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Simon Duke

Maura Higgins' Love Island host odds slashed but Maya Jama remains favourites as fans make demands

Maura Higgins Maya Jama Laura Whitmore Betfair

Odds on Maura Higgins being the next Love Island host have tumbled significantly, as plenty of fans of the show call on her to get the job.

There was some big news for the hit ITV dating series on Monday evening, when Laura Whitmore, who has been presenter for the last three years, confirmed she was stepping down the role she took over from her late friend Caroline Flack.

Announcing her big news on Instagram, 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."

READ MORE : Love Island issue statement as Laura Whitmore quits as host

Maura, who appeared as a contestant o n Love Island in 2019, was one of many celebs to react to Laura's announcement, telling the presenter: "You will be missed."

Many fans were quick to react to what Maura wrote, declaring she should get the job, as Emily Atack emerged as the early favourite to replace Laura. However, at the time of writing, Maura's odds had been slashed to 3/1, by bookies Betfair putting her as second favourite behind Maya Jama on 11/8.

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: "Maura Higgins’ odds to be the next Love Island host have been slashed to 3/1 from 8/1 in the past 48 hours.

"The former Love Island contestant is now the second-favourite to succeed Laura Whitmore, with Maya Jama the 11/8 frontrunner. "

Addressing some of the other contenders, Sam added: "The most recent Love Island winner, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, is 9/2 to host the winter season, while Chris Hughes & Kem Cetinay are 8/1.”

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