Laura Whitmore has turned her back on reality dating show Love Island to head her own factual documentary series.
The 37-year-old presenter made the shock announcement on Monday that she will step down as the Love Island host following three series of the popular dating programme. The mum-of-one took to Instagram to make the revelation, highlighting difficulties with show's "format" and "new conflicting projects" and admitted that she anticipated to host only one series after replacing Caroline Flack in December 2019.
She wrote on Instagram: "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. 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."
Instead of bombshells in the Spanish villa, the Irish presenter will turn her hand to her next TV project for ITV which will be Laura Whitmore Investigates - a documentary series. She announced her new line of work on July 26 on her Instagram account.
She delved into investigative journalism while hosting her weekly BBC Radio 5 Live show between 2018 and 2022, which she left last month to focus on her TV projects. A TV source told The Sun : "Laura’s new documentary series will give her a chance to really flip her career 180 degrees.
"Instead of her being the centre of attention - scrutinised on everything from how she presents through to what she wears - Laura will be throwing a spotlight on other issues.
"“It will also provide a lot more flexibility around her family. Stacey Dooley and now Olivia Attwood have shown there is space for strong women in the documentary sphere and Laura wants in."
Maya Jama and Vick Hope are reportedly the front-runners to replace Laura as host of Love Island, with both said to be vying for the job. Love Island 2022 winner Ekin-Su Culculoglu and 2019 fan-favourite Maura Higgins are also touted for the role alongside Emily Atack and Vicky Pattison.
The Mirror has contacted Laura's representatives for comment.
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