Who will replace Maya Jama on Love Island? Here's why we think it should be GK Barry

Maya Jama shocked fans yesterday by announcing her departure from ITV's hit juggernaut Love Island after hosting nine seasons over three years. With an upcoming All Stars Love Island series set for January, the question everyone is asking is – who should take over as a presenter?

Jama took over hosting duties from Laura Whitmore back in 2023. Following her success in this year's The Celebrity Traitors and her recent appearance in Netflix's The Gentlemen, the presenter is ready for a new chapter.

The star announced on social media she's moving on in order to "throw myself into something new".

The speculation is rife today over who should take over as host with some big names including Maura Higgins, Chloe Burrows and Indiyah Polack rumoured for the gig.

The obvious choice is ITV's golden girl Olivia Attwood. The star impressed viewers with her own stint on the show, eventually reaching the final in 2017 with Chris Hughes. The television personality is no stranger to reality TV. Following her success on Love Island, Olivia has featured in TOWIE and appeared in her own ITV reality series including The World of Olivia Attwood.

However, despite Olivia's Love Island credentials, this coveted presenting role should go to GK Barry.

GK Barry has built herself up as a popular social media star over recent years and will give the show a fresh and exciting reboot. Her warm, entertaining and upbeat personality is exactly what the show needs to steer it in a new direction. The social media personality first came to our attention during the pandemic with her popular Tik Tok videos.

During the last few years the internet star has become an ITV favourite after becoming the youngest regular panellist on Loose Women in its 25 year history. She also had a successful run on I'm a Celeb and widened her recognition to younger audiences.

The presenter has also played a part in ITV's recent Big Brother triumph with the co-hosting of Big Brother: The Group Chat.

As a member of the LGBT community, a GK Barry stint could also give ITV the push it needs to usher in an overdue LGBT Love Island in the Winter slot. With the recent cancellation of BBC Three's I Kissed A Boy/I Kissed A Girl franchise, there is strong demand for a new queer dating show.

Other ITV shows have seen LGBT contestants thrive in recent years including Big Brother champions Jordan Sangha and Ali Bromley.

With Love Island experiencing declining viewing figures in more recent series due to a tired and repetitive format, this fresh take on the show could be the answer to keep audiences engaged and to extend representation of contestants.

ITV could also select Maura Higgins following her appearances on reality shows including The Traitors US and Dancing with the Stars. Or even former Love Island contestant Chloe Burrows.

However, with GK Barry not having any previous connection with Love Island, this could be the perfect opportunity for a new take on the show.

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