Laura Whitmore has said she looks forward to hosting Love Island from a “fresh villa” ahead of the eagerly anticipated new series.
The 37-year-old will return to present the popular ITV dating program as it moves to a new property in Mallorca after a previous location near Sant Llorenc des Cardasar, in the east of the Spanish island, reportedly became unavailable.
Eleven islanders will enter the villa during next Monday’s launch episode, including Gemma, daughter of former England striker Michael Owen, a paramedic, and dancer Tasha Gouri, who has a cochlear implant and the show’s first deaf contestant.
Whitmore said she was particularly excited about entering the new villa because during the 2021 series she was only allowed into the home’s garden area due to COVID precautions, and the first series she hosted It was winter edition in January 2020 which was held in South. Africa.
He continued: “So I didn’t really know the previous villa in Mallorca. So it’s good enough to go with a new villa.”
The TV host said that the dating show has become so popular because “we love being part of people’s relationships and watching people travel”.
She said: “With this show we almost think they’re family. Eight weeks seems like a short time in life, but there’s a feeling of a lifetime in that show.
“We get really invested in these relationships. The islanders are looking for love and know the country will be watching.”
Whitmore admitted that she’s “really afraid” she might give the contestants something, especially during Casa Amor’s final relationship trial.
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The annual tradition sees couples temporarily split up as male islanders move to rival villas to meet another group of girls, while a new group of boys enter the main house to see if they can live with their current Be loyal to the match.
She said: “I can’t make eye contact during Casa Amor. Even though they all try to make eye contact with me.
“They’re all trying to look at me and I’m keeping my eyes down.
“I really have to go into professional mode and not talk more than I expect. I have to be fair.”
Whitmore will also return to host the spin-off show Love Island: Aftersun on ITV2 from a new set at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.
The TV host revealed that due to the lifting of the ban, the show will have a larger studio audience than last year, which he feels will help islanders as they will be able to see a glimmer of public support once they leave the villa.
Whitmore took on the role of Love Island host in 2020 from the late Caroline Fleck, who presented the first of five series.
The show returned to Mallorca last year after a summer break due to the pandemic, with Liam Reardon and Millie Court crowning the winners.
ITV recently revealed that contestants receive training and guidance on inclusive language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, behavior and subtle aggression before entering the villa as part of their “expanded duty of care protocol”. Will happen.
The broadcaster said detailed procedures for all contributors to the show include “extensive psychological support”, “detailed conversations about the impact of participation in the show” and a “proactive aftercare package”.
Love Island will premiere on ITV2 and ITV Hub on Monday, June 6 at 9PM.
