Filming for Celebrity Traitors came just days after Maya Jama split from Manchester City footballer Rúben Dias, and insiders claim the BBC show helped the 32-year-old presenter laugh again. The series began in May, and spending time with pals such as Leigh-Anne Pinnock and comedian Romesh Ranganathan reportedly put a smile back on her face.
A welcome distraction after an amicable split
A source said: “Filming Celebrity Traitors came at the perfect time for Maya. It put a smile back on her face. While her split from Rúben was amicable, there was still a lot of love between them, so it was tough.
“At the time, they had a shared home, but being away meant she could escape it all. Throwing herself into work was the perfect distraction.”
Phone ban shielded her from rumours
Pals claim the show’s phone ban also helped the Love Island host after the break-up. A friend alleged: “When news of their break-up emerged, rumours began circulating that Dias had been sending late night social media ‘follow’ requests to female influencers, but Maya didn’t have to see any of that.”
Maya and Rúben met in Manchester in 2024 at the MTV European Music Awards. The couple had lived together in Manchester before splitting in April. The Portugal defender later rubbished claims that he cheated on her.
Traitor role opens new opportunities
Maya has been a hit with viewers on The Traitors with her sharp wit and eye-catching outfits. She was chosen as a Traitor alongside actor Richard E Grant, and they have been joined by comic James Acaster.
Sources say the star, who appeared in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen, is already being flooded with work offers. An insider said: “While she was in the castle, she took loads of scripts for potential roles. It kept her busy during their downtime at the hotel. It is a very exciting time for Maya and with being picked as a Traitor and having a large portion of airtime, it could open a lot of doors.”
