Love Island: Laura Whitmore leaves BBC Radio 5 Live after 4 years amid dating show’s success
Presenter had hosted her own radio show for four years
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Laura Whitmore has departed her BBC Radio 5 Live show amid the success of Love Island’s most recent series.
The Irish presenter has appeared on the station for four years, where she currently hosts the Sunday morning show.
However, with the eighth series of Love Island coming to an end in August, it was announced that Whitmore would not be returning to the airwaves.
Radio 5 Live controller Heidi Dawson told the MailOnline: “Laura has made the difficult decision to leave after a brilliant four years.
“We’d like to thank her for the energy, insight and humour she has brought to this programme and look forward to working with her again in the near future.”
Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Whitmore is leaving in order to make the most of the opportunities offered to her thanks to Love Island.
“Laura has already hinted she has other projects in the pipeline and she can’t find the time to continue with all her roles,” a source told the publication. “So something had to go, and it’s sad for listeners that this is what’s been jettisoned as she moves onwards and upwards.”
Whitmore was brought in to present Love Island for the January 2020 series while Caroline Flack was arrested for assaulting her partner. She remained as the show’s host following Flack’s death by suicide midway through the winter series.
The most recent series of Love Island has seen a boost in viewing figures, with the series opener in June the biggest launch since the 2019 series. It’s also been the most streamed series in Love Island history.
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments