Maya Jama confirmed as new Love Island host

12 October 2022, 12:34

Maya Jama at the BRIT Awards in February 2022. Picture: Stills Press / Alamy Stock Photo

The star will replace Laura Whitmore on the ITV2 dating show

Maya Jama has been confirmed as the new host of Love Island.

The 28-year-old DJ and presenter will replace Laura Whitmore - who quit the ITV2 dating show in August - and she'll be taking over the role for the upcoming winter series and beyond.

The show's official Instagram account shared a video of someone scrolling through headlines linking her to the role, to reveal Maya with a signature Love Island water bottle and suitcase.

The team wrote: "Okay, the rumours are true. Say hey to your brand-new #LoveIsland host @mayajama!"

She replied to the announcement: "SO BLOODY EXCITED! GET ME ON THAT ISLAND"

Laura Whitmore commented on the news on Instagram, posting: "Yes girl!! So delighted for you! You’re gonna be fab."

Whitmore replaced late TV presenter Caroline Flack and hosted the show for three series. However, she quit Love Island over summer, hinting at some issues behind the scenes.

Laura Whitmore at the BAFTAs in March 2022. Picture: REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo

She said: "I hate having anything I’m not allowed to say. I couldn’t ask Love Islanders if they were OK.

“It is hard. Your face is the front of the show but I am one tiny person and have no producing role so I couldn’t say if I didn’t think something was OK.”

Announcing her decision to leave, Laura explained that "certain elements" were tough to deal with.

The star - who is marred to the show's narrator Iain Sterling - said in a statement: "Some news! I won't be hosting the next series of Love Island.

"There are certain elements of the show I've found very difficult that cannot be changed some due to the format, including the flying back and forth to South Africa along with my new conflicting projects. I wish it was still possible but know you'll be in safe hands."

Laura initially took over hosting duties to fill in for previous presenter Caroline Flack and she later took on the role full time in the aftermath of Flack's death in 2020.

She added: "I was only planning to fill in for Caroline for a series and it turned into 3 series. I hope I did you proud Caroline."