Laura Whitmore is all smiles as she’s pictured for first time since quitting Love Island
Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore has been snapped looking relaxed and happy, as speculation begins surrounding who will replace her on the ITV2 dating show next year following her shock decision to quit the show
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Laura Whitmore steps down from Love Island role
Laura Whitmore beamed as she was spotted for the first time since announcing her Love Island exit.
The presenter, 37, looked blissfully happy as she was pictured with a huge smile across her face as she made her way to rehearsals for her upcoming theatre debut with her hands full of files and a chic tote bag.
Laura announced her surprise decision to walk away from the ITV2 show on Monday night – explaining to her fans how she found certain elements of the show difficult to navigate.
The mum-of-one – who is married to Love Island voiceover Iain Stirling – took over the mantel from Caroline Flack back in 2020 but has now decided to step down as presenter after three seasons.
Laura Whitmore was all smiles as she arrived for theatre rehearsals in London
Image:
( SplashNews.com)
The Irish presenter announced she had stepped down as Love Island host on Monday night
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( SplashNews.com)
Pictured on Tuesday morning, as she made rehearsals for the play 2:22 A Ghost Story, Laura appeared to be relaxed and upbeat just hours on from sharing her shock career news with her fans and the public.
“Some news! I won’t be hosting the next series of Love Island,” Laura began in her statement shared to Instagram on Monday night.
“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.
Laura looked engrossed on her phone as she made her way to rehearsals
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( SplashNews.com)
The TV presenter announced her upcoming West End debut to fans earlier this month
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( SplashNews.com)
“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.”
ITV added in a statement: “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.”
Laura only ever intended to host one series of Love Island back in 2020
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( INSTAGRAM)
Speculation about who will replace Laura as Love Island host has already begun – with Maya Jama and Emily Atack being touted as possible names to enter the South African villa next year, when the show returns for another winter series in January.
Laura’s shock Love Island exit comes just weeks on from the Irish TV presenter announcing one of her “conflicting projects” – her upcoming West End debut.
The star took to Instagram earlier this month to share her exciting career announcement after she called it quits on her BBC radio presenting career in July.
Laura quit her BBC Radio 5 Live show last month to ‘capitalise on her huge exposure from hosting Love Island’
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( Laura Whitmore/Instagram)
In an exciting post, Laura penned: “News!!! I’m joining the cast of 2:22 A Ghost Story from September 6th!
“Come see me on stage making my West End debut in this critically-acclaimed psychological thriller.”
Laura, who is set to play Jenny in the incredible stage play, has been a long-time fan of the thriller, and admitted that it feels surreal to be a part of the much-talked about West End production.
Laura’s upcoming projects are away from TV
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( Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)
“I’m so excited to be making my West End debut playing Jenny in the next production of 2:22,” she added.
“Theatre has always been my first love and I can’t wait to get back on stage. I am a huge fan of the previous productions and delighted to be getting stuck in with rehearsals and working alongside such a hugely talented cast and team.”
Laura will follow in the footsteps of Lily Allen, who also made her West End debut playing Jenny on stage last year.
Following her exciting announcement, Laura’s famous pals flocked to the comments to shower her with love and congratulations.
Laura trained at the Leinster School of Music and Drama and studied Shakespeare at RADA
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( SplashNews.com)
The presenter-turned-actress will make her West End debut on September 6
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( SplashNews.com)
Former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt commented: “Omg omg AMAZING.”
Clara Amfo added: “Fab”, while former Celebs Go Dating star Talia Storm penned: “Congratulations.”
Former Love Island star Amy Hart also gushed: “Love this show. I’ll be there.”
Strictly star Oti Mabuse also rushed to congratulate the Love Island host as she wrote: “Let’s go Laura! So proud honey.”
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