South Africa: Geordie Shore icon Vicky Pattison and singer Olly Murs are among celebrities who show their support for Laura Whitmore after she announced her exit from Love Island.
Laura Whitmore, a 37-year-old married to the ITV2 show’s narrator and comedian Iain Stirling, broke the news on Monday evening.
The TV presenter took over the show’s reins in 2020 after the death of her friend and former host, Caroline Flack.
She shared a statement on Instagram, and Laura wrote: ‘Some news! I won’t be going to host the next series of Love Island.
She also wrote that there are certain elements of the show which I found difficult and that are not going to be changed because of the show format, including the flying back and forth to South Africa along with my news conflicting projects.’
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She added: ‘I wish it was possible for me but know you’ll be in safe hands. I was only planning to fill in for Caroline for a series, and it turned into three series.
Laura has a total 1.6 million followers on her Instagram and that too flocked to the post to express their sadness over her resignation, including a host of famous faces.
Vicky, 34, also wrote: ‘You did wonderfully!! You will be missed.’
Dance With Me Tonight singer Olly remarked: ‘You was unreal Laura 👏🏻👌🏻❤️.’
Former Love Islander Demi Jones added: ‘You were incredible. We’ll miss you.’
Laura decided to quit the juggernaut reality show just weeks after season eight concluded.
Laura hosted the show for three seasons, replacing Flack, who had stepped down from the role amid legal issues and died by suicide at the age of 40 in February 2020.
When she declared the new show, she wrote: ‘I want to thank ITV for trusting me for this huge show, but I wish to have this show in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and also my friend.