Maya Jama has announced she is stepping down as Love Island host after three years and nine series – but there’s only one person who should replace her, according to Social News Assistant Editor Samantha Bartlett
Maya Jama has revealed she is standing down as presenter of Love Island following three years in the role. The TV host broke the news on Instagram on Sunday (November 8), posting a statement explaining that after three years and nine series spanning the main programme and its various spin-offs, she is departing to “throw myself into something new”.
In her statement shared with her 3.5million followers, Maya, 32, conveyed her appreciation to supporters and audiences while applauding the production team. She also reflected warmly on her tenure, remarking that she cherished every memorable occasion – from the iconic slow-motion villa entrances and tense fire pit assemblies to the live broadcast instalments.
Admirers and acquaintances of the presenter rushed to back her decision, with the announcement accumulating over 300,000 likes.
Numerous Love Island personalities also responded, including this year’s champion Julia Majchrzak, who described her as an “icon”, and series 10’s Tyrique Hyde, who wrote: “Smashed it! MY GOAT.”
Following Maya’s departure revelation, bookmakers, observers, and audiences have all pondered who might assume the presenting duties – with several frontrunners already surfacing.
Former Love Island contestant Maura Higgins represents one significant possibility. She proved a massive audience favourite from series 5 and has demonstrated hosting abilities within the franchise following her stint presenting Love Island USA: Aftersun, positioning her as a natural, established candidate for the primary UK programme.
Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu is also reportedly in contention, alongside This Morning and radio host Sian Welby, podcaster GK Barry and Love Island favourites Indiyah Polak and Chloe Burrows.
However, my personal pick for the perfect candidate to front the show is none other than Olivia Attwood.
She was an undeniable icon during series 3 back in 2017, and has gone from strength to strength ever since her memorable appearance on the programme.
Olivia has since established herself as a seasoned TV presenter, already working closely with the ITV team – fronting Olivia Meets Her Match, Getting Filthy Rich, and making regular appearances on Loose Women.
Her deep familiarity with the villa dynamic, sky-high confidence and hilarious personality could make her one of the most iconic Love Island presenters we’ve ever seen.
Not to mention she’d absolutely nail those slow-mo walks – and just imagine the outfits!
We would sometimes see Maya hit back at islanders who needed to be put in the place a bit, and I think Olivia would be great at this too.
I do think Maura would be good, however I think it’s clear that she’s set her sights on the US, seeing as all her recent TV appearances have been there, so I don’t think the UK show is the right fit for her.
Fans of the show also seem keen for Olivia, 35, to take on the role.
Olivia shared a post full of glam photos on Instagram shortly after Maya’s announcement, and admirers couldn’t wait to tell her they thought she’d be great at the job.
One exclaimed: “Olivia for Love Island host,” while another added: “Can you please present Love Island now. I think that would be iconic.”
A third also branded her “Love Island’s newest presenter”.
All I hope for is that producers have seen what’s happened with the hosts of Strictly Come Dancing this year, and stick to a fan favourite, rather than going for someone out-of-the-box.
However, they listened when we all called for Maya, so hopefully they’ll do the same this time and pick Olivia Attwood like we all know they should.
Maya’s statement in full
Addressing her Instagram followers in her statement, Maya wrote:
“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.
“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 asses off for months every year to bring this iconic show to life.
“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.
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.”
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