The four people ITV is eyeing up to replace Maya Jama as host of Love Island

Maya Jama is no longer the host of Love Island, so now we’re all thinking the same thing: Who on earth is going to replace her? Maya has done an incredible job since taking over from Laura Whitmore, so they’re not easy shoes to fill. 

Maya Jama announced this weekend that after fronting nine series across three years, she’s moving on in order to “throw myself into something new”. It’s been reported that ITV went to desperate lengths to try and keep her, but she couldn’t be held down. 

Who will take over from Maya Jama as the host of Love Island?

via ITV

It would seem there are four names in the running for taking over Maya’s role. Of course, it’s very, very early days, so some names will come and go from the conversation. ITV has not yet confirmed a new host, nor said when we should expect an official announcement. 

According to The Sun, the current frontrunners being eyed up by ITV are: Olivia Attwood, Chloe Burrows, Indiyah Polack, and GK Barry. 

A source said: “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.”

Chloe Burrows is a Love Island icon, and has gone on to have radio hosting success, and Indiyah has kept herself on the Love Island pulse with her work on Aftersun and the podcast. GK Barry might seem rogue as she’s the only non former Islander, but she is also an ITV fav, and was tipped to have huge success after she was on I’m A Celeb.

Other names that are constantly thrown around include Maura Higgins, but she has seemingly been ruled out due to a schedule clash with her role as host of the US version of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! and Disney’s reboot of Blind Date. 

Most Read

Where Joran van der Sloot’s parents Paul and Anita are now, 21 years after Natalee disappeared

Three huge bombshells that are set to come out at the Love Is Blind season 11 reunion

Natalee Holloway: What happened to brothers Satish and Deepak Kalpoe after their arrest

via ITV

‘I’ve always believed that to truly grow, you have to take a leap every now and then’

Maya announced her news on Instagram, and said she will continue to support the show moving forward. “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,” she said.

“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.”

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.” 

For all the latest Love Island news and gossip, like The Holy Church of Love Island on Facebook.