Maya Jama

Barbie stars, documentarians, and Messy Mitch: meet the 12 stars re-entering the Love Island villa

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…

ITV releases promo for Winter Love Island 2023

New Love Island host Maya Jama (Credit: ITV/Lifted Entertainment)

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”.

The rumours are true! Maya Jama succeeds Laura Whitmore as host of Love Island

“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.

Don’t Hate the Playaz to return for a fourth series

Credit: ITV

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. 

Alex Scott to present Soccer Aid 2021

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!"

BBC announces Crouchy’s Year Late Euros

Maya Jama, Peter Crouch, Alex Horne (Credit: BBC)

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.

Maya Jama set to join Celebrity Juice panel

Emily Atack, Keith Lemon and Laura Whitmore (Credit: ITV)

Celebrity Juice will return for its 25th 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. 

Maya Jama confirmed as the new host of Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make Up Star

Maya Jama (Credit: BBC)

The former Radio 1 DJ and presenter will join returning series judges Val Garland and Dominic Skinner to whittle down 10 burgeoning make-up artists to discover Britain’s Next Make Up Star. 

The previous series have welcomed some of the most famous names in the beauty and fashion industry onto the show, with big names like Rankin, Henry Holland, NikkieTutorials and Lisa Armstrong featuring. 

“I absolutely love Glow Up and can’t wait to join the family!” said Maya Jama.