Maya Jama has made Love Island history after viewing figures revealed more people tuned into the show’s spin-off Aftersun on Sunday than the actual show for the first time ever.
Early ratings reveal that Sunday night’s main episode was watched by a peak 1.51 million viewers while a whopping 1.82 million tuned in to the later show.
Weighing in on Jama’s record-breaking Aftersun debut, an ITV source told The Sun: “Spin-offs are not meant to be the main event.
“Maya is the shot in the arm Love Island needs."
The 28-year-old was announced as the ITV2 dating show’s new host in October after Laura Whitmore confirmed her departure, and following her Aftersun debut over the weekend, Jama received rave reviews from fans.
Viewers took to Twitter after the first episode to praise the Bristol native for her natural charm and for making the spin-off entertaining.
One wrote: “The way Maya Jama understands the assignment and adding Indiyah and Sam to the mix who have great chemistry with each other – Aftersun has actually been enjoyable.”
The way Maya Jama understands the assignment & adding Indiyah & Sam to the mix who have great chemistry with each other Aftersun has actually been enjoyable #LoveIsland
— Black Canary (@PlanetRoxy_) January 22, 2023
“I know it’s already been said but it can’t be said enough… Maya Jama was MADE for this role,” another remarked.
A third viewer commented: “I think we can all agree Maya Jama has been by far the highlight of this season’s Love Island. her becoming the new host is the best thing to happen to the show in years!”
”I love Maya Jama hosting, she has so much chemistry with the audience, panel and islanders, she’s killing it,” another viewer echoed.
A fan also tweeted: “Maya Jama is such a brilliant, natural presenter – that’s the first time I’ve enjoyed Aftersun in a loooong time.”
Previously Jama spoke of her great excitement landing the coveted presenting gig and shared: “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."
