Maya Jama has been confirmed as the new host of Love Island, replacing Laura Whitmore.
ITV confirmed they had chosen former radio DJ Maya, 28, as the show's new presenter – after many fans called for her to be the one to take over from the Irish host.
It comes as Bray native Laura, 37, announced her decision to step down from the role as host in August, admitting she found the show format "very difficult".
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The news was confirmed with a video posted onto Love Island 's official Instagram page on Wednesday, showing someone scrolling through headlines and rumours on the internet speculating about the new Love Island host rumours.
The camera then pans out to reveal Maya as the person holding the phone, and as the theme tune plays in the background, she grabs one of the iconic Love Island water bottles and sips from it.
The show confirmed the new host’s appointment saying: "Okay, the rumours are true Say hey to your brand-new #LoveIsland host @mayajama".
They added: “Welcome to the family.”
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Commenting on the news, Maya excitedly said: “So bloody excited. Get me on that 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! I can’t wait to get into the Villa to meet all of the Islanders,” she added in a statement.
Laura was one of the first to react to the news, saying: "Yes girl!! So delighted for you! You’re gonna be fab.”
Other fans of the show and former Islanders also commented to celebrate Maya's news, with former star Demi Jones writing "Can't wait", whilst series' finalist Tasha Ghouri simply sent clapping hands emojis.
Irish model Holly Carpenter added: “Unreal!!! So happyyyyy. You’re going to bring so much personality to the show.”
“Her charisma, style and sense of humour is what this show needed.”
Maya is to begin her hosting gig with the return of the winter series, which will be filmed in South Africa, from early 2023.
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."
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