ITV2 has announced Maya Jama as the new host of Love Island. Jama's first outing will be in South Africa, where the show is returning for the first of two series next year.
“I’ve always been such a massive Love Island fan and I’m so excited to be hosting one of the nation’s favourite shows," Jama said. "I can’t wait to get into the Villa to meet all of the Islanders."
Jama will take over from Laura Whitmore, who announced in August 2022 that she was leaving the dating show after two years at the helm. She cited "certain elements" of the production that she found "very difficult," including the travel back and forth to South Africa.
Whitmore was originally hired as a fill in for Caroline Flack, but ended up presenting Love Island for three series.
On the appointment, Director of Reality Programming & Acquisitions and Controller, ITV2, ItvBe & CITV, Paul Mortimer, commented: “Finding a new host to follow the wonderful Laura Whitmore was never going to be easy. In Maya Jama though, we have another high profile fan of the show who’ll be a great addition to the Love Island family.
"Cool, charming and charismatic, I speak for us all when I say Maya will also bring a unique presenting style to the show, as did Laura and, of course, the very much missed Caroline Flack. We’re very pleased to have her on board.”
The announcement was made in a video posted to Love Island's official Instagram page. Jama can be seen scrolling through the various news articles covering rumours of her appointment, before swigging from one of the iconic Love Island water bottles embossed with her name.
Love Island will return for its ninth series in early 2023.
