Love Island presenter Maya Jama has firmly stated she has 'no plans' to depart the hugely popular ITV2 dating show, even as she pursues a long-held dream of breaking into acting with a role in Guy Ritchie's The Gentleman.
Acting Dreams and Presenter Realities
The 31-year-old host admitted that an acting career has always lingered in her thoughts, a desire sparked by a teenage audition for the iconic British teen drama Skins. Despite that early setback, she recently tried out for a part in Netflix's The Gentleman, confirming she went through the standard audition process like any other actor.
In an interview with Variety, Maya reflected on her previous mindset about television roles, noting she used to believe 'you can get what you need out of a show in two years, and then you move on'. However, the sustained and growing success of Love Island has changed her perspective.
Why She's Staying Put on Love Island
Maya explained her decision to stay, telling the publication: 'But with a show like Love Island, it just feels like it keeps growing and I’d be silly to leave now.' She emphasised that while the programme is a major part of her life, it is not her entire world. 'It’s not my whole life and it’s fun, so I think as long as I enjoy it, I’ll keep it up,' she added, describing the series as a continuing joy rather than a chore.
She sees her potential involvement in The Gentleman as a 'safe entrance point' back into the acting world, balancing it with her established presenting duties.
All Stars Launch: Kisses, Clashes and Betting Odds
This commitment comes as Love Island All Stars launches its third season this week, with Maya welcoming twelve former contestants back to the villa in South Africa. The line-up includes familiar faces such as 2021 winner Millie Court, 29, Jack Keating, 26, and Jess Harding, 25.
The launch episode is set to be the steamiest yet, with reports indicating that all twelve Islanders will share a kiss on the very first day as part of a raunchy icebreaker challenge, swiftly followed by a 'massive clash' that Maya is forced to mediate.
Even before the show airs, bookmakers have made predictions on who will win and who will leave first. According to Ladbrokes:
- Leanne Amaning (series six) and Charlie Frederick (series four) are the 6/1 favourites to be the first contestants voted out.
- At the other end of the spectrum, Millie Court and Tommy Bradley (from the 2025 series) lead the pack with 3/1 odds to win the entire series.
Ladbrokes' Alex Apati commented: 'Fans can't wait for the latest batch of former islanders to head to South Africa and the latest odds suggest Tommy and Millie will be the ones to beat.'
Leanne Amaning, 28, returns after a six-year break, having originally been dumped on day 18 in 2020. Charlie Frederick, 31, lasted only a few days in the 2018 villa, blaming his then-partner Hayley Hughes for their early exit.
