Love Island bosses are considering replacing host Laura Whitmore in the wake of her ‘lukewarm’ reception, according to reports.
Both Maya Jama and Maura Higgins are tipped to be possible replacements for Laura, 36.
TV chiefs are said to want to ‘revamp’ the 2022 series, meaning Laura’s role is ‘hanging in the balance’.
Reports: Love Island bosses are considering replacing host Laura Whitmore, 36, in the wake of her ‘lukewarm’ reception, according to reports
A source told The Sun: ‘Producers are keen to keep the show fresh and are keeping their options open, they have been impressed with both Maya and Maura, and think either could bring the necessary pizzazz and sexiness to the role.
‘They want some-one 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.’
They added: ‘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.’
A spokesperson for ITV told MailOnline: ‘This is untrue. Laura has done a fantastic job at the helm of the show this year and no discussions have yet taken place with regards to the next series.’
New gig: Crouchy’s Year-Late Euros presenter Maya Jama, 27, is tipped to be being considered for the role
Former Love Islander: Maura Higgins, 30, was once a Love Islander herself and is now being considered for hosting duties
MailOnline has reached out to representatives for Laura, Maya and Maura for comment.
The paper further reports that Crouchy’s Year-Late Euros presenter Maya, 27, and former Love Islander Maura, 30, aren’t the only two stars being considered for the role.
Radio 1 host Arielle Free is also said to be in the mix, with the 33-year-old delighting Love Island fans when she helped out with this year’s Aftersun.
It comes a day after former host Caroline Flack’s mother has revealed she can no longer bear to watch Love Island anymore, admitting it’s ‘horrible’ to see her daughter’s replacement Laura in adverts in ‘almost the same dress, in almost the same pose’.
So sad: Caroline Flack’s mother has revealed she can no longer bear to watch Love Island and see her daughter’s replacement Laura on the show following the star’s death
Tough to see: Christine admitted it’s ‘horrible’ to see her daughter’s replacement Laura in adverts in ‘almost the same dress, in almost the same pose’
The former host of the dating show was found dead aged 40 in her London flat on February 15 last year – a day after she heard the CPS would pursue a trial following a drunken row with then-boyfriend Lewis Burton.
And in a new interview, Christine hit out at Love Island’s treatment of her daughter amid her assault charge, accusing them of being ‘hypocritical’ for sacking her when they themselves encourage arguments among contestants.
The late TV presenter was facing trial accused of assaulting her former partner Lewis, 28, in December 2019.
However, Caroline strongly denied the charge and had pleaded not guilty to assault by beating at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on December 23.
And speaking to The Sun, Christine said of her daughter valued ‘loyalty and friendship’ above all else, and told that the show she hosted for four years failed to show the same to her when she was axed and replaced by Laura.
While she used to avidly watch the ITV2 programme when her daughter was at the helm, Christine admitted that she ‘hasn’t watched’ it since Caroline died, suggesting it was too painful to see someone else host the show that her girl ‘loved’ so much.
She said: ‘I watched Love Island because Carrie was in it. Now, it’s horrible when the advert comes up and the girl that’s taken her place is all in almost the same dress, in almost the same pose.’
Laura took over hosting duties shortly before Caroline was due to fly out to South Africa for Love Island’s very first winter edition in January 2020.
She continued: ‘I think ITV2 could have done it a little differently. They could have done it out of respect. It’s all very well putting these films on saying, ‘Oh, we love Carrie blah blah blah. But you know, just have a little bit of respect.’
Vent: In a new interview, Christine hit out at Love Island’s treatment of her daughter amid her assault charge, accusing them of being ‘hypocritical’ for sacking her when they themselves promote arguments among contestants