Maya Jama

Before we readjust to life at the Villa, let’s get to know the contestants.

Samantha Kenny

Ex-partners, best friends, and those jilted at Casa Amor; this new batch of islanders have a rich interpersonal history – all of which is detailed over 10 series of Love Island on ITVX.

Taking the place of the winter series, Love Island: All Stars hopes past islanders can forge new connections with each other - their shared experience perhaps leading to a stronger foundation.

Let’s catch up with some old favourites and see what brings them back to old faithful – the Love Island villa…

Having taken over from Laura Whitmore as host of the reality series, Maya Jama presented the promo, which first aired on 1 January 2023 during ITV's broadcast of the James Bond film No Time To Die.

Jama can be seen mounting a bejewelled, bright pink, bucking bronco before telling viewers: “it’s time to grab love by the horns, I am ready, are you?” 

The official Love Island Twitter account also shared the clip alongside the caption: “Winter just got a whole lot hotter”.

“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.

The Hip Hop comedy show hosted by Jordan Stephens will once again pit two teams against each other in a series of fan favourite and new games which will test their Hip Hop knowledge and ability. 

Maya Jama and Lady Leshurr will return as team captains with DJ Shortee Blitz ready to drop the tracks.

The teams will be made up of a mix of celebrities who will be cheered on by a live studio audience. 

Previous guests have included Katherine Ryan, Big Narstie, Ghetts, Aitch and Ms Banks. 

Two Doors Down 

Monday 

BBC Two, 10pm 

Set in a fictional Scottish suburban street, comedy series Two Doors Down – now on its fifth series – follows the lives of the residents of Latimer Crescent. 

Scott will co-present alongside Dermot O’Leary as the touchline correspondent for the live charity event.

"Soccer Aid 2021 for UNICEF is going to be just brilliant," said Scott. "It's great to be involved again, and of course co-presenting alongside Dermot is really exciting.

"It'll be so special to be back in a stadium with fans again, and all for a great cause. Tickets are on sale now – see you in September!"

Former England striker turned podcaster Peter Crouch will be joined by Maya Jama and Alex Horne and The Horne section to discuss the postponed Euro 2020 tournament which will now kick off in June 2021.

Each of the ten episodes will be filmed live and the trio will follow England, Scotland and Wales as they make their way through the tournament, each giving their own unique take on the action. 

The series will include post-match reviews and predictions, top celebrity guests and live music.

Monday

Ackley Bridge series four

Channel 4, 6pm

This series love is in the air at Ackley Bridge academy, as best friends Kayla (Robyn Cara) and Fizza (Yasmin Al Khudhairi) both fall for new boy Johnny (Ryan Dean), a cocky heartthrob from the traveller community.

Celebrity Juice will return for its 25^th series next month, with returning host Keith Lemon and team captains Emily Atack and Laura Whitmore. 

Jama has plenty of experience as a guest on the comedy quiz show and always has fun with whatever Lemon asks of her. 

“I never have any idea quite what’s going to unfold on Celeb Juice, but I do know it’s always going to be hilarious and super fun,” commented Maya Jama.