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Iain Stirling reacts to girlfriend Laura Whitmore's new 'Love Island' role as she replaces Caroline Flack

Amy Johnson
·Contributor
Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling attend the 20th anniversary celebration of tailor and fashion designer Gresham Blake at the Hard Rock Hotel London on November 28, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hard Rock Hotel London)
Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling attend the 20th anniversary celebration of tailor and fashion designer Gresham Blake at the Hard Rock Hotel London on November 28, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hard Rock Hotel London)

Iain Stirling has expressed his excitement at his girlfriend Laura Whitmore stepping up as the new Love Island host.

Whitmore is set to replace Caroline Flack on the winter edition of the programme when it launches Sunday 12 January after the former host withdrew from her duties following an arrest and charge of assault.

Speaking on Loose Women today, Stirling spoke about Whitmore’s new role to the panellists as he said: "She's great isn't she?"

Read more: Caroline Flack’s boyfriend Lewis Burton ‘gutted’ to spend Christmas apart

"I think she’s great," he went on before jesting: "I love her and there are mortgage commitments that need to be considered."

Laura Whitmore attends the Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Alice Tully Hall on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Laura Whitmore attends the Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Alice Tully Hall on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Stirling has been the show's narrator since it began in 2015. This will be the first series without Flack hosting.

He said that working alongside his girlfriend on the programme, which films in South Africa, means they will be able to spend more time together as opposed to less.

He explained: "More, because she'll be coming back and forth to South Africa every now and again."

During his appearance on Loose Women, Stirling didn't mention his long-time co-worker, Flack.

Caroline Flack (L) and Iain Stirling attend the ITV Gala held at the London Palladium on November 9, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Caroline Flack (L) and Iain Stirling attend the ITV Gala held at the London Palladium on November 9, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Last month Flack, 40, announced she wouldn't be hosting the show this time round, writing in an Instagram post: "There have been a significant number of media reports and allegations in regards to my personal life. While matters were not as have been reported, I am committed to co-operating with the appropriate authorities and I can't comment further on their matters until the legal process is over.

"However, Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it's the best show on telly. In order to not detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is to stand down for Series 6.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Love Island presenter Caroline Flack leaves Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on December 23, 2019 in London, England. The Love Island host attended court after being charged with assault by beating following an argument with boyfriend Lewis Burton. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images)
Love Island presenter Caroline Flack leaves Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on December 23, 2019 in London, England. The Love Island host attended court after being charged with assault by beating following an argument with boyfriend Lewis Burton. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images)

"I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town."

She appeared in court on Monday 23 December where she pleaded not guilty to attacking her 27-year-old boyfriend Lewis Burton.

Burton, whom Flack has been banned from seeing, has said he does not want to press charges against her. She's due to appear in court again on 4 March.