Love Island host Maya Jama has reassured fans she will be back to front the new series, despite being forced to miss the glitzy All Stars launch event in London this week due to illness.
Flu Strikes Ahead of Launch Event
The 31-year-old TV presenter from Bristol was notably absent from Monday's event, where the line-up for the highly-anticipated spin-off was revealed. A representative confirmed her absence, stating: “Maya is unfortunately unwell and wasn’t able to attend this morning's launch event. She looks forward to the Love Island All Stars premiere on January 12th.”
Panel host Elizabeth Day announced the news to attendees at the time. Fans' concerns were quickly alleviated, however, as it was confirmed Maya would still host the main show when it begins on Monday, January 12.
Jama's Wholesome In-Flight Recovery
Maya herself took to Instagram to give a personal health update, admitting she had been 'knocked out by flu'. She shared a snap from her flight to South Africa, where the series is filmed, showing her lying in a plush aircraft bed wearing a fluffy cream jumper and an eye mask.
Her caption read: "Used to spend this flight on the reds chatting away to the flight crew, but entering this year wholesome… Lol truthfully the flu came in last minute to kick my ass for the last 24hrs. Vitamin c’d up and praying the sun deletes it all, next stop," followed by a South African flag emoji.
Pre-Villa Drama Already Brewing
While Maya recovers ahead of the premiere, drama is already brewing between the All Stars contestants. After ITV revealed the 2026 line-up, fans unearthed an old tweet from confirmed islander Helena Ford, which appears to reference a secret feud with fellow star Charlie Frederick from series three.
The tweet, dating back to 2018, states: "Nah that Charlie Fredrick [sic] kid got my 16th party closed down, said I looked like a dolphin." The pair are now set to reunite in the villa in just a few days' time.
Reacting online, one fan wrote: "So seems like Helena and Charlie have met... This tweet went viral last year." Another declared on Reddit: "This is bonkers. And honestly exactly the kind of beef I want." The discovery has set expectations high for explosive early interactions when the show returns.
