Laura Whitmore replaces Caroline Flack as presenter of Love Island

Laura Whitmore has been named the new presenter of Love Island.

The Irish presenter will replace Caroline Flack, who confirmed she would not be hosting the winter series of the show earlier this week.

In a statement, ITV said that Flack would be “standing down for this series”.

Whitmore will also present the Love Island extra show, Aftersun.

In a post on Instagram, showing a Love Island water bottle with “Laura” written in red, Whitmore said she was “excited” to be hosting “the biggest show on television”, but said she wished it was under “better circumstances”.

She went on: “Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend. We’ve spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role.

“I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice.”

Whitmore, also made reference to her boyfriend, Iain Stirling, who is the narrator of the reality dating show.

“The Love Island team are the best in the business… including the voice and heart of the show, Iain. He thought he was getting a holiday away from me… not a chance!”

Whitmore has been dating the 31-year-old Scottish comedian for several years and they moved in together last year.

Stirling shared the news on his Instagram page with a joke, writing: “The new #loveisland host seems nice. I wonder if she’s single…”

Presenters Gaby Roslin, Clara Amfo and Grace Woodward were among the other celebrities to wish her luck in her new role.

Flack, 40, was charged with assault by beating, following an incident reportedly involving her boyfriend, Lewis Burton, at her home in north London in the early hours of Thursday last week.

Former tennis player and model Burton has since spoken out in defence of Flack.

Whitmore, 34, is replacing Flack in a role for the second time, after taking over the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! spin-off show back in 2011 when Flack began co-presenting The Xtra Factor.

Whitmore has also presented on MTV News for seven years and took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2016.

In 2018 she presented Survival Of The Fittest, a new ITV2 reality dating show made by the same production company as Love Island.

It was billed as a spin-off to Love Island, but was cancelled after just one season.

Other presenters rumoured to have been in the running for the role of Love Island host include Stormzy’s ex Maya Jama, former Inbetweeners star Emily Atack, Big Brother presenter Emma Willis and ex-Love Island contestant Maura Higgins.

Season six of Love Island, which will be filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, starts on ITV2 on 12 January.

Flack is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on 23 December.

(c) Sky News 2019: Laura Whitmore replaces Caroline Flack as presenter of Love Island