Maya Jama signs Netflix deal a day after leaving Love Island UK, with ‘really exciting’ projects in the works

Former Love Island UK host Maya Jama has announced she has signed a Netflix deal.

Jama, who said on Sunday night she was exiting the show after nine seasons, is reported to have several new projects in the works after appearing in Season 2 of Netflix’s The Gentlemen, created by Guy Ritchie.

Jama wrote on Instagram on Monday, “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.”

Jama played Aisha in The Gentlemen – a business contact of Susie, played by Kaya Scodelario, and she is due to return for Season 3.

Her performance in The Celebrity Traitors was a fan favourite during the show, which earned record-breaking ratings for the BBC.

Netflix vice president of UK content Anne Mensah said in a statement to Variety, “She has an infectious energy and an ability to captivate audiences.

“We adored working with her on ‘The Gentlemen,’ and we’re absolutely delighted for her to be an even bigger part of the Netflix family.”

Jama said, “I’m absolutely buzzing to be working with Netflix! There are some really exciting things coming and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on.

“I can’t give too much away just yet, but I’m so excited for this next chapter. Watch this space!”

Jama was born and raised in Bristol, and she moved to London at the age of 16.

Her presenting career began when she built her online following by hosting JumpOff TV and Cop90’s FIFA World Cup Cities, before moving to MTV in 2014 and BBC Radio 1 in 2018.

She made history by becoming the youngest presenter of the MOBO Awards at the age of 23.

Jama co-hosted Channel 4’s The Circle in 2018 and BBC Three’s Glow-Up in 2021. In October 2022 she was announced as the new host of ITV2’s flagship reality dating show Love Island.

Speaking with Variety about her time on The Celebrity Traitors, Jama said she “was reminded about how resilient I am.”

“You don’t really know what you’re capable of in some situations until it actually happens.

“And I’m really proud of myself for just holding it down despite the stress all around.

“Also being able to thrive off minimal sleep from day one.

“Because everybody was tired, but the Faithfuls had a lot more sleep than the Traitors.

“So the party girl era really helped me on that one.”