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Joel Leaver & Aaron Morris

Presenter Laura Whitmore has dig at Love Island after quitting ITV2 show

Laura Whitmore appeared to have a swipe at Love Island producers recently, as the former host discussed her departure from the popular ITV2 show.

The 37-year-old presenter announced that she would be taking a step back from her hosting duties earlier this year, after fronting the show since 2020.

She will be replaced by former radio presenter and DJ Maya Jama.

Read more: Winter Love Island's Maya Jama 'silent' as she's seen for first time as host in new series teaser

The Mirror reports that Laura has previously revealed that she had found certain aspects of the hosting role "very difficult", and has now spoken further about her subsequent departure.

Admitting that she struggled to remain impartial, she said: "There was only so much I can do as a host," adding: "I couldn't support [the islanders] or not support them."

As reported by the Sun, the former host told Psychologies magazine that she hadn't been able to "say anything", before further commenting that she had to "go quiet". The presenter - who took over as host from the late Caroline Flack in 2020 - said that it was "hard" for her, admitting that she likes to be able to "have those conversations".

She also suggested that it contributed to her departure. She told the outlet: "If I could [have done] things the way I wanted to, I'd probably still be doing it."

Laura announced her departure from Love Island in August. She shared the news just weeks after the latest series of the show - which had been her third as its host - concluded.

She issued a statement on social media, in which she revealed that she wouldn't return to host the next series. In which, Laura hinted at her reasons for leaving in the statement.

"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," she wrote at the time.

ITV said at the time that she'd been a "fantastic host", with the broadcaster adding that it understood and respected her decision, and looked forward to working with her on other projects. Following the announcement, there was speculation over who would be her replacement.

It was confirmed in October that presenter Maya would be the new host.

She is set to front the next series of the show, which will be filmed in South Africa. It's due to launch next month, with Maya appearing in a teaser video for the series this week.

The Mirror approached ITV for comment.

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