Maya Jama has been officially confirmed as the new host of Love Island, following Laura Whitmore's departure, weeks after the last series ended.
The minute Laura announced she was quitting the covered TV role, due to her having 'issues,' with doing the next run in South Africa, Walk the Line presenter Maya was installed as the bookies' favourite to her successor, as former Love Island contestants like Maura Higgins and Molly-Mae Hague were also linked with the gig, as well as other stars like Emily Atack and Alison Hammond.
And Maya's Love Island gig was made official in an ITV statement, which was released early on Wednesday afternoon. Director of Reality Programming & Acquisitions and Controller for 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."
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He added: "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.”
On getting the job, Maya commented “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.”
Returning to South Africa for the first of two series next year, lovestruck singletons will be guided through the twists and turns of coupling up in the iconic villa surroundings by the brand new host.
Plenty of fans like the choice of Maya as new Love Island presenter, with a number declaring she will be the reason they tune in. Fully approving of the decision, one took to Twitter to post: " @MayaJama might just make me watch Love Island for the very first time," and, taking the same stance, another reacted: "Maya Jama is now the reason I might watch Love Island."
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