Laura Whitmore has admitted she's 'slightly terrified' by her first major job since announcing her shock departure as Love Island presenter.
Laura, who had been hosting the ITV dating show since the start of 2020, blindsided fans when she took to Instagram, just weeks after this year's Love Island final, to announce that she was quitting the role. Writing next to a photo of her on camera heading into the villa, Laura 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.
"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."
While Laura's announcement came completely out of the blue and instantly sparked speculation on who will be her successor, Laura's focus has quickly turned away from Love Island as she makes a rather unexpected career move to join the cast of acclaimed London West End production 2:22 A Ghost Story.
Laura actually announced her role in 2:22: A Ghost Story before breaking news of her Love Island departure, taking to Instagram to write: "News!!! I’m joining the cast of 2:22 A Ghost Story from September 6th! Come see me on stage making my West End debut in this critically-acclaimed psychological thriller. For a limited run only, Book now!"
On Wednesday, Laura filmed herself walking into the Criterion Theatre to begin tech rehearsals, ahead of new cast previews kicking off next week. And she was very forthcoming with her nerves, telling her social media followers: "Really excited but also very real that we start previews next week. Slightly terrified!"
"Laura also shared a spooky coincidence with fans as she panned her phone up to the statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus, right opposite the theatre shell be appearing in, reminding them that she dressed up as Eros for this year's Love Island promo.
Laura is joining 2:22 with fellow new cast members like Felix Scott, Tamsin Scott and Busted star Matt Willis.
A Ghost Story isn't Laura's first foray onto stage. In 2017 she toured the UK in Peter James thriller Not Dead Enough.
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