Laura Whitmore confirmed as new Love Island host after Caroline Flack quits

LAURA Whitmore has been confirmed as the new host of Love Island after Caroline Flack quit.

ITV have announced that the 34-year-old will be taking on the coveted job when the show kicks off in South Africa on 12th January.

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Earlier this week The Sun revealed that Laura had been locked in meetings with ITV and was favourite to take over the job as host from her close friend Caroline, 40.

Caroline announced  she was standing down as Love Island host after being charged with assault following a bust-up at her home.

The Irish TV host - who dates Love Island voiceover Iain Stirling -  already knows the production crew from when she goes out to visit Iain on location, and bosses from her previous jobs on ITV.

Laura said: "To say I’m excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement.

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She added: "I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances; 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.

"Above all, I am a massive fan of this show. I’ve never been to a Love Island villa, and I can’t wait to get in there to meet all the new Islanders looking for love. 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!"

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Laura will present the main show which airs nightly at 9pm on ITV2 and will also host Love Island: Aftersun, which will air on ITV2 live from London on Monday nights at 10pm.

Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions, Paul Mortimer, said: “I’m delighted that Laura is able to step in this winter on ITV2’s biggest show. She is the best person for the job and is a popular and experienced presenter of live television. Whilst Caroline is away, we know that Love Island will be in very safe hands.“

Laura has come out on top after Maya Jama, Emily Atack and Gemma Collins were named as potential hosts by the show's fans.

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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.

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On Tuesday 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."

An ITV spokesperson suggested they would work with Caroline again in the future, saying: "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."

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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.

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 12 January.