Love Island star Iain Stirling appeared flustered as he was quizzed on the show's new host. Maya Jama made her debut earlier this week as the ITV2 dating show's winter series made a return after three years.
The 28-year-old was announced for the role in October, two months after Laura Whitmore stepped down from the role following the conclusion of the 2022 summer series in August. Laura cited 'flying back and forth' between the UK and South Africa and 'new conflicting projects.'
She also shared a sweet message to her friend Caroline, who tragically took her own life in February 2020, aged 40. However, in an interview with Psychologies magazine in December last year, Laura revealed that part of the reason she quit Love Island was because she was prevented from helping contestants.
READ MORE: Maya Jama 'breaks internet' with daring look as she shares first message since ITV Love Island debut
"There was only so much I can do as a host – I couldn’t support them or not support them. I couldn’t say anything," she told the publication. "So you kind of have to go quiet, and that was hard for me because I like to be able to have those conversations. If I could [have done] things the way I wanted to, I’d probably still be doing it."
She continued: "When they were in the villa, sometimes I wanted to ask if they were OK and couldn’t. But I wouldn’t have done anything differently."
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday (January 18), Iain, who is most recognised by Love Island fans for his voice as the show's narrator since the start, was asked about Maya following her debut in her new role. The ITV news programme's host Ed Balls, asked him: "Have you said to [Maya], 'Can you come over for a chat?' or 'I'm sending you a text?'" referencing some of the show's most-used catchphrases.
Iain, 34, quipped in response: "To Maya Jama? I'm sure my wife would have something to say about that if that happened." He then went on to say: "Maya is absolutely fantastic, Laura was absolutely fantastic, Maya is doing such a good job... her slow-mo walks have been something else. Great looks."
The comedian also revealed that he is actually recording his commentary on the latest villa antics from the home he shares with Laura and their daughter, who is reportedly called Stevie Ré. He explained that while he used to fly out to the villa’s location, after the pandemic they realised that "although it’s nice being out there, it isn’t a necessity."
Iain also revealed who he his backing on the show - and it comes as fans think he'll be the first to be dumped from the villa. "Look, as we all know, the British public love an underdog," he said to Ed and co-host Susanna Reid. "And there is no better underdog on television at the moment than farmer Will."
He added: "I really like him, He sounds like Kurtan from This Country. And actually, you see a lot of contestants on Love Island who do that thing where they sort of get off to a slow start. The British public gets behind them. He needs to find someone - the farmer needs a wife!"
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