Laura Whitmore to ‘replace Caroline Flack on Love Island’ AND co-host Aftersun with voiceover boyfriend Iain Stirling
LAURA Whitmore is set to replace Caroline Flack as the host of Love Island and co-host Aftersun with boyfriend Iain Stirling.
As The Sun Online revealed exclusively, Laura, 34, was locked in meetings with ITV yesterday and is the favourite to take over the job as host from her close friend Caroline, 40.
The Irish TV host - who dates Love Island voiceover Iain Stirling - has “had a chat” with show bosses about taking over the role as main host, a source told us yesterday.
ITV is expected to announce its decision any day now and are also keen to rope in Laura's boyfriend to co-host the spin-off with her as well.
Caroline announced yesterday she was standing down as Love Island host after being charged with assault following a bust-up at her home.
An insider said: “It’s an amazing job, every TV presenter in Britain wants it, so of course Laura was open to speaking to bosses about it.
“She’s already had a chat about it – as soon as Caroline quit, they needed to sign someone up ASAP. Laura already knows the production crew from when she goes out to visit Iain on location, and bosses from her previous jobs on ITV.”
The is reporting that Laura and Iain, 31, will co-host Aftersun as bosses are "keen to keep it in the family".
Laura has come out on top after Maya Jama, Emily Atack and Gemma Collins were named as potential hosts by the show's fans.
Iain and Laura have been dating since June 2017 after meeting at a party – and moved in together last year.
Laura’s also mates with Caroline – which might make taking her job awkward.
The pair have been friends for years after meeting through TV presenting roles over eight years ago.
Both Caroline and Laura hosted the I’m A Celebrity spin off show, then called I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here NOW! – with Caroline fronting the show in series 9 and 10, with Laura replacing her when Caroline got The X Factor job.
They’ve also both appeared on Strictly Come Dancing – Laura in 2016, and Caroline in 2014.
Laura also presented Survival Of The Fittest, which, like the upcoming series of Love Island, was also filmed in South Africa.
Yesterday The Sun’s Dan Wootton revealed how Caroline had stepped down from her role on Love Island.
She told The Sun: "Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it’s the best show on telly. In order to not detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is to stand down for series six.
"I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town."
Caroline later issued a statement on Instagram saying: "There have been a significant number of media reports and allegations in regards to my personal life.
"While matters were not as have been reported, I am committed to cooperating with the appropriate authorities and I can’t comment further on these matters until the legal process is over."
She then added: “And on a really personal level. I have never experienced such kindness and love in my whole life.
“Not just from friends and family who are always the greatest.. but also from total strangers who send messages to me offering help and understanding.
“Please know that I see them.. and my boyfriend Lewis... I love you x.”
An ITV spokesperson yesterday said: "ITV has a long standing relationship with Caroline and we understand and accept her decision.
"We will remain in contact with her over the coming months about future series of Love Island."
Police were called to Caroline's house in Islington, North London, where she lives with 6ft 4in partner Lewis shortly after 5am on Thursday.
Sources say tennis player and model Lewis, 27, called 999 himself after a row erupted between the pair.
He was not seriously injured, but The Sun can reveal Caroline later needed hospital treatment after accidentally cutting herself on broken glass during the incident.
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Caroline has been bailed and is due to appear at Highbury Corner magistrates’ court on December 23.
Boyfriend Lewis has since defended her, describing her as "loyal and kind".
The new series of Love Island starts on ITV2 on 8 January.
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