Laura Whitmore releases statement explaining why she QUIT Love Island
After hosting three series of the show
Last updated 23rd Aug 2022
Love Island host Laura Whitmore has announced that she will be leaving the show and released a statement explaining her decision to quit. She has been the host since series six when she took over the role from Caroline Flack in 2020. As well as hosting the main show, Laura has also been the host of ITV2 show Aftersun.
The 2022 series of Love Island wrapped up on 1st August, but in an update from show bosses it was revealed that 2023 is set to bring us not one but two series of Love Island, with the addition of a Winter Love Island. The series will see contestants head to South Africa, and although no start date has been confirmed, it's thought that the series will air in January 2023.
Taking to Instagram on 22nd August, the presenter addressed the upcoming series of the reality show and wrote: '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)
Friends and fans were quick to show their support for Laura, and several Love Island stars took to the comments, with Faye Winter saying: 'She really would be proud! You done incredibly 🤍'. (sic)
Demi Jones added: 'You were incredible! We’ll miss you 🫶❤️❤️', while Maura Higgins wrote: 'You will be missed ❤️' and Tasha Ghouri commented: 'You smashed it!! ❤️'.
ITV also shared a statement on the official Love Island Instagram account addressing the news, writing: ' Sadly Laura Whitmore has chosen to leave Love Island.
'Laura has been a fantastic host across the last three series’ of the show.
'We’re 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.'
Show bosses have yet to confirm who will take over as the show's host but fans have already been making their suggestions.
Many people have suggested that series five Islander Maura Higgins would be a good host, while others think that series eight winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu would be right for the job, with viewers writing: 'EKIN-SU FOR NEXT HOST' and 'Get @maurahiggins innnnn🔥🔥🔥'.
Take a look at the celebs rumoured to become the Love Island host:
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.
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Everything you need to know about Love Island host Laura Whitmore