Who Is Laura Whitmore? Temporary ‘Love Island’ Host Tapped Amid Caroline Flack Assault Charges
"Love Island" has a new host. Meet Laura Whitmore.
The 34-year-old is an Irish broadcaster and actress. She got her start as the face of MTV News in MTV Europe. She later replaced Caroline Flack as the host of the popular show "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!" from 2011-2016. Now, Whitmore is following in Flack's footsteps again and taking over for her on ITV's winter edition of "Love Island."
"To say I’m excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement," she shared in an Instagram post.
"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," the caption continued. "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"
(See the post and full caption below.)
Whitmore takes Flack's place after the latter quit the popular ITV show following an assault charge. A Met police spokesperson confirmed to The Sun that on Dec. 12, Flack was charged with assault by beating following an incident that involved her boyfriend, tennis player Lewis Burton.
"'Love Island' has been my world for the last five years, it’s the best show on telly. In order not to detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is to stand down for series six. I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town," she wrote on Instagram at the time, according to Deadline.
Although the long-time host quit on her own, it seems there could still be a chance for her to return. Paul Mortimer, head of ITV's digital channels and acquisitions seemingly left the door open for that opportunity.
"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," Mortimer said. "Whilst Caroline is away, we know that Love Island will be in very safe hands."
A spokesperson for ITV echoed the same sentiment following news of her resignation.
"ITV has a long standing relationship with Caroline and we understand and accept her decision. We will remain in contact with her over the coming months about future series of Love Island."
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.