Laura Whitmore has publicly congratulated Maya Jama following the news that she’s the new host of Love Island.
ITV confirmed the exciting news on Tuesday (October 11) and posted a video on the show’s official Instagram account.
Alongside the short clip of Maya flicking through her phone looking after different news headlines, the caption read: “Okay, the rumours are true/ Say hey to your brand-new #LoveIsland host @mayajama!”
READ MORE: ITV officially confirms new Love Island host after Laura Whitmore quits dating show
Former host Laura, who fronted the show for three series following the death of Caroline Flack, was one of the first to leave a message for Maya in the comment section.
The Irish beauty wrote: “Yes girl!! So delighted for you! You’re gonna be fab” alongside a red heart emoji and two kisses.
(Image: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)
Former contestants Tasha Ghouri and Summer Botwe were also quick to share their support for Maya online.
Speaking about taking on the role, Maya said: “I’ve always been such a massive Love Island fan and I’m so excited to be hosting one of the nation’s favourite shows! I can’t wait to get into the Villa to meet all of the Islanders.”
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFC)
Director of Reality Programming & Acquisitions at ITV2, ITVBe and CITV Paul Mortimer said that finding a new host “was never going to be easy”, but added that Maya is a “high profile fan of the show”.
He said: “In Maya Jama though, we have another high profile fan of the show who’ll be a great addition to the Love Island family.
“Cool, charming and charismatic, I speak for us all when I say Maya will also bring a unique presenting style to the show, as did Laura and, of course, the very much missed Caroline Flack. We’re very pleased to have her on board.”
Love Island will return to South Africa for its first two series of next year, with Laura handing in her notice due to having to fly back and forth while looking after her family.
Like what you see? Then fill your boots…
There’s MUCH more where that came from! Want all the jaw-dropping stories from the world of showbiz and up to the minute news from TV and soaps?
Well, we’ve got you covered with our showbiz, TV and soaps newsletters – they’ll drop straight into your inbox and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
We’ll bring you the inside track from telly expert Ed Gleave and soap specialist Sasha Morris. Oh, and your daily fix of Piers, Katie Price, Demi Rose and all your other Daily Star favs.
You can sign up here – you won’t regret it…
Announcing the news earlier this year after series eight wrapped, Laura said: “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.”
Love Island is expected to return to ITV2 in January
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here
READ NEXT:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
