Helen Skelton will replace Laura Whitmore on BBC Radio Five Live

·Contributor

23 July 2022 at 7:12 am·2-min read

Laura Whitmore is saying goodbye to her BBC radio show, with Helen Skelton stepping in. (Getty/PA)

Helen Skelton will take over Laura Whitmore's slot on BBC Radio Five Live in the wake of the Love Island presenter's departure from the station.

In a tweet posted on Friday afternoon, the station announced that Blue Peter alum and Countryfile presenter Skelton will front "a new-look Sunday morning programme".

Skelton's show will begin on 14 August and air from 10am until midday on Sundays, occupying the slot Whitmore has presented since 2018.

Skelton had previously fronted a weekly show in the later Sunday slot between 3pm and 6pm during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

🚨 We’ve got some exciting news... 🚨@HelenSkelton will present a new-look Sunday morning programme on BBC Radio 5 Live.

The new show, from 10am to midday, launches on August 14th.

🥳 Welcome Helen 👏 pic.twitter.com/izHVbt5Sy5
— BBC Radio 5 Live (@bbc5live) July 22, 2022

Since joining Five Live, Whitmore's show has featured her reflections on the events of the week with the help of other famous faces.

Heidi Dawson, controller of BBC Radio Five Live, confirmed Whitmore's departure to The Sun earlier this week.

"Laura has made the difficult decision to leave after a brilliant four years," said Dawson.

She added: "We’d like to thank her for the energy, insight and humour she has brought to this programme and look forward to working with her again in the near future."

Laura Whitmore has now presented Love Island across several series of the dating show. (ITV) — Laura Whitmore has now presented *Love Island* across several series of the dating show. (ITV)

Whitmore has acquired the high-profile job of Love Island presenter since she joined BBC Radio Five Live, replacing the late Caroline Flack in 2020.

She will front two series of the reality TV juggernaut in 2023, with the winter edition of the show returning earlier in the year alongside the traditional Majorca-set summer series.

Skelton, meanwhile, rose to fame when she joined the Blue Peter roster in 2008 and stuck around on the children's show until 2013.

She has subsequently presented numerous sports programmes as well as Countryfile.

Watch: ITV defends Laura Whitmore amid Love Island Ofcom complaints

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