THOSE tuning into Winter Love Island 2023 may have been surprised to see that host Laura Whitmore has been replaced.
The Irish presenter departed from the ITV2 dating show after three series, having originally joined in 2020 as a replacement for the late Caroline Flack.
Why did Laura Whitmore leave Love Island?
Shortly after the summer 2022 series ended, Laura announced she was stepping down from her role as Love Island presenter.
In a statement on Instagram, the presenter said that she found elements of the production “very difficult”.
“Some news!” she wrote. “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.
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"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.”
Fans of the presenter will still be able to see her in various projects including a true crime podcast with her husband comedian Iain Stirling.
She has also joined the 2:22 A Ghost story cast in London's West End and is currently developing her own documentary series Laura Whitmore Investigates which will air sometime in 2023.
How long did Laura Whitmore present Love Island for?
Laura joined Love Island as a host in 2020 after filling in for the late Caroline Flack, who stepped away from the show in December 2019.
She hosted winter Love Island 2020 and then both the 2021 and 2022 summer series.
There was no Love Island in summer 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the time of her departure, an ITV2 spokesperson 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.”
Who has replaced Laura Whitmore on Love Island?
In October 2022, it was revealed that Maya Jama is the new host of the ITV2 dating show.
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Speaking to the press at the time of the announcement, Maya said: "I've always been such a massive Love Island fan and I'm so excited to be hosting one of the nation's favourite shows!
"I can't wait to get into the villa to meet all of the islanders."
The former Radio 1 DJ began her broadcasting career co-hosting Trending Live on 4Music, before going on to appear on a number of TV shows including RuPaul's Drag Race UK and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year.
Maya made her debut as the new host on January 16, 2023, wearing a bright red two-piece which stunned viewers.