Newcastle TV and radio host Vick Hope is reportedly among the frontrunners to replace Laura Whitmore as Love Island's new presenter.
Laura Whitmore shocked fans this week when she quit the ITV2 dating show. She told her followers on Instagram that she had decided to step back from the role she initially only intended to do for a year.
She 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.
Read More: Laura Whitmore quits Love Island over 'difficult' elements of show and honours Caroline Flack
"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."
Speculation has already begun over who the new Love Island host could be. Maya Jama and Radio 1 DJ Vick Hope, who grew up in Heaton, are said to be frontrunners to present the show, reports The Mirror.
A TV source told The Sun: “They’re viewed as two glamorous, fun figures who would also bring a slightly cooler edge to the format. Over the past three years they’ve both seen their careers go from strength to strength, and have the high profile to match that of the hit ITV show. It’s going to be a close call who ITV bosses will pick in the end.”
The winner of Love Island 2022, Ekin-Su Culculoglu, is William Hill’s favourite to replace Laura, with 7/2 odds to return and present the show in 2023. Also in the running for the position are Emily Atack, priced at 6/1, while another familiar face on the island, Maura Higgins, follows at 7/1.
William Hill spokesperson, Tony Kenny, said: "Seemingly loving her time in the Love Island villa, Ekin-Su could be the ideal replacement for Laura Whitmore. The early signs suggest she’s got every chance of hosting next year’s series.
"Much loved TV personalities Emily Atack and Maya Jama also look to be suitable replacements at 6/1, and Maura Higgins, who enjoyed her time on the island, rounds off the favourites at 7/1.”
Meanwhile, Ladbrokes has opened betting on who will replace Laura Whitmore, with Maya chalked up as the early favourite at odds of 3/1, ahead of Emily Atack at 4/1. Former Love Island contestant Maura is also high on the list at odds of 5/1 to land the high profile gig.
Other names include Rylan Clark at 8/1 and Mo Gilligan at 14/1, with Vicky Pattinson a 25/1 outsider.
Nicola McGeady, of Ladbrokes, said: “There will be plenty of competition lining up to replace Laura Whitmore on Love Island, but since betting opened Maya Jama is the name punters are most interested in.”
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