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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Entertainment
David Raven

ITV Love Island fans fear new host Maya Jama will outshine contestants

Love Island fans have been speaking out about the rumoured new host following news of Laura Whitmore's departure. But some say they believe they've spotted an issue with Maya Jama reportedly stepping into the role.

Maya, 28, is said to be lined up to take over after Laura Whitmore she quit following her two year stint.

She is expected to appear in the winter version and Maya - who is reported to have recently split from NBA star fiancé Ben Simmons- will also host the summer show from Majorca, the Mirror reports.

After co-presenting BBC One's Peter Crouch: Save Our Summer, she also presents BBC Three competition Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star.

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But Love Island viewers think the biggest problem is that she will "outshine" the female contestants.

One wrote on Twitter : "Maya Jama’s going to walk in and outshine all of the women in the villa."

Another said: "There’s no way in f****** hell I'd sign up for love island if Maya Jama was the host, what’s the point."

And another wrote: "Maya Jama is too hot for Love Island, there will be heads turning."

However, another fan tweeted: "Maya Jama, as much as I love her, has no filter.

"I can see it getting her into trouble each week with the fans. Love island fans are ruthlessly critical of anyone in that presenting role. I hope she can take the hate."

The TV favourite was recently rumoured for the role, but has now reportedly agreed to join the series - with contracts apparently being finalised.

It follows current presenter Laura Whitmore stepping down from the show following the latest summer series, after finding "certain elements of the show very difficult".

Laura Whitmore said she quit Love Island due to some "very difficult" elements (PA Media)

Maya will reportedly host both the winter edition early next year, which is making its comeback after two years off air, before taking on the hit summer series in Majorca.

An ITV source reportedly said: “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.

“They’re just in the process of finalising the last few details — but barring any huge surprises she will be announced formally very soon.

“They are just dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.”

The Mirror has reached out to representatives for Maya and for Love Island for comment on this story.

It follows Laura stepping down as host after two years in the role, as she planned to pursue other projects.

She said: "Some news! I won’t be hosting the next series of Love island.

"There are certain elements of the show I’ve found very difficult that cannot be changed some due to the format, including the flying back and forth to South Africa along with my new conflicting projects.

"I wish it was still possible but know you’ll be in safe hands. I was only planning to fill in for Caroline for a series and it turned into 3 series. I hope I did you proud Caroline."

ITV added in a statement: "Laura has been a fantastic host across the last three series of the show.

"We are so grateful for everything she has brought to the programme but understand and respect her decision, and we look forward to working with her on upcoming ITV projects."

Love Island returns early next year for a winter version, before the summer series returns later in 2023.

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