Love Island is returning to our screens tonight, with fans waiting with bated breath to see Maya Jama’s debut as host of the award-winning show.
Just as the new influx of islanders will be finding their feet on the programme, so too will Maya as she takes the reins from Laura Whitmore on this, the ninth series of the hit ITV show.
However, with presenting gigs on the likes of MTV’s The Wrap Up, MTV News and Channel 4’s The Circle under her belt, the stunning presenter has already proved her credentials as capable and captivating in front of the camera.
Yet, despite her previous hosting jobs, Maya has described her excitement at landing the plum presenting role.
She said: “It feels amazing, it’s really, really exciting.
“It’s been a weird feeling because you find out and then it’s the wait and the build-up.
“I just can’t wait for it to start, I’m counting down the days to get to South Africa.”
Speaking ahead of the show kicking off tonight, Maya revealed she hid from her mum the fact she had secured the presenting job for fear she would tell people before it was officially announced.
“The first person I told was my best friend in Bristol, she swore loads,” she explained.
She has also listed a very varied group of celebrities she would most like to make a surprise appearance in the new villa.
“Allison Hammond, she’d just be great to big up the vibe,” she said.
“Or Louis Theroux could get to the bottom of a lot of stuff, maybe Oprah.
“Music wise, Anne-Marie, you want someone that is dance music as the islanders want to dance. Or Central Cee, everyone loves him.”
Meanwhile, it seems she has been inundated with requests from friends to get them onto Love Island.
“It’s like a joke at the moment, with people saying, ‘do you think I can go in the villa?,” she said.
“That’s an ongoing thing. Some of them probably could do well.”
As for her favourite item of Love Islander merchandise?
Maya said: “The eye mask, I wear it on the plane.”
Get your own piece of Love Island paradise, with a range of products, including a personalised eye mask, insulated water bottle or waffle knit robe, available on the ITV website.
There are even personalised Love Island baby beakers for mini fans of the show!
