Love Island’s Laura Whitmore praises ‘gracious’ Caroline Flack

She was announced as Caroline Flack‘s Love Island replacement after the host stepped down following her assault charge last month.

And Laura Whitmore has expressed her gratitude towards her pal Caroline as she prepares to fly out to South Africa to present the ITV2 dating series’ first-ever winter edition.

The former T4 star, 34, thanked the embattled media personality, 40, for encouraging her to take on the role and admitted she hopes she can ‘give it the justice it deserves’ during Caroline’s break.

‘She has been incredibly gracious and supportive of me taking on the role for the winter series’, Laura enthused.

The Irish DJ praised her fellow TV star for paving the way as she elaborated: ‘She’s a brilliant host and I just hope that I can give the role the justice it deserves while she is taking some time off.’ 

ITV veteran Caroline was arrested and charged with assault after a fight with her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27, last month. 

On the prospect of hosting the summer series, Laura admitted she hasn’t ‘thought about it in a wider context’, and sought advice from her boyfriend, the show’s voiceover artist Iain Stirling, 31, about even accepting the position for the January spin-off.

She said: ‘When I initially got the call, I had a conversation with Iain. It’s his show. I said, “How would you feel about it?” We both agreed straight away.’ 

The blonde beauty will front the series in the sunny climes of South Africa from next Sunday.

Caroline appeared in court days after news of her replacement, where it was claimed that she hit the former tennis player over the head with a lamp while he slept after reading suspicious texts on his phone. 

Following ITV’s confirmation, Laura took to social media and released an official statement to confirm the news, which was revealed exclusively by MailOnline.

She shared a snap on Instagram of a water bottle adorned with her name – one of the hallmarks of the show and a prop given to all contestants.

Referencing both her friendship with Caroline and the host’s efforts to get her the job, the Survival of the Fittest star said in her statement: ‘To say I’m excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement…

‘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!’