British television presenter Maya Jama announced on Sunday, November 8, 2026, that she is leaving her role as the host of ITV’s reality dating series Love Island U.K. after nine seasons across three years. The 32-year-old host shared her departure statement alongside a video compilation of her hosting moments on her official Instagram account on Sunday evening, as reported by Variety.
“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,” Jama wrote in her post. She added that she is leaving the franchise to pursue new projects: “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.”
Jama did not specify what her next project will be, and ITV has not yet named a replacement host. Her exit requires the British broadcaster to cast a new presenter ahead of the upcoming winter series of Love Island: All Stars, which Nacionale reported is scheduled to return on ITV2 and ITVX in January 2027.
Jama’s farewell to the production team and viewers
In her Sunday statement, Jama reflected on taking over the hosting job at age 28 and leading nine series across the main summer show in Spain as well as spin-off editions, which The Independent noted included the winter Love Island: All Stars in South Africa and Love Island: Games.
“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,” Jama wrote. “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.”
She also addressed the crew behind the annual broadcasts. “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,” she wrote, adding: “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.”
She closed her message by writing: “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.”
Following her post, an ITV spokesperson issued a statement published by LADbible: “Maya has been a fantastic and much loved host on Love Island – we thank her for everything she has brought to the show over the last three years and wish her every continued success.” Former contestants also responded in the comments of her Instagram post, according to Wales Online. Series 5 alumnus Amy Hart wrote, “Thanks for always being so kind! Learnt a lot from you! ! Xx,” while former Islander Jessie Wynter added, “You will be missed! Can’t wait to see what’s next for you.”
From BBC Radio 1 to acting and prime-time television
Before moving into television presenting, Jama started her career as one of the youngest DJs in BBC Radio 1 history. She was announced as the successor to former Love Island host Laura Whitmore in October 2022 and made her debut on the dating show in 2023.
During her three-year run on ITV2, Jama expanded her career into scripted drama and prime-time competition formats. Earlier in 2026, she made her acting debut in the second season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen. She also competed on the second season of the BBC’s reality competition series The Celebrity Traitors, where she reached the final episode as the only original Traitor left in the game.
Whoever replaces Jama will become the fourth main presenter in the history of Love Island U.K., following Caroline Flack, Laura Whitmore, and Jama. Nacionale reported that ITV is expected to announce the new host in the coming weeks ahead of the January 2027 return of Love Island: All Stars on ITV2 and ITVX.