Former Love Island winner Toni Laites has responded after fans urged her to apply to host the ITV2 dating show, following Maya Jama's announcement that she is stepping down after three years.
Jama, 32, who took over from Laura Whitmore in 2023 and fronted nine series, said she is eager to "throw herself into something new". Laites, who won the 2025 summer series alongside Strictly star Cach Mercer, posted a message on her Instagram Stories on Sunday, November 8.
What Toni Laites said
Laites, 26, shared: "Someone just messaged me and told me to 'Apply for the host of Love Island'. Do y'all think this is just a job posting on Indeed?" She did not dismiss the idea, adding in the caption: "If there was an application it would be filled out 1000x [times]."
Other names suggested by fans include Love Island favourite Olivia Attwood, ex-Islander Maura Higgins and Radio 1 DJ Vick Hope.
Maya Jama's farewell message
Jama told fans of her decision in a message that read: "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 added: "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."
The presenter continued: "Biggest thanks to the incredible production team, I've seen firsthand how you work your a***s off for months every year to bring this iconic show to life."
Jama also said: "I started hosting the show aged 28 and during the 9 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."
She concluded: "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."
