Maya Jama has announced she is stepping down as host of Love Island UK, bringing an end to three years and nine series fronting the reality show.
Jama, 32, made the announcement on Sunday evening, 8 November 2026, posting an emotional Instagram statement alongside a video montage of her villa highlights.
“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,” she wrote.
Jama took over from Laura Whitmore in 2023, starting aged 28, and thanked fans who “rooted so hard for me to host the show in the first place”, adding that she “wouldn’t change a thing.”
Her departure follows her appearance as a Traitor on BBC’s Celebrity Traitors, series 2, in October 2026 — a turn that reminded viewers of her range beyond the villa.
ITV has not yet announced a replacement, but former contestant Olivia Attwood is the 2-1 bookmakers’ favourite to take over the role.
Love Island: All Stars series 4 is due in January 2027, with series 14 following in summer 2027 — and whoever takes over will inherit one of the biggest jobs in British reality television.
It has been a big week for reality TV, from the Love Is Blind Season 11 reunion with no couples left together to Black Doves Season 2 on Netflix. Maya Jama’s Love Island era is over — and the race to replace her has begun.
Bhudev Bhagaliya is an experienced and senior journalist who has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of Hindi journalism through his profound understanding and precise writing style. With over two decades of experience in the field of journalism, he has held key responsibilities at Dainik Hindustan for 12 years and at Amar Ujala for one year. Currently, he serves as the Content Editor for the Jagrook Youth News newspaper and portal, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the news content. Bhudev Bhagaliya consistently writes about issues that help raise awareness within society and among the younger generation.