LAURA Whitmore has shocked fans by stepping down as Love Island host – but there were some HUGE signs she was going to quit.
The Irish beauty, 37, took over the role back in 2020, but tonight she announced she was stepping down from the job.
Taking to Instagram Laura wrote: “Some news! I won’t be hosting the next series of Love island.
“There are certain elements of the show I’ve found very difficult that cannot be changed some due to the format, including the flying back and forth to South Africa along with my new conflicting projects. I wish it was still possible but know you’ll be in safe hands.
“I was only planning to fill in for Caroline for a series and it turned into 3 series.
“I hope I did you proud Caroline”
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But there have been several signs in the run up to her announcement, that have hinted she was looking to leave Love Island.
Firstly she only appeared on the show THREE times during the last series, including the launch and the live final.
Her Love Island Aftersun show, which aired on Sunday nights, also regularly came under fire.
Another big sign that she was looking to quit the show is that Laura is also looking to turn her hand to acting.
She recently revealed she is heading for the West End to star in 2:22 A Ghost Story, a role previously played by Lily Allen and then Giovanna Fletcher.
Also at the weekend Laura was slammed on Saturday Kitchen after she mocked Islander Tasha Ghouri.
All these things could have led to her decision to step down from the role.
In a statement, ITV said: “Laura has been a fantastic host across the last three series of the show.
“We are so grateful for everything she has brought to the programme but understand and respect her decision, and we look forward to working with her on upcoming ITV projects.”
The broadcaster are yet to reveal who will replace Laura on the show next year.
Laura took over the job of Love Island host from the late Caroline Flack, when the show aired in South in Africa in January 2020.
She then hosted seasons 7 and 8 of the hit ITV2 show.
The Irish star has had an incredible career on TV, which started off when she hosted I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! NOW! on ITV2 – for five series from 2011.
Laura also acted as a Eurovision commentator in 2014.
In 2016 she competed on Strictly Come Dancing and was partnered with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, but was the fifth celeb to be voted out.
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In 2018, Laura presented ITV2 reality series Survival of the Fittest.
Laura is married to Love Island’s narrator Iain Sterling, and they share one child.
