Maya Jama walks out of the villa after nine series, and ITV now needs a new face for Love Island
Maya Jama has quit as host of Love Island UK, announcing on Instagram that after nine series it is time to try something new. ITV has thanked her but has not named a successor, so the search is now on for the presenter who will front one of British television's most valuable reality franchises.
Three things to know
- Jama announced her exit on Instagram on Sunday, UK time, saying "all good things must come to an end" and that she wants to throw herself into something new.
- She has fronted the main show since 2023, along with Aftersun, Love Island All Stars and the US spin-off Love Island Games.
- ITV has praised her and wished her continued success, but has not named who will replace her or said when the next series will air.
Maya Jama is leaving Love Island UK. The presenter announced on Instagram on Sunday, UK time, that she is stepping down after nine series as host, calling her time on the show “an incredible era”.
She did not say what she will do next, only that she wants to take a leap and throw herself into something new. She also thanked the show’s audience, writing that the show “really does belong to the people who watch it”.
ITV responded with a statement thanking her and wishing her every continued success. It has not named a replacement.
How long has she been the face of the show?
Jama took over in 2023, replacing Laura Whitmore, who had stepped down the year before. Her first series was the show’s ninth, and she has since fronted the regular series as well as the spin-offs.
That made her the face of nearly every part of the franchise: the main show, the after-show Aftersun, Love Island All Stars, which brings back former contestants, and Love Island Games, the spin-off made for the US streamer Peacock.
Why does it matter?
Love Island is one of ITV’s biggest reality brands, and its host is one of the most visible jobs in British entertainment. Jama’s exit leaves ITV to choose a new presenter between series, and the choice will be read as a signal of where the show goes next.
The departure also comes during a busy stretch for Jama. She reached the final of the second series of The Celebrity Traitors, going out at the last round table.
Who could replace her?
ITV has not said, and VNN will not guess. The broadcaster has not announced dates for the next series, so there is no deadline yet for naming a new host.
Does this affect Love Island Australia?
No. Love Island Australia is a separate production with its own host, and Jama’s announcement covers only the UK show and the spin-offs she fronted.
How we got here
The key moments that brought this story into focus. Open any moment for detail.
2022Whitmore steps down
Laura Whitmore leaves as Love Island UK host.
2023Jama takes over
Maya Jama hosts her first series, the show's ninth.
2023 to 2026Franchise host
Jama fronts the main show, Aftersun, All Stars and Love Island Games.
8 November 2026Exit announced
Jama tells her Instagram followers she is leaving after nine series.
What happens next
ITV is expected to name a new host before the next series; it has given no date. Jama has not announced her next project.
Sources
- VNN
VNN never names people who give us information in confidence. How we protect sources and tips.
That is the story in a minute. For the evidence, context and what happens next, switch to the full story.
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