Maya Jama has announced she’s quit Love Island after three years and a former contestant is a hot favourite to replace her
Olivia Attwood is heavily tipped to replace Maya Jama as Love Island host
A former Love Island contestant is heavily tipped to become the next host of the ITV2 dating show as Maya Jama steps down as host after three years.
Olivia Attwood, who shot to fame in the third series back in 2017 and reached the final with ex Chris Hughes, is the 2-1 favourite with bookmaker Coral to replace Maya. Series five finalist Maura Higgins is 5-2 to replace, while Radio 1 DJ Vick Hope is priced at 3-1.
“As a former contestant, Olivia Attwood is very familiar with Love Island, and we make her the 2-1 favourite to replace Maya Jama,” said Coral’s John Hill.
“Maura Higgins and Vick Hope are likely to be in contention too, while if the show turns to a male presenter, Sam Thompson is the most likely to land the job, according to our odds.”
Maya, who recently appeared on Celebrity Traitors, shared her shock news on her Instagram page on Sunday (November 8) evening in a statement to her fans.
The Bristol-born beauty wrote: “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.
“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.
“Biggest thanks to the incredible production team, I’ve seen firsthand how you work your asses off for months every year to bring this iconic show to life.”
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She continued: “I started hosting the show aged 28 and during the nine 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.
“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.”
An ITV spokesperson said: “Maya has been a fantastic and much loved host on Love Island – we thank her for everything she has brought to the show over the last three years and wish her every continued success.”
Love Island is available to watch on ITVX