Love Island host Laura Whitmore has had her say on people who accuse her of being ‘overpaid and dull’
(Picture: ITV)Now that Laura Whitmore has left her post hosting Love Island, the question of who to replace her has been hot on the lips of wondering fans.
The 37-year-old announced on Monday, August 22 that she will be leaving the show as presenter, due to the “difficult format” for the upcoming second winter series in South Africa.
Several names have been brought forward as possible runners to replace Laura following her exit confirmation — including two who previously starred on the show as contestants.
Ekin-Su CülcüloÄlu
The most popular name put forward has been this year’s Love Island winner, Ekin-Su CülcüloÄlu.
The 27-year-old gained a huge following on the show after viewers believe she “carried” the series this summer and they loved her for her antics with the contestants.
Ekin-Su is tipped to become the ITV2 show’s most successful winner, after signing an unheard of £1 million deal with Oh Polly recently. Ekin-Su is also in talks for a show of her own after her win with boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti.
One fan of the Turkish beauty tweeted: “Ekin- Su is the only correct candidate.”
Maura Higgins
Maura Higgins instantly became a fan favourite after appearing as a contestant on love Island in 2019.
Maura, 31, was brazenly open and honest on the show and came in at fourth place in the final with Curtis Pritchard.
The outspoken Irish personality would no doubt be unafraid to put her opinion forward as host of the show, should any contestants bring any trouble or concern she isn’t happy with.
Maura went on to have a fruitful career after Love Island, signing to Elite modelling agency and presenting many Irish TV shows. The star has since collaborated with several fashion brands, including BooHoo and Ann Summers.
Speaking on the star, one person tweeted: "Ekin-Su or Maura Higgins for the next presenter of #LoveIsland pls”, as another said: “Its time for Maura to host”.
Maya Jama
Maya Jama is the other name hotly recommended to host Love Island next.
Last year, the 27-year-old Radio One presenter was heavily pushed by fans to present the show and rumours had even sparked that she had joined before Laura’s return was confirmed.
Maya has appeared on several TV shows as a panellist, on Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, and Celebrity Juice, as well as a host, leading the Mobo and Brit Awards in recent years — making her next possible move on Love Island a no-brainer for fans.
One person wrote: “With Laura Whitmore leaving her role as #loveisland host, I smell Maya Jama as the perfect replacement." Another added: "My money’s on @MayaJama for new #loveisland host."
Rochelle Humes
Fans also have suggested Rochelle Humes as a great candidate for replacing Laura.
Rochelle, 33, currently presents This Morning and has also hosted several other entertainment shows, such as BBC One’s The Hit List, ITV’s The Xtra Factor, and the previous series of Ninja Warriors UK.
Having presented with her husband Marvin Humes and other co-hosts, Rochelle has also shown she is more than capable of leading a programme on her own, making her suitable for this Love Island role should it come her way.
Other Names
Several other presenters’ names have been put forward to replace Laura, including Big Breakfast’s AJ Odudu, YouTuber Nella Rose, Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, and Loose Women’s Stacey Solomon.
Nella Rose, Maura Higgins, Maya Jama and Ekin Su are my top four candidates to replace Laura Whitmore as love island host #loveisland #TALKSWITHASH pic.twitter.com/wWi3c8qIKg
— ᴛᴀsʜᴀ ʟᴏᴜɪsᴇ | =🦋 (@eds_afterglow) August 22, 2022
@MauraHiggins would be my top choice for @thewhitmore replacement. She would be brilliant, bringing some much needed laughs. #loveisland #southafrica
— Sue Lynskey (@SueLynskey7) August 23, 2022
Former Big Brother host Emma Willis has even been suggested, as viewers were fans of her hosting style when the show moved to Channel 5. One fan said: “I love Emma Willis she held them people TO TASK on big brother beautiful too .”
Though there’s been no word on who will replace Laura yet on Love Island, but the producers certainly aren’t short on names after these latest discussions.
