Love Island bosses have issued a statement in response to Laura Whitmore quitting as the show's host, saying they 'respect her decision.'
Irish star Laura has been the presenter of the hit ITV dating series for three years, being given the job after Caroline Flack quit the role at the end of 2019. She was at the helm of the first Winter Love Island in South Africa just a month later and has since gone onto host two consecutive summer series, after the show was scrapped in 2020 due to Covid.
Just weeks ago, Laura, wife of Love Island narrator Iain Stirling, was at the helm of this year's Love Island final, which was won by Ekin-Su and Davide but on Monday night she confirmed she won't be back for the first of two Love Island series next year, when it returns to South Africa.
READ MORE : Charlene White panicked as Loose Women 'lose control' of show
In an Instagram statement next to a photo of her on set, Laura wrote: "Some news! 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."
Talking about her close friend Caroline, she added: "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."
Love Island bosses have now spoken out about Laura's exit, in a brief statement which reads: "Sadly Laura Whitmore has chosen to leave Love Island. Laura has been a fantastic host across the last three series' of the show.
"We’re 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."
Read next:
