Maya Jama has quit as host of Love Island, bringing her three-year run on the ITV dating show to a sudden end. The presenter announced the news on Sunday evening, 8 November, in an emotional statement shared on Instagram, telling fans that “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, 32, took over the show in 2023, replacing Laura Whitmore, and went on to front nine series, including the main summer show and the Love Island: All Stars and Love Island: Games spin-offs. In her farewell message she described an “incredible era” and “an unforgettable time”, adding that it was “time to throw myself into something new” and that the show had been “far too much fun to put into words or a video”.
Why Maya Jama is walking away now
Reports say ITV bosses went to great lengths to try to keep her, including pushing the next series of Love Island: All Stars back to later in January 2027 to fit around her schedule. According to reports, no agreement was reached, and Maya Jama decided to move on. Her departure follows her recent run on Celebrity Traitors, where she was chosen as a traitor in the first episode and survived until the final, winning praise and sparking speculation about new offers.
ITV has not yet named a replacement, but reports already point to a frontrunner. Former Islander Olivia Attwood, who appeared on series three and has since presented several reality shows for ITV, is described by reports as the “obvious frontrunner”, with insiders noting her close relationship with the show’s production company, Lifted. Reports stress, however, that no decisions have been made and no formal talks have taken place.
Who else could take over Love Island
Other names being mentioned by fans and reports include Maura Higgins, GK Barry, Chloe Burrows and Indiyah Polack, who previously hosted a Love Island spin-off. Love Island winner Toni Laites, who won the 2025 summer series alongside Strictly star Cach Mercer, revealed on Instagram Stories on Sunday that a fan had messaged her urging her to apply for the job. Maya Jama’s exit leaves ITV with only weeks to settle a new host before All Stars returns in January, with the main summer series to follow in 2027. For now, fans are thanking her for three years of villa drama, recouplings and unforgettable entrances.
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