Maya Jama has confirmed she is stepping down as host of Love Island, ending a three-year association with ITV’s dating show. In a personal message published on Sunday 8 November 2026, the presenter thanked viewers and the production team and explained that she was ready for a new challenge. Her departure is confirmed, but ITV has not named a successor.
Her farewell announcement
Jama shared a farewell video featuring moments from her time on the programme. She reflected on nine series and recalled the villa entrances, fire-pit conversations and live programmes that helped define her tenure. The message was affectionate rather than confrontational. She thanked people who supported her original appointment and said she would continue cheering on the show.
That is an important distinction. Her announcement is about leaving the presenting role, not about the programme being cancelled. It does not confirm a replacement, a new presenting contract elsewhere or a change to the next main UK series. Viewers should treat speculation about possible successors as speculation until ITV makes an announcement.
Three years at the villa
Jama took over from Laura Whitmore following an appointment announced in 2022, making her first on-screen appearances in 2023. She quickly became associated with the modern programme’s biggest set-piece moments. Although the contestants carry most episodes, the host’s visits often signal recouplings, major decisions and emotional departures.
Across her time on Love Island, Jama brought a distinctive combination of humour, glamour and direct questioning to the role. Her slow-motion arrivals became familiar television images, but the more demanding part of the job involved speaking to islanders when the stakes were high. That blend helped make her a recognisable face of the franchise.
The presenter’s reference to nine series should not be confused with nine years of hosting. Her period in the role lasted around three years, with appearances across the wider Love Island format. Reports published on 8 November consistently describe her departure as a decision to pursue something new rather than a departure prompted by an announced dispute.
ITV responds and the next host
ITV has also responded to the news. A spokesperson praised Jama’s contribution and thanked her for the work she brought to Love Island over the past three years, wishing her success in future. That response confirms that the broadcaster recognises the change, while leaving open the question of who will take over.
For the main UK programme, the next presenter announcement will be the development to watch. The job requires more than introducing episodes: the host must handle live television, explain consequential decisions and connect with contestants and audiences. A successor will inherit a role strongly associated with Jama’s style, but no official choice has been confirmed.
What happens next?
The news also arrives after a busy period for Jama on British television. Her appearance in The Celebrity Traitors has kept her in the public eye, but that separate programme does not establish what she will do next. Her farewell statement indicates a desire for fresh opportunities without giving a firm timetable for a particular project.
Viewers should also distinguish between the main ITV Love Island UK series and the franchise’s international or spin-off editions. This report concerns the departure of the UK show’s presenter. It does not make a claim about the cast, location, launch date or host of any separate international version.
Jama’s message was clear about her affection for the people behind the programme. She credited the team who spend months producing each series and recognised the audience that has supported the format. Those acknowledgements help explain why the farewell feels significant for regular viewers, even before any replacement has been chosen.
Until ITV confirms the next appointment, the responsible conclusion is simple: Maya Jama has announced her exit after three years and nine series, and ITV has thanked her. The next major news will be a formal successor announcement or verified schedule update, not an unconfirmed name circulating online.