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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Tutton

New Love Island presenter 'confirmed' as Maya Jama to replace Laura Whitmore

Maya Jama has reportedly been signed up as Love Island's new host, ahead of the 2023 series.

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".

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 told The Sun: “Maya was ITV’s dream option. She is fun, beautiful and a brilliant presenter.

Maya Jama has reportedly been signed up as Love Island's new host (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

“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.

It follows Laura Whitmore stepping down from the show (Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)

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."

The late Caroline Flack was first to host the show (BBC)

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."

Speaking about her time hosting the show, Laura recently told The Sunday Times: “I hate having anything I'm not allowed to say. I couldn't ask Love Islanders if they were okay.

“It is hard. Your face is the front of the show but I am one tiny person and have no producing role so I couldn't say if I didn't think something was okay."

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

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