Four major reality stars ‘in the running’ to replace Maya Jama on Love Island after shock exit

ITV bosses are reportedly considering four familiar reality TV faces to replace Maya Jama as the host of Love Island following her shock departure.

The presenter announced on Sunday that she was stepping down from the hit dating show after three years at the helm, revealing that it was time for her to “throw myself into something new”.

Now, attention has turned to who could take over the iconic presenting role, with four well-known reality stars reportedly being considered.

According to The Sun, former Love Island stars Olivia Attwood, Indiyah Polack and Chloe Burrows are among those being tipped for the job.

Social media personality GK Barry has also reportedly emerged as a potential contender.

A source told The Sun of her exit: “Execs went to great lengths to try and keep Maya, including pushing the show back in January. Instead of the second week it will now air much later in the month.”

“That also means it won’t clash with The Traitors, so was seen as a win win if it helped to keep Maya. It will be a quick turnaround but the role has proven to be a career gamechanger.”

“The feeling is the role is still best suited to a glam girl over a male but that’s up for discussion,” the source continued.

“Olivia is an obvious frontrunner as she has such a close relationship with the production firm, Lifted, and even attended a big bosses’ wedding. But no decisions have been made nor formal talks undertaken.”

On Monday, Maya announced she was quitting Love Island after three years as the host of the hit ITV dating show.

The presenter, 32, took over from Laura Whitmore in 2023 and has since become one of the most recognisable faces of the franchise.

Maya shared the news with fans in a statement on Instagram on Sunday, November 8, revealing that she felt it was time to move on to something new.

She wrote: “What an incredible era and what an unforgettable time I’ve had, it’s been far too much fun to put into words or a video… but as all good things must come to an end, it’s my time to step down as the host of my beloved Love Island.”

Maya went on to thank the fans who supported her throughout her time on the show, as well as the production team who worked behind the scenes.

“Firstly, I want to thank all of the people who rooted so hard for me to host the show in the first place. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“To the fans of the show, thank you for every supportive message and every single time you’ve tuned in during my time as host, I’m forever grateful to you all. The show really does belong to the people who watch it and embrace it year after year.”

She also praised the crew, adding: “Biggest thanks to the incredible production team, I’ve seen firsthand how you work your asses off for months every year to bring this iconic show to life.”

Explaining her decision to leave, Maya continued: “I started hosting the show aged 28 and during the 9 incredible series met the most wonderful humans along the way. I’ve loved every slow-mo walk, fire pit and live show. I’ll forever be grateful for the experience.”

“But I’ve always believed that to truly grow, you have to take a leap every now and then, and now is my time to throw myself into something new.”

She finished by wishing the show and its team well, writing: “While my own Love Island journey has come to an end, I wish the show and the team all the success in the world, I’ll be cheering you lot on from the sidelines forever.”

An ITV spokesperson also paid tribute to the presenter, saying: “Maya has been a fantastic and much loved host on Love Island – we thank her for everything she has brought to the show over the last three years and wish her every continued success.”

The Sun reports that ITV is expected to announce Maya’s replacement in due course.

Maya previously addressed speculation about her future on the show in July, telling Deadline that she did not decide whether she would return for another series until the end of each season.

“It’s fake news that I’m leaving, but I always decide at the end of a series if I’m going to continue the next year. So we’ll find out,” she said at the time.

Her final stint in the villa saw her crown Julia Majchrzak and Lorenzo Alessi as the winners in August.

Away from Love Island, Maya recently appeared on the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors, making it all the way to the final as one of the show’s Traitors.

She has also expanded her acting career, appearing in the second series of Netflix drama The Gentlemen, where she played Aisha.