Love Island host Laura Whitmore’s replacement revealed after she quits BBC Radio 5 Live

BBC Radio 5 Live has announced its replacement for Laura Whitmore, who has presented her self-titled Sunday breakfast show for the past four years

BBC Radio 5 Live has announced its replacement for host Laura Whitmore, who is leaving the broadcaster to focus solely on her Love Island duties with rival, ITV.

The 37-year old has presented the Laura Whitmore Show on Sunday mornings for four years.

But earlier this week the mother-of-one announced her imminent departure.

The BBC appears to have acted swiftly in finding someone to fill her shoes, however, after announcing on Twitter that Countryfile's Helen Skelton will take up the role in mid-August.

The statement on the social media platform read: "We’ve got some exciting news..."

" @HelenSkelton will present a new-look Sunday morning programme on BBC Radio 5 Live. The new show, from 10am to midday, launches on August 14th.

"Welcome Helen."

Laura is leaving her BBC Radio presenting role

The news was met with glee by fans, with one user commenting: "Excellent addition to a Sunday."

Another wrote: "Best TV and radio presenter by a country mile."

A third added: "Great! Love Helen. Now I don't need to find something else to listen to on BBC Sounds on a Sunday morning!"

And a fourth said: "Great news. Helen is always a breath of fresh air and it's not in my nature to to criticise, but I'm afraid I was switching off at 10am on Sundays."

BBC Radio 5 Live controller Heidi Dawson confirmed the news of Laura's departure, meanwhile, saying: "Laura has made the difficult decision to leave after a brilliant four years.

"We'd like to thank her for the energy, insight and humour she has brought to this programme and look forward to ­working with her again in the near future."

Discussing Laura, a source told the Sun : "Love Island has given her huge exposure and a healthy pay packet, and she’s now going to exploit that to the max.

"Laura has already hinted she has other projects in the pipeline and she can’t find the time to continue with all her roles.

"So something had to go, and it's sad for listeners that this is what’s been jettisoned as she moves onwards and upwards."

Helen, 39, is yet to comment on her appointment.

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