Love Island fans launch campaign for Gemma Collins to host amid talk Laura Whitmore could be replaced
LOVE Island fans have launched a campaign for Gemma Collins to host the show amid rumours Laura Whitmore could be replaced.
The Sun revealed yesterday how ITV chiefs are looking to revamp the hit dating show when it returns in 2022.
While Maya Jama and Maura Higgins' names were thrown into the ring, fans have been calling for Gemma Collins to take the role instead.
One person said: "We NEED Gemma Collins as next year’s host #LoveIsland"
Another added: "If love island producers were smart they’d get maya jama or Gemma Collins as the presenter next year"
A third remarked: "Either get Gemma Collins hosting next year or add a ton of bisexuals to the mix, otherwise #LoveIsland is well past its pasture!"
A fourth said: "i vote gemma collins! she would be perfect @LoveIsland listen to us please x"
Laura’s reception from fans has been lukewarm since she took over last year from late pal Caroline Flack, who threw herself into the hit series.
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Maya was a winner with viewers on Crouchy’s Year-Late Euros and Maura shone as the host of Glow Up Ireland.
A TV source said: “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.
“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.”
Up-and-coming Radio 1 host Arielle Free could be in the mix for helping out with weekly spin-off show Aftersun, after flexing her skills for several years hosting the official Love Island podcast with 2017 winner Kem Cetinay.
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.”
Laura, whose hubby Iain Stirling provides the comic voiceover commentary for the show, reunites with the finalists on Sunday to film Love Island’s reunion special, marking the end of this year’s run of the series.