Maya Jama leaves Love Island hosting role
The 32-year-old presenter announced her departure on Instagram, ending a three-year tenure that began during the show's ninth series.
By Nia Foster ·
Maya Jama will no longer host Love Island. The 32-year-old presenter announced the news on Instagram, marking the end of her three-year stint with the reality program.
Jama posted a highlights reel of her time on the show to share the update. She told followers it was "time to throw myself into something new." The announcement confirms a change in leadership for the franchise, which will now seek a new face to lead the series.
The decision follows Jama's recent appearance on the BBC's Celebrity Traitors. She participated as a traitor and avoided detection until the final episode. Her performance in that series boosted her public profile, leading to reports in The Times that she could command one million pounds per deal.
Jama assumed the Love Island hosting duties in early 2023. She replaced Laura Whitmore, who had taken over from Caroline Flack in 2019. Flack initially stepped down from the role that year, but the position went to Whitmore before Jama was eventually chosen.
In her message to fans, Jama described her experience as "unforgettable." She noted that she started hosting at age 28 and spent the last few seasons with the production team. "I’ve loved every slow-mo walk, fire pit and live show," she wrote.
ITV issued a statement thanking Jama for her contribution. The spokesperson described her as a "fantastic and much-loved host" and wished her continued success. Jama added that she believes growing requires taking a leap occasionally.
Before Love Island, Jama built her career in London, moving there at age 16. She began as a co-host for Trending Live on 4Music and Cannonball on ITV. She later presented a show on BBC Radio 1 and co-hosted the Mobo awards with Marvin Humes in 2017, becoming the youngest person to do so at age 23.
