Following Laura Whitmore announcing her decision to quit hosting Love Island, fans have already been chipping in with their suggestions for suitable replacements. Having been at the helm for three years, ITV bosses will now be on the search for a new face of the hit dating series.
However, Whitmore’s Instagram statement suggests the decision over her replacement may have already been made, adding: “I wish it was still possible but know you’ll be in safe hands." With ITV also yet to announce who will be presenting the eagerly-anticipated return of Big Brother, many of the same names have immediately been linked to this new gig.
Both established TV presenters and former Love Island contestants have been touted to be the third incumbent of the hosting role, after Whitmore and Caroline Flack. Whoever lands the role will have two series to look forward to next year, with a winter edition in South Africa being added to the traditional summer slot.
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Here are some of the contenders who could replace Laura Whitmore as Love Island presenter.
Maya Jama
Within minutes of Whitmore’s announcement on Monday evening, Maya Jama’s name was already trending on Twitter. Many believe this is a match made in heaven, with the 28-year-old having been linked to this role before and priced as the 3/1 favourite with Ladbrokes.
She has become a popular figure on both TV and radio, with her relatable love life making her a prime candidate for the dating series. After also being tipped to present Big Brother’s revival, it seems unlikely we won’t be seeing Jama’s face on one ITV reality programme next year.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
The most iconic contestant from this year’s series of Love Island was without doubt Ekin-su, who ultimately grabbed the grand prize alongside partner Davide. The pair secured a whopping 63.7% of the public vote in the final, illustrating how she already has the popularity among viewers.
On Twitter, @lookingforlewys said: “Ekin-Su better be in that villa hosting in January now” while @bananapeele joked: “Ekin-Su is about to get a text!!”
Maura Higgins
Another former islander in contention is Maura Higgins. She was another outspoken character in her series back in 2019.
Since leaving the villa, Maura has proven to be a capable TV presenter on Ireland’s Glow Up. Like Ekin-Su, knowing what it’s like to be an islander puts her as an ideal candidate for many fans.
AJ Odudu
AJ Odudu firmly flung herself into the wider limelight through her Strictly Come Dancing prowess last year. The proud Brummie became a fan’s favourite and was even chosen as the UK’s spokesperson for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Now, AJ’s huge fan base are urging Love Island bosses to snap her up. Fellow presenter Mared Perry tweeted: “Sorry but @AJOdudu has this in the bag.
“It’s absolutely perfect for her, she has that warmth we’ve been missing, she’s absolutely hilarious and is also drop dead gorgeous. It makes perfect sense at this point in her career imo.”
Emily Atack
Ladbrokes have placed Emily Atack just behind Jama as favourite to take over, with odds of 4/1. Best known for playing Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners, Atack later fronted her own comedy series, The Emily Atack Show.
The 32-year-old proved popular in another ITV reality programme, reaching the final of I’m a Celebrity in 2018, while she also won over fans when she took over from Holly Willoughby on Celebrity Juice.
Nella Rose
An outsider to take over hosting duties could be Youtuber Nella Rose. The influencer has a huge following across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
She has been known to regularly tweet about the ITV2 staple, and appeared as a panellist in the second episode of Aftersun during the latest series. She also celebrated a Pretty Little Thing collaboration with former contestant Molly-Mae Hague earlier this year.
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