Maya Jama is leaving Love Island UK after nine series as host. The 32-year-old announced her exit on Instagram on November 8. She also shared a video of highlights from her time on the ITV dating show.
Maya said she believes growth comes from taking risks and explained that it was time to “throw myself into something new”.
“What an incredible era and what an unforgettable time I’ve had,” Maya wrote, adding that her journey was so fun that she cannot put it into words or a video.
She wrote that all good things must come to an end and it was her time to step down as the host.
Maya took over from Laura Whitmore in 2023. She also hosted Love Island: Aftersun and the spin-offs Love Island Games and Love Island: All Stars.
Maya Jama thanks Love Island fans and crew
Maya also thanked the people who supported her appointment and said she had no regrets. She showed her appreciation for the viewers who followed her time on the show.
“I’m forever grateful to you all.”
She also praised the production team for their hard work behind the scenes, recognising the months they spent bringing each series to life.
Maya began hosting the show when she was 28. During her nine series, she said she had met many wonderful people and enjoyed the slow-motion entrances, fire pit moments and live shows.
She later shared the video on her Instagram Stories, calling it an emotional end of an era.
Who will replace Maya Jama on Love Island UK?
ITV has not announced who will replace Maya as the show’s host for the next series.
An ITV spokesperson thanked Maya in a statement, according to The Guardian. He said, “Maya has been a fantastic and much-loved host on Love Island.”
The network praised everything she had brought to the show over the past three years. He also wished her success with her future projects.
Maya’s departure follows a busy year in television. She recently reached the final of the BBC’s second series of The Celebrity Traitors as a Traitor.
She also made her acting debut in season two of Netflix’s The Gentlemen. Earlier speculation about her future followed the summer series, but Maya told Deadline she usually decides whether to return only after each series ends.
Maya ended her announcement by wishing the show and its production team well, adding that she would continue cheering them on from the sidelines.
Love Island UK airs on ITV2 and is available to stream on ITVX in the UK.
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