Over the last few years, Laura Whitmore has taken a major leap in her career, stepping away from her high-profile TV roles to pursue something completely different—acting on the theatre stage.
While she once captivated millions as the host of Love Island, the star is now finding fulfillment in front of intimate theatre audiences, a world far removed from the glitz and glamour of television.
The Breakaway from Love Island and ITV
Laura Whitmore’s career in showbiz began with a reporter role at MTV, but it was her hosting gig on Love Island that really put her in the spotlight.
After taking over from Caroline Flack in 2020, Laura led the hit ITV reality series until 2022.
However, despite the show’s massive success, Laura shocked fans when she suddenly stepped down after just three seasons.
She explained that certain aspects of the show became difficult for her, particularly with how she felt restricted in her role.
In interviews, she openly criticized ITV, sharing how she was expected to stay silent on key issues and feeling frustrated by the limits placed on her.
This dissatisfaction marked the end of her time with the show, and she chose to step away from Love Island, which still attracts millions of viewers.
A Shift Away from the Spotlight and Exploring New Ventures
After leaving the ITV juggernaut, Laura attempted to stay within the TV industry, but her efforts saw mixed results.
She briefly hosted a morning chat show called Laura Whitmore’s Breakfast Show, but it was cancelled after only a few months.
She also fronted the Prime Video series Date My Mate, but the show was axed after its first season.
Laura’s frustration with her television career led her to take a new approach.
Instead of just being the face of a show, she took on a producer role for her ITVX series Laura Whitmore Investigates.
This was a turning point, as Laura described it as a way for her to “reclaim my power,” after feeling that she lacked control over her previous TV projects.
Although the series only aired three episodes, it marked an important shift in her career.
Laura’s West End Debut and Theatre Focus
In 2022, after leaving Love Island, Laura made her West End debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story.
The production has been known for its rotating cast members, but Laura embraced the experience and found a new passion in theatre.
This summer, she’s taking on a leading role in The Girl On The Train, following a run at the Hampstead Theatre with a new play, Apex Predator.
The Hampstead Theatre, with a 325-seat capacity, offers a much more intimate environment than the massive audiences of Love Island, where millions would tune in.
But for Laura, the move to the stage has been a welcome change.
Balancing Family Life with a Theatre Career
For Laura, family is at the heart of her career shift.
As a mother to her four-year-old daughter Stevie, Laura’s decision to pursue theatre roles has been largely influenced by the logistics of balancing her professional and personal life.
During her time in Apex Predator, her husband, comedian Iain Stirling, will be on the road for his UK stand-up tour.
Laura said that she’s purposely taken on these projects in the summer months, so she doesn’t have to pull Stevie out of school.
This allows her to continue working while prioritizing time with her family.
“It’s a logistical nightmare,” Laura admitted, “but the priority for Iain and me is always going to be our child.”
The Reality of Lower Pay and Personal Growth
While Laura’s theatre roles are rewarding, they come with a significant pay cut compared to her time on Love Island.
It’s reported that stage actors can earn around £1,430 a week depending on the audience size, whereas Laura’s salary as the host of Love Island was rumored to be much higher—though she has denied the £600,000 figure that was speculated at the time.
Despite the financial differences, Laura seems content with her career choices.
She revealed that the hardest job she’s ever had is motherhood, and having her daughter has made her more appreciative of time.
“It makes me more appreciative of time and of giving my time to the right things,” she said, reflecting on how her outlook has shifted since becoming a mother.
For now, Laura’s ambitions aren’t focused on chasing large paychecks, but on finding the right balance between work and family while exploring new avenues in her career.