After taking over hosting from Caroline Flack in 2020, Laura Whitmore announced that she won’t be hosting the next series of Love Island.
In an Instagram post she paid tribute to Caroline, who was a close friend of hers, as well as explaining her reasoning for leaving.
She 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.”
This leaves the question of who will host the popular dating show next? People have been speculating and sharing their opinions on social media. Here are who we think are the top contenders.
Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson
Rumours have been circulating that Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson and his girlfriend Zara McDermott ( a previous islander) are going to be hosting. If you’re a fan of Love Island and you’re on TikTok or Instagram, there’s a huge chance you’ll have seen Sam’s videos. He’s a huge Love Island superfan and has even appeared on Aftersun.
A particularly funny moment was when Zara’s ex boyfriend and Love Island villain Adam Collard entered the show. Sam posted a video of their reaction where he shouted “It’s your ex-boyfriend!” and, of course, Zara’s reaction was priceless.
I think they would be great hosts for the show, as both have presenting experience as well as a passion for Love Island. Zara, having been on the show herself, will be able to relate to the islanders while also having professional TV experience. The only downside is having a couple present the show could cause future problems, for example, if they break up.
Maya Jama
TV presenter Maya Jama is another popular option for the job. Recent odds released by the Online Betting Guide place her as the favourite. This isn’t surprising as fans have been wanting her to host the show for years. With a lot of presenting experience under her belt, and a really funny and likeable personality, she is an obvious choice.
She co-presented BBC One’s Peter Crouch: Save Our Summer alongside Crouch and Alex Horne. The odds of her getting the job are 2/1 if you want to get your bet in.
Ekin-Su Culculoglu
After just winning this year’s show by a landslide with Davide Sanclimenti, fans are rooting for the Turkish soap star to jump straight into presenting. Everyone can agree Ekin-Su made this year’s Love Island very entertaining and, without her, the series probably wouldn’t have reached such high viewing figures.
However, although she has experience as a soap star, presenting is completely different. Some people are arguing that the job would be too difficult for someone with no previous experience.
Maura Higgins
Maura Higgins is second favourite next to Maya Jama. After causing entertainment and drama in her series of the show, fans want to see her step into a presenting position. Her odds of getting the position are 4/1 but, again, she doesn’t have presenting experience. While the idea sounds fun, I’m not sure how well it would work.
AJ Odudu
Finally, AJ Odudu is also in the running for top spot. The TV presenter is best known for presenting the 2013 Channel 5 reality show spin-off Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, alongside Emma Willis and Rylan Clark-Neal and the 2021 Channel 4 reality show spin off Married at First Sight: Afters.
Having so much presenting experience and a vibrant personality, I think she would be perfect.
Let us know in the comments who you’ll be betting on to become the presenter of Love Island 2023.