Full Treatment which she hosted in 2021.

Nella Rose

Influencer Nella Rose was another fan favourite for taking over from Laura Whitmore, as fans love her energy.

Olivia Attwood

Former Islander Olivia Attwood certainly won over fans in the bid for the next Love Island host, as they flocked to the comment section of an Instagram post to ask her to take on the role.


She addressed the comments on an Instagram story saying: 'You guys my heart dropped when I opened my DM's this am, I was like 500+ requests deep. Love Love Island and you. Love you.'

Margot Robbie

Ok so Margot Robbie has been pretty busy filming for the upcoming Barbie movie, so we had our doubts that she would be the next Love Island host...


BUT she is a big fan of the show, having admitted last year while appearing on Lorraine: "I adore Love Island so much." So you never know...

Wes Nelson

If Love Island did opt to have a male host for the first time, former Islander Wes Nelson would have been a great choice!

Ian Stirling

Scottish comedian Ian Stirling does such a good job doing the voice-over for Love Island, it would make sense to just let him take over the whole thing and host as well, right?

Sam Thompson

As well as being a radio presenter, Sam Thompson certainly knows a lot about the show as he is dating ex-Islander Zara McDermott.


There was even talk that Sam and Zara could host the show together!

Chris Hughes

As well as bringing his Love Island experience to the table, Chris Hughes has been a horse racing presenter for ITV since 2019, so would have certainly fit the bill as Love Island host.

Love Island will return in 2023 for a Winter Love Island series. Although a start date hasn't been confirmed, it's thought that the show will air in January.

Now Read:

Everything you need to know about Love Island

New host for Love Island 2023 CONFIRMED by ITV

Everything you need to know about former Love Island host Laura Whitmore

Laura Whitmore releases statement explaining why she QUIT Love Island

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