We asked Laura Whitmore for her thoughts on an LGBTQ Love Island

Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: ITV

It may not be within her power to make an LGBTQ Love Island happen – but Laura Whitmore says she’s “always pushing” for LGBTQ representation behind the scenes in her TV career.

Speaking to Attitude at Wednesday night’s Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar, the Love Island presenter said she is “all about” diversity.

Love Island generated headlines earlier this year when one of the show’s commissioners Amanda Stavri said including gay contestants on the show presents “logistical difficulties.”

“It’s all about as much diversity as possible”

Asked by Attitude where she stands on the matter of an LGBTQ Love Island, Whitmore said: “I don’t get to make the decisions on that. But I am all about [diversity].”

“I work on lots of different shows, and I watch a lot of different shows,” the 36-year-old continued. “I think it’s all about as much diversity as possible – we want to see people on TV in any way and capacity.

Laura Whitmore at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar (Photography: Kit Oates)

“And tonight, I’m here supporting my friends in the LGBTQ community – that’s what I’m continuing to do.”

Asked if she’d be for an LGBTQ Love Island, Whitmore continued: “I don’t get to make decisions, but I’m always pushing – whatever I can do, to make it be as [diverse] as possible.”

Love Island first ran on ITV between 2005 and 2006.

Since it was revived in 2015, it has run for seven series.

Read the Attitude Awards issue, out now. 

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