After two years of hosting—why did Laura Whitmore leave 'Love Island'?

Following on from all the Love Island season eight drama, which saw Davide and Ekin-Su crowned the winners in the grand Love Island live final, fans are in for another shocker, as Laura Whitmore has officially quit the show. After two years of fronting the iconic dating show, the presenter is bidding farewell—but why has Laura decided to leave Love Island?

In a sad turn of events, ITV2 will no longer have an IRL love match hosting Love Island —for anyone who doesn’t know, Laura Whitmore is actually married to narrator Ian Stirling, which just really adds something to the show if you ask us. 

Alas, now there will be a new face—along with eleven new singles for the return of the winter season—as Laura has announced that she’s exiting the show.

But after having the gig for two years, why is Laura leaving Love Island now? Here’s what we know…

Why did Laura Whitmore leave 'Love Island'?

Taking to Instagram, Laura has revealed some of the factors behind her decision. 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.”

She then shared a personal message to the former host Caroline Flack, who passed away in 2020, saying: “I hope I did you proud Caroline ❤️.”

Past islanders flooded her comments with support—Chloe Burrows, who is still very loved up with Toby Aromolaran (one of the few Love Island couples still together) commented on the post saying: “You were fabulous!! You will be missed ❤️”

While returning bombshell, Adam Collard wrote: "Lucky enough to see you both! You smashed it Laura 👏”.

While Laura has cited a number of logistical reasons for her departure, she has also previously opened up about the online trolling and sexism she has faced since joining the show...

Speaking on the  Distractions Pieces podcast, she said: “As a host, this takes up not a huge amount of my time compared to my other work. It’s over eight weeks.”

Before adding, “The host only comes on three or four times; it’s always been the way, but it gets the most attention. It’s a bit exhausting and it’s tough.”

In June she also shared a TikTok, defending herself over rumors and scrutiny about her pay, relationship with Ian, and frequent flights between Mallorca (where summer Love Island is filmed) and the UK. 

She revealed that her contract requires her to offset her carbon emissions from travel, while also pointing out that her husband Ian has never been questioned over his Love Island paycheck. She also addressed the calls for her to be fired, citing them as ‘exhausting.’ 

Thankfully though, this won't be the last we'll see of her—as she's teased a number of new projects on the horizon, but for now...we'll miss you, Laura!