Love Island’s Maura Higgins drops hint she’s flying to South Africa to replace Caroline Flack for winter series

LOVE Island's Maura Higgins has dropped a huge hint she's flying to South Africa to replace Caroline Flack for the winter series.

The reality TV star, 29, posted a snap on Instagram of herself in a private jet with the caption: "Off to the sun to shoot something very exciting..."

The cryptic message made fans speculate over whether she is going to be announced as the new host of Love Island.

It comes after current presenter Caroline, 40, was charged with assault following an alleged bust-up with her boyfriend Lewis Burton.

The drama forced ITV executives into crisis talks yesterday, as Caroline was due to begin filming Winter Love Island in South Africa early next month.

It is now unclear if she will be in a position to host it so bosses have been discussing contingency plans.

Laura Whitmore, 34, is among those being considered as a stand-in - but fans are convinced Maura will be named the new host.

One said: "Are you heading down to SA by any chance miss Higgins?"

Someone else wondered: "New love island presenter?"

Another added: "Love island winter I knew it ! Good choice though."

ITV has so far refused to comment on whether Caroline will return to front the new series of Winter Love Island.

A source told The Sun last night: “This is an absolute nightmare so close to the start of the series.

"Nobody knows exactly what has gone on, or how the court process will pan out.

“But it’s obviously too much of a risk not to have a back-up plan in place so those conversations have started straight away.

“ITV were told the news on Thursday and have been meeting about it ever since — it’s a real crisis.”

Police were called to Caroline's house in Islington, North London, where she lives with 6ft 4in partner Lewis Burton shortly after 5am on Thursday.

Cops yesterday confirmed they had attended, with sources saying tennis player and model Lewis, 27, called 999 himself after a row erupted between the pair.

He posted a loved up snap of the pair on Instagram today as he appeared to show support to the presenter.

The bookies say Stormzy's ex-girlfriend Maya Jama is most likely to replace Caroline, with Maura in second place at 3/1.

Maura met ballroom dancer Curtis Pritchard on Love Island this summer when he was partnered with Amy Hart.

Out of nowhere, the pair developed feelings for each other.

Curtis recently revealed the secret to their lasting romance is giving each other space.