Maya Jama has officially been announced as the new host of Love Island. The presenter had been rumoured to have accepted the coveted role on the ITV2 dating show after Laura Whitmore quit following the latest series in the summer.
The hit dating show will return for its ninth series in early 2023 with a second-ever winter series before the return of the much-loved summer run later in the year.
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.
READ MORE: Christine McGuinness gets supportive hug from friend ahead of big night 'without Paddy'
Maya, 28, said of her new gig: "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."
The programme's official Instagram account posted a short video of Maya scrolling through headlines speculating she was the new presenter. Love Island's famous theme music played in the background as the host then playfully sipped from a water bottle. The caption read: "Okay, the rumours are true [winking face emoji] Say hey to your brand-new #LoveIsland host."
Paul Mortimer, director of reality programming and acquisitions and controller for ITV2, ItvBe and CITV, 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."
Richard Cowles, Lifted Entertainment's managing director, added: "There are very few people who could fill the role of Love Island host but Maya Jama has it all and we're very excited to welcome her to Love Island. Not only is she a fantastic presenter but she is a massive fan of the show. The cast and viewers alike will be thrilled to see her enter the Villa!"
Laura Whitmore quit as host following the finale of the eighth series in August. Laura cited 'flying back and forth' between the UK and South Africa and 'new conflicting projects' and she shared a sweet message to her friend Caroline, who tragically took her own life in February 2020 aged 40. "Some news!" she declared. "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." She continued: "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."
READ NEXT:
- ITV Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley slammed by viewers for asking Lisa Nandy to 'define a woman'
- BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas makes fresh swipe at viewer backlash after 'vile trolling'
- Holly Willoughby shares moving tribute to Dame Angela Lansbury who she credits for starting her 'love affair'
- ITV Love Island's Gemma Owen works with dad Michael for first time since reality fame after opening up on Luca romance
- Stacey Solomon panics fans as she apologises over toothpaste video
