Nine Seasons Later, Maya Jama Quits as Love Island Host
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| Maya Jama (British broadcaster and media personality) |
Maya Jama has announced that she is leaving her role as host of Love Island after three years.
The 32-year-old presenter shared the news on Instagram, posting a highlights reel of her time on the programme. Jama said it was "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," the TV and radio presenter said.
Her departure follows her appearance on the BBC's Celebrity Traitors, in which she played a traitor who went undetected until the finale. Her success on the show prompted speculation in the Times that she could "get £1m per deal".
Jama succeeded Laura Whitmore as host when the show returned for its ninth series in early 2023. She had first been touted as a potential host in 2019, when it was confirmed that Caroline Flack would step down, but the role went to Whitmore.
Thanking fans and the production team, Jama said she had an "unforgettable time" on the programme.
"I started hosting the show aged 28 and during the nine incredible series met the most wonderful humans along the way. I've loved every slow-mo walk, fire pit and live show."
She added: "I've always believed that to truly grow, you have to take a leap every now and then."
An ITV spokesperson said: "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."
Jama moved to London at the age of 16 to pursue a career in entertainment. She began her broadcasting career co-hosting Trending Live on 4Music and Cannonball on ITV, before moving on to present her BBC Radio 1 show on Fridays and Saturdays.
In 2017, at the age of 23, she became the youngest person to co-host the Mobo Awards on Channel 5, alongside the JLS star turned presenter Marvin Humes.
