Love Island host Laura Whitmore’s replacement tipped to be Maya Jama or Emily Atack after reunion backlash, say bookies

MAYA Jama and Emily Atack are just two of the names tipped to replace Laura Whitmore as the host of Love Island.

The Irish presenter, 36, has had a lukewarm response since taking over from Caroline Flack and sparked anger amongst viewers for her line of questioning during the ‘awkward’ reunion show. 

Last week we revealed that ITV bosses are looking at names to take her place and according to the bookies there are already two front runners.

Paddy Power is offering 8/1 odds for Maya to take over and 12/1 for Emily Atack to fill her shoes. 

A spokesperson from said: “It’s clear for all to see that Laura isn’t feeling the love from viewers following waves of complaints about Love Island: The Reunion. 

“Could Laura become the hostess with the most-est amounts of complaints since Piers Morgan? It certainly seems like there could be another storm brewing in the ITV offices and it could only be a matter of time before Laura Whitmore becomes Laura No-More.”

A TV source previously told The Sun: A TV source said: “Producers are keen to keep the show fresh and are keeping their options open.

“They want some-one who is fun and can connect with people.

“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.

“Contracts for the job are annual and are renegotiated each series.”

Laura faced backlash over the weekend as the "boring" programme, which aired on Sunday night, was heavily criticised by viewers for a multitude of reasons.

Many claimed that it was "awkward" to watch, while others were outraged that Kaz and Tyler were the only finalists not invited onto the sofa for an interview - instead speaking from their spot in the audience.

In addition, Laura was accused of being a "hypocrite" and "disrespectful" for quizzing Lillie on rumours about her and footballer Jack Grealish - and unimpressed fans begged for the host to be replaced next year.

A spokesman for ITV said: “Laura has done a fantastic job at the helm of the show this year and no discussions have yet taken place with regard to the next series.”

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