Maya Jama Quits Love Island After Three Years – Who Could Replace Her?

10th November 2026

Updated 10 Nov 2026, 09:56 · First published 10 Nov 2026

Maya Jama is quitting Love Island after three years and nine series as host, saying it is time to “take a leap into something new”.

The presenter announced the news on Instagram on Monday. ITV now has to find a new face for the villa before the next series, and Olivia Attwood is already being talked about as the frontrunner.

Maya Jama and Love Island

AnnouncedMonday 9 November 2026, on Instagram

Started2023, replacing Laura Whitmore

Series hostedNine (including spin-offs)

Spin-offsLove Island Games, Love Island: All Stars

ReplacementNot yet announced

Early favouriteOlivia Attwood

What did Maya Jama say?

Maya said her time on the show had been “far too much fun to put into words or a video”. She said she was stepping down as host of her “beloved Love Island” but would keep cheering it on from the sidelines.

The reaction

“Maya has been a fantastic and much loved host on Love Island.”

ITV spokesperson

ITV thanked her for her three years on the show and wished her continued success.

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Who will replace Maya Jama on Love Island?

Name	Why they’re in the frame
Olivia Attwood	Seen as the obvious frontrunner, with close links to the show’s producers – but no formal talks yet
Maura Higgins	A fan favourite, but reportedly too busy with her US career
Joe Baggs	Popular choice with fans
GK Barry	Popular choice with fans

No decision has been made, and ITV has not said when a new host will be named.

What has Maya Jama been doing lately?

She was one of the big talking points of The Celebrity Traitors this autumn. Chosen as a Traitor in the first episode, she made it all the way to the final before fellow Traitor King Kenny cast the deciding vote to banish her. Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian Croft won the £83,000 prize pot for their charities.