Ex Love Island stars have reacted to Laura Whitmore’s shock decision to step down as host.
The Irish presenter has been hosting the hit dating show since 2020, taking over from the late Caroline Flack.
Taking to Instagram on Monday evening to announce the news, the Bray native wrote: “Some news! I won’t be hosting the next series of Love island.”
She continued: “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 ❤️” Laura added.
ITV said in a statement: “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.”
A host of former Love Island stars took to the comments section to express their disappointment at Laura’s departure from the show.
Maura Higgins wrote: You will be missed ❤️, while Faye Winter said: “[Caroline] really would be proud! You done incredibly 🤍.”
2022 contestants Coco Lodge and Tasha Ghouri respectively commented: “you will be missed ❤️❤️,” and “You smashed it!! ❤️.”
Their co-stars Dami Hope and Adam Collard also commented: “You were honestly the best, killed it every time 👏🏾👏🏾❤️,” and “Lucky enough to see [both you and Caroline]! You smashed it Laura 👏,” respectively.
2017 winner Amber Davies said: “We love yoooou❤️❤️❤️.”
Her co-star Chris Hughes wrote, “You did unreal 🔥❤️.”
Winter series Love Island contestants Demi Jones, Paige Turley and Shaughna Phillips respectively commented: “You were incredible! We’ll miss you 🫶❤️❤️,” “Gutted to hear this. You were amazing!! ❤️💔,” and “You absolutely did [make Caroline proud]! Going to miss you! ❤️🫶🏼.”
Love Island is set to return for two seasons in 2023.
The winter series will kick off early next year, returning to South Africa.
The summer series will then return for an eight-week stint in Mallorca.
