The new host of Love Island, Laura Whitmore, has officially touched down in South Africa to front the new season of our favourite dating show.
The much-loved TV programme, which has been given a winter instalment this year for the first time ever, kicks off on Sunday (finally), so we couldn't hide our excitement to see her announce her arrival in the coastal city of Cape Town.
Laura posted snaps on her Instagram Stories of her dancing around her plush accommodation, complete with a tortoise wandering around the gardens (!) and announced that her first shoot was complete.
The sneak peek is getting us majorly excited - what better way to spend the most miserable month of the year than sitting in front of the TV?
The 34-year-old shared her entire journey on Instagram, with snaps of her LI-branded suitcase and a round of champagne as she checked herself into the Heathrow lounge on Monday.
The presenter and DJ will kick off her hosting duties in what we assume will be an initial coupling up ceremony on Sunday night, if it is to imitate previous shows. It is usually a pretty brutal opening episode - and tbh we can't wait.
She is new to the ITV2 dating programme, after replacing Caroline Flack as presenter, who stepped down from her usual duties following her arrest last year.
The 40-year-old was arrested and charged with assault by beating on 12th December, following a dispute with her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27, at her North London home.
She has since pleaded not guilty to the charges at Highbury Corner magistrates court and was released on bail, but now faces trial on March 4th.
The star chose to step down from presenting the winter version of Love Island, due to the incident as to not distract from the show.
She announced the news on Instagram: "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 these 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."
Caroline added: "In order to not distract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is to stand down for Series 6.
"I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town."
Just days later, Dublin-born presenter Laura confirmed she would be replacing Caroline announcing the news on Instagram, writing: "I will be hosting Love Island and Aftersun this series. Whhhhaa???
"To say I'm excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement."
She added: "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 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.
"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".
Laura has since been showing off her excitement for the new series, posting to Instagram on Monday a picture of her packing her suitcase with the caption: "Last minute packing....all the essentials...Cape Town here I come!"
She then posted an Instagram story of boyfriend Iain Stirling, the voiceover of Love Island, at a London tube station wearing a sweatshirt that read "choose love," when the pair were no doubt on their way to the airport.
From there she kept updating her story with snippets from her journey to Cape Town, including her wearing a face mask on the plane kicking back living her best life.
She finally rounded things off when she posted the snap of her Cape Town lodgings explaining that a tortoise was wandering around in the garden.
We didn't think our excitement would peak any more after seeing the announcement of the faces of the new islanders on Monday night, but her arrival has ramped our anticipation further for the new series. This extra instalment = January sorted.
We're set to see the islanders shack up in a brand new villa in South Africa rather than the usual Mallorca, but we imagine the tears, tantrums, pies and snakey behaviour will all be the same.
In case you missed it, see all the goss on the new Love Islanders here.
The new faces vying for each others' attention are:
- Callum Jones, 23
- Leanne Amaning, 22
- Sophie Piper, 21
- Ollie Williams, 23
- Shaughna Phillips, 25
- Jess Gale, 20
- Eve Gale, 20
- Connor Durman, 25
- Nas Majeed, 23
- Mike Boateng, 24
- Paige Turley, 22
- Siânnise Fudge, 25
Bring it on!
Featured Image Credit: Matt Crossick/PA Archive/PA ImagesTopics: Entertainment News, TV and Film, Celebrity, News, Celebrity News, Love Island