Maya Jama has touched down in the UK beaming after a quick solo trip to Dubai, just as ITV confirmed Laura Whitmore will be hosting Love Island despite calls for Stormzy’s ex-girlfriend to replace Caroline Flack.
The 25-year-old conveniently set off to the ‘City of Gold’ shortly after it was confirmed Caroline, 40, had been arrested for assault by battery following an alleged row with her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27.
In turn, rumours have been flying surrounding the host’s replacement with Maya and Laura becoming firm favourites to take the star’s mantle.
But moments after the former host of The Circle returned to her home turf, Laura confirmed she’d landed the coveted job.
‘To say I’m excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television is an understatement,’ the 34-year-old enthused.
‘I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend. We’ve spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role. I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice.
‘Above all, I am a massive fan of this show. I’ve never been to a Love Island villa, and I can’t wait to get in there to meet all the new Islanders looking for love. The Love Island team are the best in the business… including the voice and heart of the show, Iain. He thought he was getting a holiday away from me… not a chance!’
Still, Maya looked particularly chuffed with herself as she was snapped reading a text at London’s Heathrow airport in a suitably comfy tracksuit and shades while fans vented that Love Island missed a trick.
‘We wanted Maya Jama but okay?’ tweeted one disheartened viewer, while another agreed: ‘Imma just put it out there that I was team @MayaJama for this gig all the way.’
‘I’m glad it’s Laura,’ she wrote on Instagram. ‘She loves the show as much as I do… Again.. Thank you so much for your continuous messages of support…
‘It’s a really tough time… But I‘m doing all I can to keep my head above water and sort this all out.’
Love Island announced the series would return later than initially reported on January 12 yesterday.
The broadcaster previously suggested they will be standing by Caroline and the door has been left open for her return in the summer.
‘ITV has a long-standing relationship with Caroline and we understand and accept her decision,’ they explained.
‘We will remain in contact with her over the coming months about future series of Love Island.’
Caroline released her own statement, confirming she was stepping down from her TV duties.
‘Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it’s the best show on telly,’ she wrote. ‘In order to not detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is to stand down for series six,’ she said in a statement.
‘I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town.’
Addressing her arrest, she added: ‘There have been a significant number of media reports and allegations in regards to my personal life.
‘While matters were not as have been reported, I am committed to co-operating with the appropriate authorities and I can’t comment further on these matters until the legal process is over.’
Caroline also thanked fans for their support over the past few days while giving a special mention to her boyfriend, Lewis who is reportedly not pressing charges.
‘And on a really personal level. I have never experienced such kindness and love in my whole life. Not just from friends and family who are always the greatest,’ she said.
‘But also from total strangers who send messages to me offering to help and understanding… ‘Please know that I see them… And my boyfriend Lewis… I love you x.’
Love Island returns to ITV2 on January 12.
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