Maya Jama has publicly expressed her aspirations to become a leading actress in a major film, marking a significant new direction in her career. The 31-year-old television presenter, who rose to prominence after being selected to host Love Island in 2022, revealed she is experiencing a "second wind of ambition" to succeed as an actor.
From Early Struggles to Renewed Determination
Reflecting on her earlier attempts to break into the acting industry, Maya admitted she "wasn't as persistent as she should have been" during her youth. She recalled dreaming of becoming an actor when younger, attending numerous auditions but facing repeated rejections. "I dreamt of being an actor when I was younger and would try and do all these auditions and would get loads of no's," she explained to the BBC.
A Desire to Defy Expectations
Maya articulated her specific vision for her acting career, emphasizing her wish to portray characters completely different from her public persona. "My dream role is something completely opposite to me," she stated. "I've always said I don't want to be what people expect me to be on camera. I'd want to be the complete opposite to that so a monster or a mean, evil person. A villain maybe would be nice."
Upcoming Role in The Gentlemen
The television personality is set to appear in the second season of Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen. Reports indicate she will portray the glamorous wife of a shady associate connected to Theo James' lead character Eddie Horniman. Filming commenced last year at the impressive Badminton House in Gloucestershire, which serves as the fictional Halstead Manor within the series.
A source close to the production told The Sun: "Maya is over the moon to land a role in such a massive show with Guy Ritchie at the helm. The Gentlemen was one of 2024's biggest series and it's such a glossy, sexy show. It's a perfect fit."
Social Media Teasers and Hints
Earlier this year, Maya generated excitement among her followers by posting a Netflix script on social media, followed by a mysterious photograph alongside The Gentlemen star Kaya Scodelario, who plays mob boss Susie Glass in the series. Previously, she had hinted at potential meetings with the streaming giant by sharing an image of a Netflix-branded cup, though her location at that time remained unclear.
Background on The Gentlemen Success
The Gentlemen premiered on Netflix in 2024 and quickly became a major success, praised for its gritty narrative, sharp dialogue, and Guy Ritchie's distinctive gangster style. The series follows Eddie Horniman, a former Army officer who inherits his family's estate only to discover it operates as the center of a substantial cannabis empire.
The show achieved remarkable viewership, reaching 44 million views within just four weeks of its release, establishing itself as one of the platform's most popular offerings of the year. The first season featured an ensemble cast including Theo James, Vinnie Jones, and Ray Winstone.
Recent Career Developments
In January 2025, while presenting BBC Three's Glow Up, Maya disclosed she had been secretly auditioning for what she described as a "dream role." She reiterated her desire to play characters that contrast sharply with her cheerful television image. "My dream role, I would want to be like a villain or something that’s completely not like me, so then it shows that I can actually act," she explained. "And then people would be like, wow, two different people."
