Laura Whitmore: The true crime journalist investigating 'Britain's Killer Teens'

From TV presenter to true crime investigator, the talented Laura Whitmore wears many hats. You might recognise her from your TV screen – but probably not like this.

Best known for her years in live television, Laura Whitmore has spent the past decade carving out a multi-faceted career that spans broadcasting, investigative journalism and documentary filmmaking.

With a sharp eye for a story and a genuine curiosity about human behaviour, the Irish presenter and journalist is turning her attention to the darker side of adolescence.

See Laura in action as she delves into Britain’s Killer Teens, a brand-new series coming exclusively to Crime+Investigation in September.

TV presenter

Born in Dublin in 1985, Laura Whitmore rose to prominence in the late 2000s, after winning a nationwide MTV competition that landed her a presenting job with the network.

As the face of MTV News, the Irish presenter covered everything from global music festivals to interviews with some of the world’s biggest stars, including Coldplay, Justin Bieber and Eminem. Her natural warmth and quick thinking in live settings quickly made her one of the channel’s most trusted presenters.

Laura Whitmore on Britain's Killer Teens

Britain’s Killer Teens seeks to uncover the underlying reasons why teenagers commit such heinous crimes

Over the next decade, Laura’s presenting résumé expanded across genres and networks. She hosted the BBC’s backstage coverage of Eurovision, ITV2’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! NOW!, and the primetime game show Survival of the Fittest.

In 2020, she became the presenter of Love Island, one of the UK’s most high-profile and talked-about reality shows. But behind the screen, red carpet events and festival coverage, Laura always had a journalist’s instinct – and a desire to dig deeper.

After graduating with a degree in journalism from Dublin City University, Laura honed her skills, not just in front of the camera but behind it, working on interviews, profiles and live reports.

True crime investigator

In recent years, Laura has made a conscious pivot toward subjects that resonate on a more profound level – and true crime is firmly on her radar.

Laura said: 'I love live TV and entertainment, but I’ve always had this deep curiosity about people – what shapes us, what drives us, and what leads someone to take a path that harms others.'

Steven Miles: The killer teen inspired by Dexter

Steven Miles was a teenager obsessed with the TV show Dexter, leading him to commit murder to emulate the character.

Britain’s Killer Teens isn’t Laura’s first foray into crime documentaries. In 2023, she presented Laura Whitmore Investigates, a powerful ITV series that tackled coercive control, online exploitation and gender-based violence.

The project highlighted a different side of the Dublin-born presenter – measured, thoughtful and unafraid to ask tough questions.

As a journalist, her passion for justice is rooted in real empathy. Speaking about her desire to work on true crime stories, she’s been open about wanting to give a voice to victims, amplify expert insight and challenge perceptions – especially when it comes to young offenders and the systems that shape them.

Confronting the unthinkable

In her new Crime+Investigation series, Laura investigates real-life cases where young people – some as young as 14 – committed devastating acts of violence. Each episode focuses on a different theme, from jealousy and peer pressure to manipulation and mental health, highlighting the complex web of factors that can lead a teenager to murder.

Brianna Ghey: The transgender girl murdered by two teenagers

Brianna Ghey was stabbed 28 times in a vicious attack by a teenage boy and girl after they lured her to meet in a local park

This isn’t about the headlines or the horror; it’s about the deeper issues at play. With help from detectives, psychologists and the families of victims, Laura leads viewers through some of the most disturbing crimes in recent British history with care, respect, and a journalist’s sharp eye.

'I wanted to approach these stories without judgement,' Laura explains. 'Some of these cases are incredibly difficult to process – but they also raise big questions about responsibility, society, and how young people are being failed.'

A new chapter

While the move into crime programming might surprise some, for Laura, it’s a natural step.

'I think as I’ve grown up, my career has grown up with me,' she says. 'I’m not the same person I was ten years ago. I’m more confident in asking the big questions. I’m less afraid to sit in uncomfortable spaces and hear hard truths.'

'I've been hearing voices': James Fairweather, Essex's teenage killer

James Fairweather was obsessed with serial killers and murdered two strangers when he was just a teenager.

And that confidence shines through in Britain’s Killer Teens. Laura brings a grounded, empathetic presence to every episode. The true crime investigator gives space to the people who lived through these tragedies. And she isn’t afraid to confront the darker sides of human behaviour.

Love true crime? Stay in the know with the Crime+Investigation Newsletter! Get exclusive access to new articles, episodes, clips, competitions, and more – delivered weekly and completely free. Don't miss out – sign up today!