Maya Jama has opened up about the challenges of stepping away from her usual presenting role and becoming a contestant on The Celebrity Traitors, admitting she found it difficult not being in control…
Maya Jama has opened up about the challenges of stepping away from her usual presenting role and becoming a contestant on The Celebrity Traitors, admitting she found it difficult not being in control.
The TV presenter and actress, 32, confirmed she has bagged a deal with streaming giant Netflix this week less than a day after she announced her decision to leave her role as Love Island host.
Maya discussed her career, ambitions and experience on the hit BBC show in the milestone The Life Issue of DSECTION magazine, where she features as part of an international line-up celebrating individuality and success.
Known for her confidence in front of the camera, Maya admitted that taking part in The Celebrity Traitors was a very different experience from what she was used to.
“I’m so used to being the presenter and having some control over what’s going on, so being on the other side of things was a completely different experience,” she said.
“I loved the first series, so when the opportunity came up, I thought, why not? Although I don’t think I realised quite how intense it would be!” she added. “I’m normally quite chilled out, but that environment definitely pushes you.”
Earlier this week, Maya announced she was leaving Love Island after three years and nine series to pursue other career adventures. The Bristol native is also filming Series 3 of The Gentleman after landing a part in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix gangster series – her first major acting role.
“I’ve definitely still got that hunger. I don’t think that ever really goes away when you’re naturally ambitious. I still get excited by new opportunities, and I still want to push myself and see how far I can go,” she said.
“Being able to choose what I do, who I work with, where I spend my time and who I spend it with. That’s a massive luxury, and I don’t take it for granted.”
Looking ahead, she also reflects on the importance of taking risks and trusting her instincts: “I’d want my future self to thank me for being brave. For taking chances, trusting my instincts and not letting fear or other people’s opinions stop me from doing things.”
As Maya’s six-figure deal with Netflix was announced this week, Anne Mensah, Netflix’s vice president of U.K. content, said: “She has an infectious energy and an ability to captivate audiences. We adored working with her on The Gentlemen, and we’re absolutely delighted for her to be an even bigger part of the Netflix family.”
Of the exciting new venture, Maya added: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be working with Netflix! There are some really exciting things coming and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on. I can’t give too much away just yet, but I’m so excited for this next chapter. Watch this space!”
Auditions for Maya’s Love Island replacement are said to be starting almost immediately, with the next instalment of the show set to air in just a matter of weeks. In her exit statement, Maya said “all good things must come to an end.’
“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,” she wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
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