Laura Whitmore Confirms She Will Replace Caroline Flack As Host Of Love Island

It has been confirmed that Laura Whitmore will replace Caroline Flack as the host of this year's Winter Love Island. Flack has stepped aside for this series following an incident last week in which she was arrested and and charged with assault.

Whitmore said she's excited about her new role, and has been in contact with Caroline; 'Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend,' she said in a statement. 'We've spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role. I've watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice.'

She added: 'Above all, I am a massive fan of this show. I've never been to a Love Island villa, and I can't wait to get in there to meet all the new Islanders looking for love. The Love Island team are the best in the business… including the voice and heart of the show, Iain. He thought he was getting a holiday away from me… not a chance!'

Whitmore was the odds-on favourite for the gig, so the announcement doesn't come as much of a surprise. She's a close friend of Caroline Flack's, and is in a long-term relationship with Love Island's voiceover, Iain Stirling. As such she already has a relationship with the crew.

Stirling and Whitmore are going to be hosting Aftersun, the segment after a Love Island episode where they chat to whoever has been sent home. It'll be the first time that the programme has been presented by a couple.

It's not clear whether Caroline Flack will be returning to the programme following the legal proceeding surrounding her arrest. She shared the news that she would not be taking part in Winter Love Island via her Instagram stories, writing: 'There have been a significant number of media reports and allegations in regard to my personal life.

'While matters were not as have been reported I am committed to co-operating with the appropriate authorities and I can't comment further on these matters until the legal process is over.

'However Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it's the best show on telly. In order not to detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is stand down from Series 6.

'I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town.'

Before Whitmore was announced the other front runners for the gig were Rylan Clark-Neal, Gemma Collins and Maura Higgins. However, Whitmore was the odds-on favourite pretty much as soon as the news that Flack wouldn't be returning was confirmed.

Remember old Love Island? We do...