Laura Whitmore has reportedly appeared in just 14 minutes of Love Island this series despite earning a rumoured £600,000 to host the show.
A total of 1,610 minutes of footage – almost 27 hours – of villa action has been broadcast so far this year, with the halfway point approaching, according to The Sun.
The presenter, 37, had appeared on 13 minutes and 26 seconds of the main show up until the point of Wednesday evening’s episode, meaning she is paid the equivalent of £744 a second.
Missing host: Laura Whitmore, 37, has reportedly appeared in just 14 minutes of Love Island this series despite earning a rumoured £600,000 to host the show
Four contestants have been dumped from the villa so far this series, situations that would have seen Laura of former host, the late Caroline Flack, step foot in the Majorcan property to reveal the results.
However, the Islanders have announced who would be departing from the show during the recouplings and as a result of public votes this year by reading out a text messages.
Laura’s absence did not go unnoticed by fans, with one taking to Twitter to ask: ‘Where is Laura Whitmore??? Surely she isn’t gettin paid for this gig #LoveIsland.’
Out of sight: The presenter had appeared on 13 minutes and 26 seconds of the main show up until the point of Wednesday evening’s episode
One other person queried: ‘Where the hell is Laura Whitmore? What does she get paid for?? #LoveIsland.’
‘We haven’t seen Laura since the first episode, where is she?’, asked another viewer.
While someone else posted: ‘So um where is Laura Whitmore? Doesn’t she like this show? #LoveIsland.’
Anyone there? Laura’s absence did not go unnoticed by fans, with one taking to Twitter to ask: ‘Where is Laura Whitmore??? Surely she isn’t gettin paid for this gig #LoveIsland’
And another audience member asked: ‘Where is Laura? All of this texting looks stupid #loveisland.’
MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Love Island and a representative for Love Island for comment.
It comes after it was announced Love Island will return for two new series in 2023.
The hugely popular ITV2 dating show will be back for a special winter edition in January before the main summer season airs just a few months later from the beloved villa in Majorca.
Paul Mortimer – Director of Reality Commissioning and Controller, ITV2 – said: ‘Love Island has once again proved itself to be the nation’s favourite talking point across the summer, and we’re always blown away by the show’s ongoing impact and talkability amongst our younger audience.
‘So, rather than just serving up a Summer of Love, we thought we’d make 2023 the Year of Love with two full series of the show.’
The programme – which ranks as TV’s biggest show for 16-34 year olds – will return to South Africa for the first time since 2020’s winter edition in a brand new villa.
Mike Spencer – Executive Producer at Lifted Entertainment – added: ‘After eight brilliant series, we are excited to be serving up two helpings of love in 2023 by kicking off in January at a stunning new villa in South Africa.
‘We can look forward to more romances, bromances and everything in between as we embark on another epic year of love.’
Love Island airs at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox.
LOVE ISLAND 2022: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Paige Thorne
Name: Paige Thorne
Age: 24
Location: Swansea
Occupation: Paramedic
Who is their type on paper? ‘In Swansea there is just no-one I can find.
‘I haven’t got to swipe. So, hopefully they can just come to me now!
‘I came out of a relationship and I was just so done with guys. Then I was like, ‘Ok, I’m bored now’
Indiyah Polack
Name: Indiyah Polack
Age: 23
Location: London
Occupation: Hotel waitress
Who is their type on paper? ‘It’s quite hard to date without being influenced by social media and stuff like that.
‘Love Island is a great place to get to know someone one-on-one.
‘I don’t think I have ever been out with two guys who are quite the same.’
Tasha Ghouri
Name: Tasha Ghouri
Age: 23
Location: Thirsk
Occupation: Model and dancer
Who is their type on paper? ‘My dating life has been a shambles.
‘This is an opportunity for me to find ‘the one’ and have a great summer at the same time.
‘I’m definitely ready for a relationship. I’m 23 now so I’m ready to get to know someone and travel with them.’
Gemma Owen
Name: Gemma Owen
Age: 19
Location: Chester
Occupation: International Dressage Rider and Business Owner
Who is their type on paper? ‘I am open to finding love, I’m wanting to have a really fun summer.
‘I would say I’m fun, flirty and fiery. I think I’m good at giving advice, I’m a good person to talk to, I’m very honest.
‘If I want the same guy, I’d do it but in a nice respectful way.
Andrew Le Page
Name: Andrew Le Page
Age: 27
Location: Guernsey
Occupation: Real Estate Agent
Who is their type on paper? ‘When I’m with someone I’m very loyal.
‘I’m a good boyfriend as when I’m with someone I’m all for them.
‘I’m actually single for once, so I thought why not?
This is the best time to give it a go.’
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Name: Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Age: 27
Location: Essex
Occupation: Actress
Who is their type on paper? ‘I’m quite picky and I’m not just looking for looks, I’m looking for brains!
‘I’m looking for someone with intelligence, someone who can have good chats. Nothing like cockiness!’
Jay Younger
Name: Jay Younger
Age: 28
Location: Edinburgh
Occupation: Investment analyst
Who is their type on paper? ‘I am a slow burner for sure, yeah. I don’t fall easily.
‘I quite like self sufficiency in girls.’
Dami Hope
Name: Dami Hope
Age: 26
Location: Dublin
Occupation: Senior Microbiologist
Who is their type on paper? ‘I will be talking to different girls, it might not go well with some.
‘When I’m actually in a relationship, I think it’s a star sign thing.
‘I’m an Aries but I’m very passionate – I always used to put that person first. I’m really good at being in a team’.
Davide Sanclimenti
Name: Davide Sanclimenti
Age: 27
Location: Rome (lives in Manchester)
Occupation: Business owner
Who is their type on paper? ‘A lot of English girls actually love me.
‘They love to be around me and I love to be around them. I want to find my soulmate.
‘Find my person so I can actually build something in the future, grow with them, be a family. ‘
Luca Bish
Name: Luca Bish
Age: 23
Location: Brighton
Occupation: Fishmonger
Who is their type on paper? ‘I prefer to meet girls out and about. I think when you go looking for it, it’s not as easy though, it’s like you’re too desperate for it.
‘If I think you’re the one or I like you, I’ll take you out on a date but other than that, if we talk and I don’t like where it’s going – then I won’t be throwing out dates.’
Jacques O’Neill
Name: Jacques O’Neill
Age: 23
Location: Cumbria
Occupation: Rugby League Player
Who is their type on paper? ‘I think it needs to be the right person, at the right time.
‘I was saying to my mum the other day that I want a girl. And I’m now ready to settle down.’
Antigoni Buxton
Name: Antigoni Buxton
Age: 26
Location: London
Occupation: Singer-songwriter
Why Love Island? I’ve been single for almost a year and a half and for the whole of the last year my goal has been to have as many different experiences as possible.
‘I really just want to say ‘yes’ to things. Why not? It’ll be fun.’
Danica Taylor
Name: Danica Taylor
Age: 21
Location: Leicester
Occupation: Dancer
Who is their type on paper? ‘I am the type of girlfriend that I want to do so much with you – deep conversations, silly activities.
‘If you say let’s go canoeing all day even though I am quite a glam girl, I am down for it.’
Charlie Radnedge
Name: Charlie Radnedge
Age: 28
Location: London
Occupation: Real estate developer
Why do you think you’re a catch? ‘I am probably slightly more mature than some other people in the Villa. I’ve got some things figured out. I think I’m ready to settle down, basically.’
Source: | Dailymail.co.uk