After this season’s Love Island received a record-breaking number of complaints and criticism, a TV insider revealed that Love Island producers are planning to shake things up next year. ITV’s Love Island bosses are reportedly looking to replace Laura Whitmore in the upcoming season of the show next year. The Irish presenter returned as the host for the show for the second time this year but not much of her was seen on screen.
Discover our latest podcast
She could only visit the villa a couple of times this season due to COVID-19 restrictions. Whereas her husband, Iain Stirling, provides the comic voiceover commentary for the show and would meet the contestants soon for the reunion episode of the show.
Changing Times
According to sources Laura has done a wonderful job however her reception from the fans has been lukewarm since she took over last year from Caroline Flack. A spokesperson for ITV said:
Laura has done a fantastic job at the helm of the show this year and no discussions have yet taken place with regard to the next series.
Since the contracts for the jobs are annual and renegotiated with each series, nothing is yet final. However, the revamp is being considered between 2019 contestant Maura Higgins or popular presenter Maya Jama. A TV source added:
Producers are keen to keep the show fresh and are keeping their options open… It’s one of the best gigs in showbiz, with a plum six-figure salary and frequent trips to sunny Majorca, so there are plenty of people hungry for the role.
Maura or Maya
One of the biggest concerns the producers have is to put someone on the show that can relate with the contestants. Both Maya and Maura are equally good options for the producers. Maya was a winner with viewers on Crouchy’s Year-Late Euros and Maura did an amazing job as the host of Glow up Ireland. A source said:
They (producers) have been impressed with both Maya and Maura, and think either could bring the necessary pizzazz and sexiness to the role. They want someone who is fun and can connect with people. Maura has obviously taken part in the show herself and knows it inside out so could easily relate to contestants and what they are going through.