‘Love Island’ Taps Maya Jama as New U.K. Host

“Love Island” has found its new host in broadcaster Maya Jama.

Jama, who has presented “Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star” and used to anchor a show for BBC Radio 1, will take over “Love Island” hosting duties early next year when the series returns for its winter edition, set in South Africa. It will be the ninth series of the show.

More from Variety

• Cary Grant Biopic 'Archie' Adds Kara Tointon, Harriet Walter, Laura Aikman to Cast

• ITV Chief Executive Defends Embattled 'This Morning' Anchors Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby Over Queen 'Queue-Jump': 'They Didn't Do Anything Wrong'

• 'This Morning' Anchors Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby Address Queen 'Queue Jumping' Accusations

Previous host Laura Whitmore stepped down earlier this year to pursue other projects. Fans had criticized Whitmore for her rare appearances on the reality dating show, although she also hosted spin-off “Love Island: Aftersun.”

Jama becomes the third “Love Island” host in three years after its original host, Caroline Flack, died by suicide in 2020 after she was charged with assaulting her partner.

“Love Island,” which is produced by ITV Studios-owned Lifted Entertainment, is a consistent hit for ITV, with over 269 million streams on ITV’s streaming platform ITV hub.

The format is owned by ITV Studios and Motion Content Group Ltd and is distributed internationally by ITV Studios. It has been sold to 23 territories across the world, including the U.S. and Nigeria.

“Finding a new host to follow the wonderful Laura Whitmore was never going to be easy,” said ITV2’s director of reality programming Paul Mortimer. “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.”

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.”

Best of Variety

• Constance Wu Gets Candid in Revealing New Memoir 'Making a Scene'

• The Best Pop Culture Halloween Costumes for 2022: From 'House of the Dragon' to 'Euphoria'

• What's Coming to Netflix in October 2022

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.