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9 min read
Maya Jama has stepped down as Love Island host after three years and nine series. Oliying she was born for the role
Maya Jama has called time on her three-year run as host of Love Island. The announcement landed on Instagram on Sunday 8 November 2026, alongside a highlights reel of her time on the show. She wrote that all good things must come to an end and that it was her moment to throw herself into something new. The news arrived weeks after she reached the final of Celebrity Traitors as a Traitor, a run that raised her profile further and sparked talk of bigger presenting deals.
ITV responded quickly with a short statement thanking her for everything she brought to the series. The focus has already shifted to the next host. With Love Island: All Stars due to return in South Africa in January 2027, the broadcaster needs someone in place soon.
Bookmakers and production chatter have pointed to the same name: former series three contestant Oli media have been even more direct, with many arguing she already knows the villa better than anyone else outside the production team
What happened and why Did Maya Jama leave Love Island?
Jama took over from Laura Whitmore in 2023 after Whitmore herself had replaced the late Caroline Flack. Over nine series she became the face of the main show and its spin-offs, including All Stars and Games. She started hosting at 28 and, by her own account, loved the slow-mo walks, the fire-pit recouplings and the live shows.
Her decision to leave was framed as a personal one rather than a falling-out. She has spoken before about only deciding whether to continue once a series has finished, andTraitors appearance, where she made it to the end before being banished, appears to have opened other doors
Some reports suggested she could command significantly higher fees for other work. At the same time, the production schedule for All Stars was reportedly pushed later in January partly in an attempt to keep her, but the timing still did not work.
The show itself remains one of ITV2’s biggest titles, even as it continues to attract the usual debate about contestant welfare and tone. Jama’s exit leaves a gap at a moment when the franchise is preparing its next winter series.
What did Maya Jama say in her official statement?
Jama posted the full message on Instagram. Here is the statement as she wrote it:
“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.
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.
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.
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 official Love Island account replied under her post with “The end of an iconic era.”
Who is Replacing Maya Jama on Love Island? What we know so far
ITV has said a replacement will be announced in due course. No one has been confirmed yet. conversations are only just beginning and that no formal talks have taken place with any candidate
Olit. Coral make her the 2-1 favourite. Arunner” because of her existing relationship with Lifted; she has even attended a bosses’ wedding. The samem girl,” though a male presenter has not been ruled out
Olig role following Maya Jama’s departure.The former Islander had previously been tipped as a potential successor even before Maya announced her exit. https://t.co/vyiNx3R5tg
— Love Island Crave (@luvislandcrave) November 9, 2026
Other names in the betting include Maura Higgins at 5-2, Vick Hope at 3-1, Sam Thompson at 7-2, and AJ Odudu further back. Chloe Burrows and Indiyah Polack have also been mentioned by fans and some insiders.
Auditions are expected to take place this week. The next All Stars series is scheduled for January 2027 in South Africa, which leaves a relatively short window to lock in a host who can handle both the villa and the live elements.
Why Oli
Attwood entered the villa in series three in 2017, coupled up with Chris Hughes, and finished third. She later coined the term “the ick” in public conversation and turned a single series into a longer television career.
Since leaving the island she has presented her own documentaries for ITV2, including Getting Filthy Rich and The Price of Perfection, and has been a regular on Loose Women. She has also hosted Bad Boyfriends, which performed strongly on ITVX.
That background matters for this job. She has lived through the challenges, the public scrutiny and the recouplings. She already knows how the production works and has a working relationship with the team that makes the show.live television and the chaos that comes with it
Viewers who have followed her from contestant to documentary host have noted that she still carries the energy of the show without feeling like an outsider. For a programme that has never had a former Islander as its main UK host, that combination is exactly what many people are looking for.
What other names are fans suggesting for the new host?
Maura Higgins remains the strongest alternative. She was a finalist in series five, later presented Love Island USA: Aftersun, and is currently linked to other formats including a Blind Date reboot. Some fans argue her more recent association with the brand makes her a natural fit, though she is already booked for other projects.
Chloe Burrows has been named as another potential replacement for Maya Jama as Love Island host.The former Islander, who is also set to appear on this year’s I’m A Celebrity, is reportedly among the names being considered for the role. https://t.co/8pvwZznb5W
— Love Island Crave (@luvislandcrave) November 9, 2026
Vick Hope’s name has appeared because of her radio and presenting experience. Sam Thompson is the leading male option according to the bookies. Chloe Burrows, Indiyah Polack, GK Barry and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu have all been floated by viewers who want someone with direct Love Island history. The conversation has largely stayed within the existing talent pool rather than reaching for completely new faces.
Indiyah Polack is reportedly one of the names being considered to replace Maya Jama as the next host of Love Island.The former Islander has strong ties to the franchise, having previously co-hosted The Morning After podcast alongside Amy Hart and appeared regularly on Aftersun. https://t.co/UtwEqCKucP
— Love Island Crave (@luvislandcrave) November 9, 2026
What fans are saying on X about the replacement and Maya’s sudden exit?
Reactions on X have been consistent in backing Attwood. One user wrote: “If ITV don’t hire Oli
Another said she would be “the perfect replacement” because she already understands the format from the inside. Several posts have repeated variations of the line that she was “born for this,” pointing to her presenting work since leaving the villa and the fact that she still feels connected to the audience.
“Honestly, Maya brought a different kind of energy to Love Island. Her beauty, confidence and effortless presentation made hosting look so natural. Replacing her won’t be easy. She definitely leaves some big shoes to fill” -said another fan
@PopBase Honestly, Maya brought a different kind of energy to Love Island. Her beauty, confidence and effortless presentation made hosting look so natural. Replacing her won’t be easy. She definitely leaves some big shoes to fill. 🖤
— CB Montana (@CB_Montana9) November 8, 2026
Other comments have acknowledged the wider field. One post listed Attwood, Chloe Burrows and Ekin-Su as the only realistic options.
Another suggested that putting a former Islander in the chair would change the dynamic in a useful way. A smaller number of voices have asked whether the show should try someone completely fresh, but those comments have been outnumbered by the ones calling for Attwood.
Whether ITV confirms Olibeing discussed, the decision will shape the next run of All Stars and the main series that follows. For now the conversation is centred on who can walk the fire-pit path next, and Attwood is the name most people are already saying
