Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore has broken her silence following the announcement that Maya Jama will be taking over as host for the ITV2 dating show.
Laura, 37, announced her decision to step down from the role as host in August, admitting she found the show format "very difficult".
On Wednesday October 12, ITV confirmed the news they had chosen former radio DJ Maya, 28, as the show's new presenter – after many fans called for Maya to take over from Laura.
The news was confirmed with a video posted onto Love Island's official Instagram page, showing a mystery person's hand scrolling through the internet looking at the Love Island host rumours as the theme tune plays in the background.
The camera then zooms out, it's revealed the person holding the phone is in fact Maya, who then grabs a Love Island water bottle and sips from it.
As Love Island posted the video on their Instagram page, the show confirmed the exciting news in the caption with: "Okay, the rumours are true Say hey to your brand-new #LoveIsland host @mayajama".
Many were quick to react to the news with joy including the programme's former host Laura, who commented with: "Yes girl!! So delighted for you! You’re gonna be fab", followed by a red heart emoji.
Maya sweetly responded to Laura's comment with: "thankyou chick". [sic]
Meanwhile, she commented to share her enthusiasm over landing the new gig.
She wrote: "SO B****Y EXCITED GET ME ON THAT ISLAND".
Other celeb fans of the show and former Islanders also commented to celebrate Maya's amazing career move.
Love Island Aftersun panelist Darren Harriott, who was recently confirmed for Dancing on Ice, wrote: "Amazing news!"
Former The Only Way Is Essex star Bobby Norris wrote: "YAAAS!", while last series' finalist Tasha Ghouri commented with a series of clapping hands emojis.
Maya's first task will be to host the winter series of the dating programme, which is set to air early next year – making a comeback after two years off air.
As Love Island announced the news, ITV's Director of Reality Programming & Acquisitions and Controller, ITV2, ItvBe & CITV, Paul Mortimer said: "Finding a new host to follow the wonderful Laura Whitmore was never going to be easy.
"In Maya Jama though, we have another high profile fan of the show who’ll be a great addition to the Love Island family. Cool, charming and charismatic, I speak for us all when I say Maya will also bring a unique presenting style to the show, as did Laura and, of course, the very much missed Caroline Flack. We’re very pleased to have her on board."
Laura hosted the show for three series, taking over from the late Caroline Flack. But, she decided to quit earlier this year.
After the TV star, who is married to the show's voice over star Iain Stirling, announced her decision to step down Maya Jama was a fan favourite to become the show's next presenter.
And an ITV source told The Sun: "Maya was ITV’s dream option. She is fun, beautiful and a brilliant presenter.
"She was discussed as a possible replacement for Caroline two years ago — but now the time is right. They think she’ll make the show her own and carry on from where Caroline left off."
