Laura Whitmore has been unanimously praised for being a true star during what has been a particularly difficult series of Love Island from start to finish.
The 34-year-old replaced Caroline Flack, 40, after the show’s host was arrested for assault by battery against her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27. He refused to press charges but the Crown Prosecution Service continued to pursue their investigation.
Caroline was later found dead by suicide at her London home on Saturday, February, 15.
Love Island’s future had never been less certain: ITV2 pulled two episodes from air as well as spin-off series After Sun. However, Laura’s constant professionalism throughout the past week in what must have been torturous for so many reasons is why Love Island is and should return for another series this summer.
Last night’s finale was ‘dedicated’ to Caroline, Love Island’s ‘leading lady’. Laura introduced a touching montage to the late presenter in an outfit which celebrated love from head-to-toe, fighting back tears as viewers were reminded of Caroline’s unbeatable power walk and highlights from her five series as host, before the radio DJ seamlessly managed to continue the live spectacle by turning the night into a celebration of its four finalists and eventual winners Paige Turley and Finley Tapp.
Pulling off last night’s episode can’t have been an easy feat for anyone involved, but as the face of Love Island Laura was exceptional and viewers have piled on the praise:
‘Massive respect to Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling for managing to finish off this series and deliver such lovely tributes to Caroline. Can’t have been easy,’ wrote one fan, which was echoed by: ‘Well done last night Laura it couldn’t have been easy but you did an amazing job- congratulations.’
Massive respect to Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling for managing to finish off this series and deliver such lovely tributes to Caroline. Canât have been easy. #loveisland pic.twitter.com/OT4kxmaTuZ
— Joe (@JoeSaunders) February 23, 2020
Credit to @thewhitmore for smashing love island! Canât imagine having to do that after loosing a close friendð #LoveIsland absolute babe!
— Laura Katy (@laurakaty1234) February 24, 2020
@thewhitmore clearly found presenting the final very hard. Sending you all the love in the world Caroline would’ve been proud.#LoveIsland
— JJ McGann (@McGannJack) February 24, 2020
Your strength last night BLEW ME AWAY.
Thank you for reminding us of the point of love island #LoveIsland #bekind
Love,love and gratitude to everyone xxx— Festigurl (@Festigurl1) February 24, 2020
Hundreds of posts came in applauding Laura, including a third which read: ‘Thought you handled yourself in a compassionate and professional way last night in what I can only imagine was an incredibly hard and emotional time. Much love xxx.’
Laura confirmed last night Love Island will be returning for its traditional summer run despite calls to retire the dating game in light of three stars – Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalissitis – connected to the programme dying by suicide.
During her tribute last night, Laura reminded viewers Caroline ‘loved Love Island’ before announcing the show would go on.
Winter Love Island is available to stream on ITV Hub.
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MORE: Love Island’s Laura Whitmore jokingly ditches Iain Stirling for £50,000 prize fund at wrap party