Maya Jama has quit as presenter of Love Island.
A major chapter in reality television has come to a close as Maya Jama steps down as the host of Love Island. The 32-year-old presenter confirmed her departure after leading the hit ITV dating series through nine seasons over a three-year run.
Sharing a highlight reel on Instagram, she reflected on her time with the show, writing: “What an incredible era and what an unforgettable time I’ve had, it’s been far too much fun to put into words or a video..but as all good things must come to an end, it’s my time to step down as the host of my beloved Love Island. (sic)”
In her emotional statement, Jama took time to express gratitude toward those who backed her from the beginning: “Firstly, I want to thank all of the people who rooted so hard for me to host the show in the first place. I wouldn’t change a thing.
“To the fans of the show, thank you for every supportive message and every single time you’ve tuned in during my time as host, I’m forever grateful to you all. The show really does belong to the people who watch it and embrace it year after year.
“Biggest thanks to the incredible production team, I’ve seen firsthand how you work your a**** off for months every year to bring this iconic show to life.”
Looking back on her growth during her tenure, she added: “I started hosting the show aged 28 and during the 9 incredible series met the most wonderful humans along the way. I’ve loved every slow-mo walk, fire pit and live show. I’ll forever be grateful for the experience.”
Why has Maya Jama quit Love Island?
While her next career steps remain undisclosed, Jama indicated a desire to take on fresh challenges: “But I’ve always believed that to truly grow, you have to take a leap every now and then, and now is my time to throw myself into something new.
“While my own Love Island journey has come to an end, I wish the show and the team all the success in the world, I’ll be cheering you lot on from the sidelines forever.”
Maya’s stint on The Celebrity Traitors has propelled her to superstar status, as one of the most sought after stars on British TV.
wheretowatch.tv understands she’s also likely to step down from Masked Singer UK to pursue at least one major new project a the BBC.
We recently revealed she could also be in line for a role on Strictly as bosses look likely to revamp it AGAIN after changes to this years presenting lineup flopped.
Jama first took over the hosting duties from Laura Whitmore following an announcement in October 2022, officially making her on-screen debut in 2023. With Love Island: All Stars slated to return to South Africa in January, ITV is expected to announce her successor shortly.
Acknowledging her departure, an ITV spokesperson shared with The Sun: “Maya has been a fantastic and much-loved host on Love Island – we thank her for everything she has brought to the show over the last three years and wish her every continued success.”
The news follows Jama’s recent appearance on the second season of the BBC’s The Celebrity Traitors, where she played as a Traitor until being banished at the final Round Table after a vote by fellow Traitor King Kenny. Faithfuls Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian Croft ultimately claimed victory. Following her appearance, Jama personally donated £83,500—the amount she would have won—to the charity Action for Children.