It’s been confirmed Maya Jama will replace Laura Whitmore as the host of Love Island, but who is the star taking over?
Ever since the 37-year-old Irish presenter announced she was quitting the hit dating show rumours of who would replace her have been circling – from this year’s winner Ekin-Su to previous LI hit Maura, everyone wanted to know who would take over.
Maya Jama New Love Island Host
Laura took over hosting the show from Caroline Flack in 2020, but in August this year, she decided she would be stepping away from the role.
But today, October 12, ITV confirmed on social media Maya would be taking over for the ninth season as the Islanders return to South Africa for the first of two series in 2023.
Maya said: ‘I’ve always been such a massive Love Island fan and I’m so excited to be hosting one of the nation’s favourite shows! I can’t wait to get into the Villa to meet all of the Islanders.’
Laura praised her replacement with a comment on the Instagram post saying: ‘Yes girl!! So delighted for you! You’re gonna be fab,’ followed by a red heart emoji.
Maya went on to express her excitement about her new role by saying “SO B****Y EXCITED GET ME ON THAT ISLAND”.
Director of Reality Programming & Acquisitions and Controller, ITV2, ItvBe & CITV, Paul Mortimer said: ‘Finding a new host to follow the wonderful Laura Whitmore was never going to be easy. In Maya Jama though, we have another high-profile fan of the show who’ll be a great addition to the Love Island family.
‘Cool, charming and charismatic, I speak for us all when I say Maya will also bring a unique presenting style to the show, as did Laura and, of course, the very much missed Caroline Flack. We’re very pleased to have her on board.’
Who is Maya Jama?
For those unfamiliar with the new host, Maya is an English television, radio presenter, and DJ who really launched her career back in 2015 when she co-presented Trending Live! on 4Music from 2015 until 2017.
The 28-year-old then went on to work on Cannonball on ITV in 2017, the MTV show True Love or True Lies in 2018, and the first series of The Circle with Alice Levine on Channel 4.
In radio, the Bristol-born presenter hosted #DriveWithMaya on Rinse FM from 2014 to 2017 and co-presented Radio 1’s Greatest Hits and presented her eponymous show, Maya Jama on BBC Radio 1 from 2018 to 2020.
Alongside her work, in November 2019, she won the People’s Choice Award for best-dressed star and later opened and hosted the 2020 EE BAFTA red carpet in a 5G-powered AR dress.
As well as a self-professed fan of Love Island, Maya is a keen football fan and supports both Bristol Rovers and West Ham United.