ITV2 and ITVX have today (Oct 12) confirmed that Bristolian TV presenter Maya Jama is the next host of Love Island. The award-winning dating show, produced by Lifted Entertainment, part of ITV Studios, will return for its ninth series in early 2023.
Record-breaking viewing figures saw Love Island become the most-watched series ever on ITV Hub, with more than 269 million streams this summer, attracting the biggest 16-34s audience on any channel this year. Content posted on the Love Island social accounts had a reach of almost 2 billion.
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. Laura Whitmore stepped away from the show earlier this year, so 28-year-old Maya, who went to Cotham School, will be filling her shoes.
Read more: Love Island winner Davide Sanclimenti takes chilly hot air balloon ride over Bristol
Director of Reality Programming & Acquisitions and Controller, 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. 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."
Maya Jama said: "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."
Lifted Entertainment, Creative Director, Mike Spencer said: "We are all really excited to welcome Maya Jama as the new host of Love Island. We can't wait to see her slow mo walk into that Villa for what is set to be a truly unmissable series."
Lifted Entertainment, Managing Director, Richard Cowles said: "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!"
Love Island is owned by ITV Studios and Motion Content Group Ltd and is distributed internationally by ITV Studios. The hit show has been commissioned in 23 territories ranging from the UK to the USA, Greece to Germany and many more.
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