“As all good things must come to an end, it’s my time to step down as the host of my beloved Love Island,” Maya Jama wrote in an Instagram post on Nov. 8.
The 32-year-old presenter announced her departure from the ITV reality franchise after three years, marking the conclusion of her tenure which spanned nine seasons.
Jama shared a highlights reel of her time on the program, noting that she felt it was “time to throw myself into something new.”
In her statement, she expressed gratitude to the audience and the production staff, saying, “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 presenter’s role included hosting the main ITV series and the companion show Love Island Aftersun, as well as spinoffs such as Love Island Games and Love Island: All-Stars.
Jama originally took over the hosting duties from Laura Whitmore when the program returned for its ninth series in early 2023. She had previously been considered as a potential host in 2019 following the departure of Caroline Flack, though the role was ultimately given to Whitmore.
Reflecting on her time with the production, Jama said she had an “unforgettable time” and noted, “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 that she has long believed that “to truly grow, you have to take a leap every now and then.”
An ITV spokesperson commented on her exit, stating: “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’s decision to step down follows recent work on the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors, where she participated as a traitor who remained undetected until the finale. Her rising profile has led to speculation in the Times that she could “get £1m per deal” due to her success.
Before her time on Love Island, Jama’s broadcasting career included co-hosting Trending Live on 4Music and Cannonball on ITV, as well as presenting her own show on BBC Radio 1.
📺 Maya Jama is stepping down as host of Love Island UK. "All good things must come to an end," she wrote on Instagram, after hosting 9 series since taking over in 2023. She says it's time to "throw myself into something new." #LoveIsland via TMZ pic.twitter.com/5gtsd3GgR7
