Maya Jama announced on Sunday that she has quit her role as the host of Love Island to throw herself into something new.
The 32-year-old presenter led the ITV dating series since 2023 when she took over from Laura Whitmore, presenting nine series alongside spin-offs like Love Island: Games and Love Island: All Stars.
An ITV spokesperson said that Jama has been a fantastic and much-loved host on the programme, thanking her for everything she brought to the show over the last three years and wishing her continued success.
Maura Higgins and Olivia Attwood Lead Potential Replacements
Following the departure announcement, bookmakers and fans have pointed to several frontrunners to take over the hosting duties, with former contestants Maura Higgins and Olivia Attwood among the favorites.
Higgins, a 35-year-old Co Longford native who reached the final of the show in 2019, is currently priced at 6/4 to take the helm. Though she previously hosted aftersun segments for the US and games versions of the franchise, she quit those specific duties in May, telling Vulture that it was time to say goodbye and move on to different projects like hosting a Disney+ reboot of Blind Date.
Attwood, who finished in third place on the third season of the show in 2017, is currently sitting at 4/1 odds to secure the hosting role.
Vick Hope and Other Contenders Named in Betting Odds
Broadcaster Vick Hope has also emerged in the running, with her odds at 5/1.
Hope currently hosts the BBC Radio 1 drivetime show Going Home with Vick, Katie and Jamie alongside Katie Thistleton and Jamie Laing. Other names circulating in the betting markets include Big Brother’s Ad Odudu at 6/1 and podcaster Vogue Williams at 10/1, while former host Laura Whitmore sits at 14/1.
ITV stated that plans for the forthcoming series of Love Island: All Stars will be announced in due course.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hosting Change
When did Maya Jama start hosting Love Island?
Jama began hosting the reality dating series in early 2023 for its ninth season, stepping in to replace Laura Whitmore.
What are Maya Jama’s next career steps?
Variety exclusively reported that Jama has signed a Netflix deal for new projects following her acting debut in The Gentlemen Season 2 earlier this year.
Who hosted Love Island before Maya Jama?
Laura Whitmore hosted the series from 2020 until 2022 after taking over from the late Caroline Flack, who fronted the show from its 2015 reboot.