'Obvious frontrunner' to replace Maya Jama on Love Island named
A new report has suggested former Love Island contestant Olivia Attwood is the "obvious frontrunner" to replace host Maya Jama after she decided to step down from the role three years after joining the reality series.
Former Love Island contestant Olivia Attwood has been named the "obvious frontrunner" to replace departing host Maya Jama.
Celebrity Traitors star Maya has confirmed she is stepping down from her role presenting the ITV dating show after three years onscreen and now a new report suggested former Islander Olivia is the top choice to take over.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "The feeling is the role is still best suited to a glam girl over a male but that’s up for discussion.
"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."
Maya was announced as the new host of Love Island in October 2022, taking over from Laura Whitmore, and she made her debut in 2023, going on to host nine series of the show over three years.
She announced her decision to step down in a statement posted on Instagram, writing: "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.
"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.
"Biggest thanks to the incredible production team, I’ve seen firsthand how you work your a**** off for months every year to bring this iconic show to life."
She went on: "I started hosting the show aged 28 and during the nine 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."
Although she didn't give an indication of what's next for her, Maya insisted it was time to try "something new".
She concluded: "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.
"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."
