Laura Whitmore attended a secret meeting with Love Island producers just hours after host Caroline Flack quit following her arrest for assault by battery.
The 40-year-old has presented all five series of Love Island since its reboot in 2015, and was set to host the first ever winter edition set in South Africa next month.
Now, it appears that former MTV presenter Whitmore – who is also the girlfriend of the programme’s voiceover artist, Iain Stirling – has held secrets talk with show producers.
According to The Sun, the Irish host has already ‘had a chat’ with bosses.
A source told the publication: ‘It’s an amazing job, every TV presenter in Britain wants it, so of course Laura was open to speaking to bosses about it.
‘She’s already had a chat about it – as soon as Caroline quit, they needed to sign someone up asap. Laura already knows the production crew from when she goes out to visit Iain on location, and bosses from her previous jobs on ITV.’
Caroline has admitted she is ‘absolutely devastated’ to step down from Love Island.
‘Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it’s the best show on telly. 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 the 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.’
The star also thanked fans for their support over the past few days while giving a special mention to her boyfriend, Lewis Burton, 27.
‘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 continued.
‘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.’
ITV has also released a statement, explaining: ‘ITV has a long-standing relationship with Caroline and we understand and accept her decision.
‘We will remain in contact with her over the coming months about future series of Love Island.’
Following Caroline’s arrest, Lewis – who went public with the star in August – shared a loved-up snap with his girlfriend, and it has been claimed the former pro tennis player will not be pressing charges.
A source told the Mail Online: ‘Lewis is very upset and embarrassed about how this situation has blown up.
‘It was a tiff between a couple that love each other and should never have ended up in the public domain.’
Lewis defended his girlfriend on social media, writing: ‘I’m tired of the lies and abuse aimed at my girlfriend. This is not a witch hunt this is someone’s life.’
He then alluded to the non-disclosure agreement posted by Caroline’s ex Andrew Brady, who claimed the Love Island host made him sign it in March 2018.
Lewis wrote: ‘I have not signed any NDA. Why would I? ‘Caroline is the most lovely girl. Loyal and kind. She doesn’t deserve any of this.’
Caroline was pictured for the first time following her boyfriend’s show of support, keeping her head down as she was spotted in Soho with her agent.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to ITV for comment.
Love Island is expected to return to ITV2 on January 8.
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