Laura Whitmore has revealed the real reasoning behind her exit as host of Love Island after just three years on the show.
The 37-year-old Irish star left fans stunned when she announced her departure from the reality TV goldmine, and said that she'd found "certain elements" of the ITV2 dating show "very difficult".
The TV presenter took on the leading role in 2020, following the death of her friend and previous host Caroline Flack.
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Following Laura's departure from the show, it was revealed that TV and radio presenter Maya Jama would be taking over the role, kicking off her new on-air job with the upcoming Winter series in the new year.
Opening up about her decision to leave Love Island, Laura told Psychologies magazine: "There was only so much I can do as a host – I couldn’t support them or not support them. I couldn’t say anything.
"So you kind of have to go quiet, and that was hard for me because I like to be able to have those conversations.
"If I could [have done] things the way I wanted to, I’d probably still be doing it. "
Since her departure, Laura has made her West End debut in well-known play 2:22 A Ghost Story, where it’s speculated she earns up to £20,000 a week.
She took over from Doctor Who's Mandip Gill to star as Jenny – a character previously played by Giovanna Fletcher and Lily Allen.
Despite stepping into some big shoes in her new role, the star seemed unflinching when announcing her new job on Instagram.
She wrote: “Come see me on stage making my West End debut in this critically acclaimed psychological thriller… Book now!”
Laura is now set to make her exit from 2:22 with pop sensation Cheryl taking over the role, in what will be the former Girls Aloud member's acting debut.
Revealing the news to fans on Instagram with an image of the show’s poster, Cheryl wrote: “Hey!!! .. I am SO excited to be starring in the west end thriller @222aghoststory!!
"I will be playing the role of Jenny from January - April! I went to see the show with a previous cast and LOVED IT!
"It is a totally new and exciting experience for me so if you’re looking for a fun night out & some entertainment in your new year tickets are available now….whenever you’re ready."
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