Maya Jama has announced she is stepping down as host of Love Island after nine series, bringing an end to her three-year run fronting the ITV reality show.

The 32-year-old presenter shared the news in a post on Instagram on Sunday evening, alongside a highlights reel from her time on the programme. She said it was time to throw herself into something new.

"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," Jama wrote. "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."

Three years at the helm

Jama took over as host of Love Island in 2023, replacing Laura Whitmore, and went on to present nine series across the main show and its spin-offs, Love Island: Games and Love Island: All Stars.

In her farewell message, she thanked the people who had campaigned for her to take the role in the first place. "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," she said.

She added that she started hosting the show aged 28 and had met wonderful people along the way. "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 said.

"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."

What happens next

ITV has not yet named a replacement host. The next host will be the fourth person to present the UK version of the show, following Caroline Flack, Laura Whitmore and Jama.

Love Island: All Stars is due to return in January 2027, with the winter series filmed in South Africa, and a new host is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Jama's announcement came shortly after her appearance as a contestant on the BBC's Celebrity Traitors, where she was chosen as a traitor in the first episode. The appearance won her praise and prompted speculation about her next career move.

Her departure marks the end of one of the most recognisable presenting roles in British reality television, after a run that saw her become closely associated with the show's summer and winter series.