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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
James Brinsford

Laura Whitmore quits BBC Radio 5 Live show to 'capitalise on Love Island exposure'

Laura Whitmore has quite her own show on BBC Radio 5 Live as she reportedly wants to 'capitalise on her Love Island exposure'.

The 37-year-old started presenting her radio show four years ago, but it seems that she would like to explore other opportunities.

The current series of Love Island comes to an end at the beginning of August and Laura has decided not to return to radio.

She has become a household name since taking on the Love Island hosting duties from Caroline Flack in 2020.

Confirming her departure from Auntie Beeb, Heidi Dawson - controller of BBC Radio 5 Live - told MailOnline: "Laura has made the difficult ­decision to leave after a brilliant four years."

Laura Whitmore has quit her Radio 5 Live show (Laura Whitmore/Instagram)

Heidi went on to pay tribute to Laura's work, saying: "We'd like to thank her for the energy, insight and humour she has brought to this programme and look forward to ­working with her again in the near future."

A source told The Sun that Laura was looking to "exploit" her growing fame and the possibilities that opens up.

The TV insider said: "Love Island has given her huge exposure and a healthy pay packet, and she's now going to exploit that to the max.

"Laura has already hinted she has other projects in the pipeline and she can't find the time to continue with all her roles."

Laura Whitmore also hosts Love Island: Aftersun (Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)

With this in mind, Laura felt she had to make a choice, according to the source, who continued: "So something had to go, and it's sad for listeners that this is what's been jettisoned as she moves onwards and upwards."

Laura, who is married to Love Island narrator Iain Stirling, with whom she has a daughter with, has been reportedly paid £600,000 for hosting the ITV2 show.

Love Island host Laura Whitmore has had her lack of screen time questioned (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

This has not been without its critics though, with some complaining that Laura doesn't have enough screen time to warrant such a hefty salary.

Last month, The Sun revealed that during 27 hours of Love Island coverage, Laura was only on screen for 14 minutes, though this has gone up a lot since with appearances for Casa Amor and a few dumpings from the villa in the past weeks.

Laura also hosts Love Island spin off show, Aftersun, which is live every Sunday night throughout the series.

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