Laura Whitmore has had a whirlwind week after being announced as the new host of Love Island, replacing Caroline Flack.
But she made sure to take some time for herself as she returned to Ireland for Christmas.
The 34-year-old was pictured on Grafton Street in Dublin on Christmas Eve for the traditional charity busk in the aim of the Simon Community, which aims to alleviate the isolation of the homeless.
Every year, some of Ireland’s biggest musicians show up in the city centre for a Christmas busking session, and 2019 was no different.
Laura watched on as Glen Hansard and Imelda May sang for the crowds outside the Gaiety Theatre.
Other stars performing included Hothouse Flowers frontman Liam O Maonlai, Mark Geary, Mundy, and The Coronas star Danny O’Reilly – who dated Laura for two years.
The couple were on and off for two years until their break-up in 2012, with Laura previously calling the split ‘the lowest point of my life’.
However, the Irish star was in high spirits last night, as she soaked up the music and festive atmosphere, all for a good cause.
She shared a video of herself on stage with the musicians singing The Pogues’ Fairytale Of New York and wrote on Instagram: ‘Beautiful busking in Dublin last night in aid of @dublinsimoncommunity Well done @glenhansard for another great night. Love this version of fairytale of New York with Glen and @imeldaofficial.
‘Thanks to all the brilliant musicians and everyone who came out to support. Very special. Happy Christmas to you all.’
Laura – who lives in London with boyfriend Iain Stirling – will spend Christmas at home before jetting to South Africa to host the first ever winter edition of Love Island, which begins on 12 January.
Last week, it was announced the former Strictly star would be taking the place of Caroline, 40, who stood down following her charge for assault.
She said: ‘To say I’m excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement. ‘I want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances; Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend. We’ve spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role.
‘I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try and do it justice.’
She continued: ‘Above all, I am a massive fan of this show. I’ve never been to a Love Island villa, and I can’t wait to get in there to meet all the new Islanders looking for love. The Love Island team are the best in the business… including the voice and heart of the show, Iain. He thought he was getting a holiday away from me… not a chance!’
Caroline this week pleaded not guilty to the assault of her boyfriend Lewis Burton.
The star is accused of hitting Burton, 27, over the head with a lamp while he was sleeping after believing he was cheating on her.
Lewis has denied he was hit over the head with a lamp, and said he was ‘heartbroken’ not to be seeing Caroline over Christmas, after a judge refused an application to remove a bail condition banning Flack from contacting Burton directly or indirectly.
Caroline will spend Christmas Day volunteering, as she has done for the past two years, in Hackney.
On Christmas Eve, she announced she would be taking a break from social media after being ‘advised’ to.
The presenter wrote on Instagram: ‘Been advised not to go on social media … but I wanted to say happy Christmas to everyone who has been so incredibly kind to me this year….. this kind of scrutiny and speculation is a lot to take on for one person to take on their own…
‘I’m a human being at the end of the day and I’m not going to be silenced when I have a story to tell and a life to keep going with …. I’m taking some time out to get feeling better and learn some lessons from situations I’ve got myself into to. I have nothing but love to give and best wishes for everyone.’
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