Everything you need to know about former Love Island host Laura Whitmore
She hosted the show for three series
Laura Whitmore is one of the most popular presenters on the TV scene, appearing on multiple shows, including the famous ITV2 hit Love Island. After Laura said goodbye to Love Island after three series of hosting, we thought we'd take a look back at her amazing career in showbiz so far, as well as her exciting new project!
In February 2023, Laura announced the exciting news that she landed her own chat show on ITV1 - and now the series is officially out! We're over the moon to see the Irish beauty return to our screens, so what better time to get to know her a little bit better?
Laura's new show
Announcing the exciting news on Instagram, Laura shared a re-post from ITV1's official account. She revealed the show would land in Spring, and would see the host chat to a number of different celebrity guests. She wrote: 'My own chat show on ITV1, ah sure go on so!
Repost | Congratulations to @thewhitmore who will host a new Sunday morning chat show on @itv and @itvxofficial
Produced by Cactus Television, the series will debut in Spring of this year, with each show featuring a compelling combination of celebrity guests, topical chats and surprise features.
Laura is a familiar face to ITV viewers and is currently filming her own investigative documentary series, Laura Whitmore investigates to air later this year.'
Now, the series is officially available to stream on ITVX! Celebrating the release, as well as raging reviews, on 27th July 2023, Laura also informed us that not only did she host, but she was the associate producer. In an Instagram post, she wrote: 'The series is out ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'As well as hosting the shows I’m an Associate Producer and have worked with exceptional teams @zigzagproductions @rumpus_media over a long period to make these 3 films. These reviews mean so much to me and all the contributors ❤️ thank you! Full box set available NOW @itvxofficial #lwinvestigates'.
Why did she quit Love Island?
On 22nd August, Laura announced that she had quit Love Island and wouldn't be returning as host for the show or Aftersun in the coming series. She posted a statement to Instagram which said: 'Some news! I won’t be hosting the next series of Love island. There are certain elements of the show I’ve found very difficult that cannot be changed some due to the format, including the flying back and forth to South Africa along with my new conflicting projects.
'I wish it was still possible but know you’ll be in safe hands. I was only planning to fill in for Caroline for a series and it turned into 3 series.I hope I did you proud Caroline ❤️'. (sic)
ITV also released a statement addressing her leaving, which said: 'Laura has been a fantastic host across the last three series of the show. We are so grateful for everything she has brought to the programme but understand and respect her decision, and we look forward to working with her on upcoming ITV projects.'
What else does she do?
Laura Whitmore is primarily a TV and radio presenter, but she's also a model and actress! She also has a podcast on Spotify with her husband, Iain Stirling, called 'Partners In Crime', where the pair discuss true crime cases.
Is Laura Whitmore in the West End?
She sure is! In August 2022, producers of 2:22 - A Ghost Story revealed new cast members joining the hit play at London's Criterion Theatre as it continues its third West End run.
Laura will join Tamsin Carrol, Felix Scott and Matt Willis from 6th September.
She said "I'm so excited to be making my West End debut playing Jenny in the next production of 2:22. Theatre has always been my first love and I can't wait to get back on stage. I am a huge fan of the previous productions and delighted to be getting stuck in with rehearsals and working alongside such a hugely talented cast and team."
What is Laura Whitmore's new ITV documentary?
Just days after announcing her departure from Love Island, Laura announced a brand new project with ITV, called Laura Whitmore Investigates.
Sharing the news on social media, Laura told fans: 'Some news! (I’m all about the news this week, tomorrow I will reveal the breaking news of what I had for breakfast! Riveting stuff.)
Commissioned by ITV’s Factual Entertainment department, ITV’s Controller of Factual Jo Clinton Davis explained: “We’re excited about the opportunity ITVX presents for us and with our commissioning we want to broaden the palette of factual in very different and surprising ways.
Speaking about the show, Laura said: “It’s a dream come true to have this platform and work with a brilliant team at ITV through this series of investigative films. Getting back to my journalist roots, I hope we can shine a light on some really important topics and issues and delve into a variety of serious and interesting real-life subjects.”
How long did Laura Whitmore host Love Island?
Laura Whitmore became the presenter of Love Island for series six in 2020 and she left the show after the 2022 series aired.
Speaking about the negative abuse she received on a yearly basis about her involvement in the show, Laura posted on her TikTok ahead of the 2022 series, saying: "Shall we get this out of the way, then we can enjoy the juicy bits! See ya Monday.
"I think it's ridiculous that Laura flies back and forth - send the guests there!"
Explaining the reasoning behind that decision, Laura said: "The Villa is Mallorca and Aftersun is London. This is the situation for any host, always has been. If I could stay in Mallorca I would. But at the moment, flying me back sic and is MORE EFFICIENT than bringing our new guests and audience every week. I have it in my contract to offset carbon emissions."
Laura also spoke about the comparisons to her husband Iain Stirling, who works as the iconic voiceover on the show.
"Firstly, Iain has never had attention on money he earns. Why don't we like women earning money? I bloody wish I earned what was written in the press! I only get paid days I work."
How old is she?
Her birthday is on 4th May 1985, making Laura's age currently 38-years-old.
Where's she from?
She's from Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, but currently lives in Camden, London, with her husband Iain Stirling.
When did Laura Whitmore start dating Iain Stirling?
Laura started dating Iain Stirling - AKA Love Island's voiceover guy - in 2017. Telling This Morning all about their first date she said: "I feel like I should have cleared this with Iain, but since you guys are here and he’s not...
"He brought me to a comedy gig, so we sat in a dark room, faced not directly towards each other and then watched his friends perform. Then we met his friends and his friend’s family. We didn’t really talk to each other, and Iain was wearing - he’ll kill me for saying this - he was wearing a backpack and I thought he’d come from school or a jog somewhere.
"It turns out he was working all day and got quite sweaty in his clothes, so he bought a new outfit and a backpack and put his old clothes in his backpack and came to the date. At the end of the date, he said, ‘Oh we should have just gone for a drink, shouldn’t we?'"
Are Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling married?
Yes! Laura and Iain tied the knot in 2020 during a private ceremony at Dublin City Hall.
Laura confirmed the happy news in an Instagram post, writing: 'A year ago Iain asked me to marry him and we had the most magical, perfect ceremony. We loved having it to ourselves.
‘We had been planning the perfect celebration and I will forever be so thankful that’s what we got. We have never spoken publicly about our engagement or wedding. Back at the time we never felt the need to say anything as it’s all such a personal experience.’
'We also were too busy enjoying it! We’ve never shared this picture before now but a lot of people have contacted us and congratulated us the last month with good intentions so here’s to good news!… sending love to you and yours and here’s to 2021! Happy new year everyone! Wishing you all the love.’
Do they have a child together?
Laura and Iain are proud parents to a baby girl!
Although the exact birth date is not known, Laura and Iain were spotted out with their daughter in late March, with Laura sharing the first photo of her on 2nd April.
She wrote: '🐨 thanks for all the kind messages at this time. We are in love x' (sic)
What is their baby called?
Laura confirmed she's chosen the name Stevie Ré for her baby girl.
What did Laura say about Love Island 2022?
A week prior to series eight of Love Island hitting our TV screens, Laura took to her social media pages to promote the show.
She wrote: 'Out first islanders have been announced! A few weeks ago a very secret shoot took place. All the islanders hidden away and kept in different rooms so they didn’t meet and I couldn’t see any of them. So exciting, though so hard knowing they’re that close and I can’t see them! I even had to be escorted to the different studio rooms… A little behind the scenes of what happened that day 💓'. (sic)
Check out all of the Love Island 2022 cast below:
Paige Thorne
Age: 24
From: Swansea
Occupation: Paramedic
Dami Hope
Age: 26
From: Dublin
Occupation: Senior Microbiologist
Indiyah Polack
Age: 23
From: London
Occupation: Hotel Waitress
Liam Llewellyn
Age: 22
From: Newport, South Wales
Occupation: Masters Student (Strength and Conditioning)
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 23
From: Thirsk
Occupation: Model and Dancer
Davide Sanclimenti
Age: 27
From: Rome, Italy (Lives in Manchester)
Occupation: Business Manager
Gemma Owen
Age: 19
From: Chester
Occupation: International Dressage Rider and Business Owner
Ikenna Ekwonna
Age: 23
From: Nottingham
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales
Andrew Le Page
Age: 27
From: Guernsey
Occupation: Real Estate Agent
Amber Beckford
Age: 24
From: London
Occupation: Nanny
Luca Bish
Age: 23
From: Brighton
Occupation: Fishmonger
Afia Tonkmor
Age: 25
From: London
Occupation: Lounge Host at a Private Members Club
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Age: 27
From: Essex
Occupation: Actress
Jacques O’Neill
Age: 23
From: Cumbria
Occupation: Professional Rugby League Player
Jay Younger
Age: 28
From: Edinburgh
Occupation: Investment Analyst
Remi Lambert
Age: 22
From: Manchester
Occupation: Model
Danica Taylor
Age: 21
From: Leicester
Occupation: Dancer
Antigoni Buxton
Age: 26
From: Cyprus/London
Occupation: Singer/songwriter
Charlie Radnedge
Age: 28
From: London
Occupation: Real Estate Development
Cheyanne Kerr
Age: 23
From: Barnsley
Occupation: Cabin Crew
Chyna Mills
Age: 23
From: Leeds
Occupation: Youth Support Worker
Jazmine Nichol
Age: 21
From: Newcastle
Occupation: Nightclub Manager
Mollie Salmon
Age: 23
From: Southampton
Occupation: Make-up artist
Summer Botwe
Age: 23
From: Hertfordshire
Occupation: Events Decor Business Co-owner
Coco Lodge
Age: 27
From: Surrey
Occupation: Graphic designer/ring girl/shot girl
Jack Keating
Age: 23
From: Dublin
Occupation: Social Media Marketing
George Tasker
Age: 23
From: Cotswolds
Occupation: Labourer
Deji Adeniyi
Age: 25
From: Bedford
Occupation: Accounts Manager
Billy Brown
Age: 23
From: Surrey
Occupation: Roofing Company Director
Josh Samuel Le Grove
Age: 22
From: Essex
Occupation: Model
Samuel Agbiji
Age: 22
From: Manchester
Occupation: Model
Adam Collard
Age: 26
From: Newcastle
Occupation: Personal Trainer
Lacey Edwards
Age: 25
Occupation: Dancer
Jamie Allen
Age: 27
Occupation: Footballer at Halifax Town
Nathalia Campos
Age: 23
Occupation: Social media influencer
Reece Ford
Age: 23
From: Coventry
Occupation: Model
Lacey Edwards
Age: 25
From: Swindon
Occupation: Professional Dancer
Nathalia Campos
Age: 23
From: Brazil
Occupation: Operations Manager/Content Creator
Jamie Allen
Age: 27
From: Preston
Occupation: Professional Footballer
What else has Laura Whitmore presented?
Laura studied journalism at Dublin City University, and won an MTV competition in 2008 to become the face of their news channel. She hosted MTV news bulletins between 2008 and 2015, and in 2011 became the face of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!'s spin-off show, which was then called NOW!, and hosted the show for five years.
After carrying the 2012 Summer Olympics torch as part of its relay, Laura co-hosted Britain's Got More Talent and also starred in Rizzle Kicks' music video for 'Skip To The Good Bit' in 2013. Laura became part of the BBC Eurovision team to present the show in 2014, and also became a part-time reporter for This Morning.
In 2016, Laura joined the line-up for Strictly Come Dancing, being partnered with Giovanni Pernice, and the pair were the sixth celebrity couple to leave the competition after going up against eventual winner, Ore Oduba. She starred in a stage show of Not Dead Enough with Shane Richie in 2017, and hosted Survival of the Fittest in 2018.
Laura has also taken part in various panel shows - Celebrity Juice, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, A League of Their Own, Virtually Famous and Sweat the Small Stuff. She was also the subject of genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are? in 2018.
As well as having her own radio show on BBC Radio 5 since 2018, Laura also replaced Mel B as a team captain on Celebrity Juice in 2020.
Laura and her husband Iain also star on the celebrity edition of Gogglebox.
And soon, we will see Laura host her own chat show on ITV1. She will also appear in her own investigative documentary series later in 2023, titled Laura Whitmore investigates.
Does Laura Whitmore have her own book out?
She sure does! In March 2021 Laura released her first book No One Can Change Your Life Except For You.
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