Laura Whitmore has responded to the news that Maya Jama is the new host of Love Island. The TV and radio presenter's latest hosting gig was announced on Wednesday (October 12) - less than two months after Laura announced her decision to quit the ITV dating show after two years at the helm.
Weeks after the end of the spectacular eighth series of the popular show, Laura shared the news of her decision to leave on social media. Laura cited 'flying back and forth' between the UK and South Africa, for a second winter series next year, and 'new conflicting projects.'
The Irish broadcaster and presenter, 37, took over hosting duties on the first winter edition of the popular show from Caroline Flack in January 2020. As she announced her plans to step down, Laura shared a sweet message to her friend Caroline, who tragically took her own life in February 2020 aged 40. "Some news!" she declared. "I won’t be hosting the next series of Love Island.
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"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 continued: "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."
Maya, 28, was rumoured to have accepted the coveted role on the ITV2 dating show after Laura quit. But it has now been confirmed that she will front the hit dating show when it returns for a ninth series in early 2023.
The programme's official Instagram account posted a short video of Maya scrolling through headlines speculating she was the new presenter. Love Island's famous theme music played in the background as the host then playfully sipped from a water bottle.
The caption read: "Okay, the rumours are true [winking face emoji] Say hey to your brand-new #LoveIsland host." Maya also commented on the post, writing: "SO BLOODY EXCITED. GET ME ON THAT ISLAND."
And Laura was among the first to respond to the news. The mum-of-one, 37, wrote: "Yes girl!! So delighted for you! You’re gonna be fab", followed by a red heart emoji.
Many of the recent crop of Love Island stars were flooding the post with applause emojis, showing their approvement, while Radio 1 star Melvin Odoom replied: "Congratulations miss could have only been you this is great news!"
And fans of the show were also having their say. @rossanasilva_miss said: "They couldn’t have hired someone better!!!!!!" @__sarah.n_88 wrote: "Yessirrrrski @mayajama you gonna rock this! Happy for you." @mnosipiwo posted: "I've been waiting for this post since 2019. My queen." @realmumreview added: "Yayyyy! You were made for this!"
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