Maya Jama has taken over as host of Winter Love Island 2023, replacing Laura Whitmore.
Laura, 37, of Ireland, left the coveted post of host of the ITV2 dating programme after three seasons, having originally joined in 2020 as a replacement for Caroline Flack.
‘Laura has been a terrific host for the previous three series of the show,’ an ITV representative stated after announced her exit on Instagram in August 2022.
‘We are grateful for everything she has contributed to the show, but we understand and appreciate her decision, and we look forward to working with her on future ITV projects.’
But why did Laura decide to leave? Here’s what we know so far.
Why did Laura Whitmore quit Love Island?
In a statement shared in an Instagram post, Laura – whose husband Iain Stirling narrates the programme – explained: ‘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.’
She added: ‘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 three series. I hope I did you proud Caroline.’
Referencing some of the ‘certain elements’ she found difficult, Laura branded her former hosting gig as ‘exhausting,’ due to the public scrutiny.
‘It’s still something I’m working through myself privately,’ she said during a July 2022 chat on the Distraction Pieces Podcast with Scroobius Pip.
‘I had to also think about it for my own mental health side, because I love the show, but it comes with a lot of s**t.’
‘The host only comes on three or four times, it’s always been the way, but it gets the most attention. It’s a bit exhausting and it’s tough,’ she added.
Laura began a new endeavour after the summer 2022 season of Love Island, playing Jenny in the West End drama 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Criterion Theatre in London.
Her stint in the role, which she shared with Lily Allen, Giovanna Fletcher, Mandip Gill, and Cheryl as part of a rotating ensemble, lasted from September 6, 2022 until January 8, 2023.
Laura has also teased a new TV project coming in 2023, called ‘Laura Whitmore Investigates’, on her Instagram.
Laura first appeared on Love Island in 2020, following the death of TV broadcaster Caroline Flack.
Remembering the adored late star, she said: ‘I saw when Caroline worked on the show what she got every year and I never knew how she handled it. I always thought, “Jesus, she’s so strong.” And people aren’t as strong as you think they are.’
When Laura’s departure was announced, fellow celebs came to congratulate her on her performance on the show.
Singer Olly Murs wrote: ‘You was unreal Laura ’, while 2019 bombshell and finalist Maura Higgins also shared: ‘You will be missed.’
Winter Love Island 2023 returns to ITV2 at 9pm tonight.
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