Maya Jama is set to appear in only one episode of the next series of The Masked Singer, following changes to the show's format. The presenter, who joined ITV's celebrity guessing game in 2024, will not return as a regular panellist for the upcoming series.
The 32-year-old took over from Rita Ora on the panel alongside Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan. However, the new series, filmed in September ahead of its January broadcast, will see her role significantly reduced.
Filming Details and Panel Changes
According to a source, Jama attended the first day of filming but did not return for the remaining episodes. Other famous faces, including Amanda Holden and Paloma Faith, are said to be stepping in throughout the series.
The source told The Sun: "Maya came for the first day of filming but then didn't return and is in only one episode of the series. It'll be a surprise to viewers as she's one of The Masked Singer's main panellists."
Format Shake-Up
The source suggested her limited appearances were linked to changes to the show's format, which will see its regular panel – known as the Legends – take on the role of Wild Card detectives. They also claimed there were no plans for Jama to return for the following series, although ITV has stressed that no decision has been made about future line-ups.
An ITV spokesperson said: "Audiences can look forward to seeing Maya on the Legends panel in episode two of the new series. Due to The Masked Singer's brand new rival panel format, Maya was never scheduled to film all episodes of series eight, airing in 2027."
Career Changes
The news comes during a period of major change for Jama's television career. Last Sunday, she announced she would be stepping down as host of Love Island after five series, bringing her time on the ITV dating show to an end. The following day, it emerged that she had signed a seven-figure deal with Netflix, described as a golden-handcuffs agreement.
The deal is expected to include her involvement in the third series of The Gentlemen, as well as presenting a new dating show called Will You Marry Me? Jama signed the Netflix agreement two months after filming the new series of The Masked Singer, meaning her reduced role was already in place before the deal was announced.
The latest series will also see a shake-up to the show's format, with Alan Carr taking charge of the Wild Cards. Other guest panellists are expected to include Anne-Marie and Stacey Solomon. The ITV favourite sees celebrities perform in elaborate costumes while the panel attempts to work out their identities using clues and performances.
