ITV have confirmed Laura Whitmore will replace Caroline Flack as Love Island host.
Following Caroline’s arrest and charge for assault after a fight with her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27, last Thursday, the star, 40, announced earlier that she was set to step down as presenter for the sixth season of the show.
On Friday morning, Laura was announced as host, with the Irish star, 34, taking to both social media and releasing an official statement to confirm the news, which was revealed exclusively by MailOnline on Wednesday.
She’s in! ITV have confirmed Laura Whitmore will replace Caroline Flack as Love Island host
Laura shared a snap on Instagram of a water bottle adorned with her name – one of the hallmarks of the show and a prop given to all contestants.
Referencing both her friendship with Caroline and the host’s efforts to get her the job, Laura said in her statement: ‘To say I’m excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement…
‘I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend.
‘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…
Happy days! Taking to both social media and in an official statement, the Irish star confirmed the news which MailOnline revealed exclusively on Wednesday
Here come the girls: Laura and Caroline are long-time pals and Laura revealed the long-time host pushed for her to get the job (pictured in 2013)
Way back when… Caroline has stepped down as host (pictured in the show dropped trailer for the January series)
‘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!’
Shortly after the announcement, Caroline took to Instagram to pen: ‘I’m glad it’s Laura… She loves the show as much as I do… again…
Open and honest: Shortly after the announcement, Caroline took to Instagram to pen: ‘I’m glad it’s Laura… She loves the show as much as I do… again’
‘Thank you for your continuous messages of support… it’s a really rough time… but I’m doing all I can to keep my head above water and sort this all out.’
Iain also congratulated his girlfriend as he shared a sweet snap of the pair with the added caption: ‘The new #loveisland host seems nice. I wonder if she’s single.’
Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions, Paul Mortimer, said: ‘I’m delighted that Laura is able to step in this winter on ITV2’s biggest show.
She is the best person for the job and is a popular and experienced presenter of live television. Whilst Caroline is away, we know that Love Island will be in very safe hands.’
Caroline has been rocked by scandal since last week when she was arrested and charged with assault after the argument with Lewis.
She has only been pictured out once in the week since she was arrested, seen just outside the Soho hotel in London with her PR Nathan Charles.
The channel has cut her from the Love Island promo ads which she filmed ahead of the show’s confirmed start date on January 12.
Meanwhile, Caroline’s romance with tennis player and model Lewis, appears to have been patched up.
He took to Instagram Stories to call her ‘loyal and kind’ and shared various pictures of her on social media along with a love heart. It’s unclear if Caroline has been able to have contact with Lewis or if her bail conditions dictate otherwise.
Happy days! Laura’s boyfriend Iain Stirling is the voiceover for the show
Standing down from the series on Tuesday, Caroline broke her silence on Instagram and wrote: ‘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.
Happier times: Laura wrote: ‘I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend’ (pictured in 2016)
‘I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town.’
Caroline continued: ‘And on a really personal level. I have never experienced such kindness and love in my whole life.
‘Not just from friends and family who are always the greatest but also from total strangers who send messages to me offering help and understanding… Please know that I see them and my boyfriend Lewis. I love you x.’
Shocker: Meanwhile, Caroline’s romance with tennis player and model Lewis, appears to have been patched up