Laura Whitmore recently announced that she will not be returning to host Love Island 2023. The Irish presenter has stepped down from the role after three series, having first joined the show in 2020 to fill in for the late Caroline Flack.
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The 37-year-old said there were certain elements of the reality show that she found "very difficult", including flying back and forth to South Africa. So who will replace the star?
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While ITV have yet to announce who will be taking over from Laura as the host of the popular programme, viewers have already had their say on the big names they want to take the job.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, who won this year's series alongside Davide Sanclimenti, is a fan favourite to take over Laura's spot on the show.
The pair, who are set to front their own ITV2 reality show, were crowned the 2022 champions after securing a huge 63.7% of the public vote and their popularity amongst the public has continued since they left the villa.
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Fans of the show have called for ITV to hire the 27-year-old actress, with one person tweeting: "Since Laura is quitting love island, bring in queen Ekin-Su to takeover," while another added: "Laura Whitmore walked so Ekin-Su could run, get her as a host on that show NOW."
© Photo: ITVEkin-Su is a fan favourite to take over from Laura
Maya Jama
Ladbrokes has Maya Jama at odds of 3/1 for the new role and fans of the show agree that the radio and television presenter would be the perfect fit.
One person wrote on Twitter: "Maya Jama should host love island. She was in the line-up of who would host it when Caroline Flack left before the first winter one started," while another added: "Petition for @MayaJama to be the new love island host #loveisland."
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This wouldn't be the first time that Maya has fronted a dating show as she previously hosted MTV's True Love or True Lies, which saw six couples go head to head to prove whose relationship is best.
With her extensive presenting experience, there's no doubt that the ITV2 gig would be a walk in the park for Maya.
© Photo: InstagramMaya has been placed at odds of 3/1
Emily Atack
Just behind Maya in the running for Love Island host is Emily Atack, who Ladbrokes have placed at odds of 4/1.
The comedian and actress is perhaps best known for playing Charlotte Hinchcliffe on the E4 comedy series The Inbetweeners as well as for fronting her own comedy series, The Emily Atack Show.
The 32-year-old won over fans when she took over from Holly Willoughby on Celebrity Juice, meaning she'll be a welcome replacement for The Whitmore if ITV chooses her for the role.
© Photo: Getty ImagesWould you like to see Emily Atack take the job?
Maura Higgins
Former Love Island contestant Maura Higgins has also been tipped as a favourite to replace Laura, with odds of 5/1.
The 31-year-old model amassed a legion of fans following her appearance on the dating show back in 2019 and even coined some of the programme's most-used catchphrases.
Fans have called for the Irish star to front the 2023 series, with one person tweeting: "The only correct answer to the next Love Island presenter is Maura Higgins" while another added: "As sad as it is that Laura has quit #Loveisland #LauraWhitmore can we please get a petition going for Maura Higgins to host the next series."
Given her previous experience hosting reality show, Glow Up Ireland, as well as her ability to come out with epic one-liners, we think Maura would do a grand job.
© Photo: InstagramMaura is a Love Island icon
AJ Odudu
Former Strictly star and presenter AJ Odudu also seems like an obvious choice for Love Island host. The 34-year-old, who is an experienced TV host, was a big hit with Strictly viewers when she competed in the 2021 series and was even a favourite to win before she was forced to withdraw from the show due to an injury.
AJ has already proved that she has what it takes to front a reality relationship show as she hosted the Married At First Sight UK spin-off last year.
One fan tweeted in favour of the Blackburn-born star: "I think @AJOdudu would be a great host for #loveisland," while another added: "Please add in @AJOdudu as an option to present #LoveIsland thanks. I can already imagine her strutting into the villa ready to unleash the DRAMA."
© Photo: InstagramFans think AJ would make a great host
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