New Love Island presenter revealed as huge TV star after Laura Whitmore exit
MAYA Jama is to replace Laura Whitmore as host of Love Island, The Sun can reveal.
The popular presenter, 28, has agreed to take on the role and bosses are finalising her contract.
She will appear in the winter version which is set to return to South Africa in January.
It is thought Maya — worth around £2.5million — will also host the dating show’s summer edition from Majorca.
TV and radio presenter Vick Hope, 33 and ex-Love Islander Maura Higgins, 31, had also been in the running.
It comes after Irish host Laura, 37, quit in August having replaced the late Caroline Flack in 2020.
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She said she found elements of the production “very difficult” when she revealed she was leaving.
Bristol-born Maya has dated rapper Stormzy, 29, and split from US basketball star fiancé Ben Simmons, 26, last month due to their busy careers.
An ITV source said: “Maya was ITV’s dream option.
“She is fun, beautiful and a brilliant presenter.
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“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.”
An ITV spokeswoman said: “Our new host will be announced in due course.”
Laura presented three series of Love Island before she left.
She is married to its narrator Iain Stirling, 34, and has a daughter, Stevie, 18 months, with the Scottish comedian.
She criticised the show when she hinted ITV bosses held her back.
She said: “I hate having anything I’m not allowed to say.
“I couldn’t ask Love Islanders if they were OK.”
Addressing controversy over the Islanders in the last series — bullying and misogynistic behaviour were alleged — she said: “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 OK.”
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She was accused of “slut-shaming” Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu, 28, when discussing the eventual winner’s reported antics in bed with dumped George.
Turkish actress Ekin-Su denied anything happened. Nearly 500 viewers complained to Ofcom.
