Maya Jama "buzzing" as she signs huge Netflix deal – as former Love Island star favourite to replace her as host

Maya Jama says she is "absolutely buzzing" after signing a new deal with Netflix, just a day after confirming her exit as host of Love Island UK.

The agreement, first revealed by Variety, covers a number of new projects that are still being kept under wraps, with neither Jama nor Netflix disclosing details or terms.

"I'm absolutely buzzing to be working with Netflix," Jama said in a statement. "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!"

The deal builds on a relationship that began when Jama made her acting debut as Aisha in The Gentlemen season 2 earlier this year, playing a business acquaintance of Kaya Scodelario's Susie.

She is expected to return to the role in the next season. Jama was also a fan favourite on The Celebrity Traitors, which broke ratings records for the BBC, and was the only original Traitor to reach the final.

Anne Mensah, Netflix's vice president of UK content, praised the presenter in a statement to the publication. "Maya is fabulous," she said. "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."

The move follows Jama's announcement on Sunday 8 November that she was stepping down from Love Island after nine seasons as host. "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," she wrote on Instagram.

Jama got her start presenting for MTV and BBC Radio 1 before moving into television, taking over Love Island in 2023 and joining The Masked Singer UK as a panellist.

Her departure has already sparked a scramble over who fronts the ITV2 dating juggernaut next, with former Love Island star Olivia Attwood a firm favourite among fans and bookies.

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Authors

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.