Love Island is back on our screens and, just two episodes in, fans are already invested in the goings on at the luxurious Ludus Magnus villa in South Africa. At the heart of the show, however, is screen beauty Maya Jama. The programme host keeping the contestants in line and throwing in a few surprises along the way.
Maya first stepped into the media spotlight as a radio presenter on Rinse FM, before bagging a primetime weekend slot on BBC Radio 1. Since then she has made huge strides in her career, reports the Mirror, which highlighted her career including hosting award shows such as the BRITs and MOBOs, right up to her most recent high profile role as Love Island host.
The publication noted that the 28-year-old presenter has been supported on her rising career journey by her 'lookalike mum', Sadie, who Mrs Brown's Boys fans may recognise from the show. Here what we know are Maya Jama's and her equally well known mum.
READ MORE: ITV Love Island Olivia told to 'button up' as Michelle Keegan body double gives flash backs
According to Maya Jama's IMDb entry, the Love Island host is listed as a British TV and Radio presenter who is Bristol born. Taking over Love Island hosting duties from Laura Whitmore, who took on the role in 2020 following the death of Caroline Flack. Maya has appeared as a panellist on Loose Women, presented Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star and presented the ITV game show Cannonball. Backing her on her journey is mum Sadie.
Who is Maya Jama's mum Sadie?
At 46 years old, Sadie's youthful looks are said to, at times, mean she has been mistaken for Maya's sister rather than her mum. Sadie gave birth to Maya when she was 18 and the bond she has with her daughter is clear, Maya often speaks about her mum and how they have a close relationship.
Sadie has had her own taste of fame too. She starred alongside her daughter on an episode of All Round to Mrs Brown’s.
Is Maya's mum married?
Maya posted a series of pictures and video of her mum's wedding on social media back in September 2018. At the time she wrote: "Best day ever watching my mum marry her soulmate one of the loveliest people I know (ft. The family. Last video is where I get it from) 18 years strong." The post received a whopping 74.5k likes.
What kind of relationship do Maya and her mum enjoy?
The Love Island presented previously told the Evening Standard: "She had me at 18, so our relationship was a bit different. I rebelled less because I was quite free. My mum's always been like, 'I want you to have your experiences — just tell me. I'm not going to judge you or shout at you'."
Not a lot is known about Maya's dad but in 2017 she made a documentary about growing up without a father, after she stopped seeing him when she was 12.
Speaking about him being in and out of prison, Maya told The Guardian: "It wasn’t one long sentence, it was lots of sentences – sentence after sentence. Mostly, it was for violence, for pub brawls and fights. The usual thing was that he’d be drinking and get into a fight. Someone would get hurt, and he’d go to jail.
"I had plenty of people around me who did what a dad should do. I never felt unloved; my childhood was as good as it could have been. There was no lack of love, and my dad’s brother was around so there was a male presence."
Taking the good from her upbringing and the support of her mother, Maya is crafting out a successful career. As well as her TV and radio roles she has enjoyed a modelling career, working with brands including Kurt Geiger, Gap and Adidas. Love Island continues on ITV at 9.00pm or catch up on itvX.
READ NEXT:
Joey Essex fuels Dancing on Ice romance rumours after Holly Willoughby quizzing
Holiday cost warning as Ryanair add-ons highlighted - including charges for suitcases and oxygen
Strictly Come Dancing's Bruno Tonioli set to become Britain's Got Talent judge
ITV This Morning’s Alison Hammond bags glitzy new role as 'legend' steps out on to red carpet
James Martin tells 'TV dad' Brian Turner he loves him in return after stroke
