The desperate ways ITV tried to keep Maya Jama when she said she was leaving Love Island

Maya Jama has announced she is leaving her role as the host of Love Island. And it would appear that, understandably, ITV really didn’t want her to go.

Yesterday, following a killer stint on The Celebrity Traitors, Maya said she was stepping down from the role of Love Island host, in order to “throw myself into something new”.

In full, she said in a statement: “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 asses off for months every year to bring this iconic show to life. 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. 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.”

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Maya Jama (@mayajama)

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It would seem ITV tried to keep her around, as The Sun has reported the channel went to extreme lengths to try and make filming the show work around her. Execs of the show are said to have pushed the show back to try and fit around her schedule. 

A source told the publication: “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 game changer.”

An ITV spokesperson added: “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.” 

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