Maya Jama said she’s excited for Casa Amor’s return to the Love Island winter series as “we all want to know what our partner does on vacation”.
The brand new presenter of the hit ITV2 show, 28, has outlined some of the things she’s most looking forward to ahead of series two filming in South Africa.
Admitting that she’s been a Love Island fan for years, Maya described the show as funny because it’s like watching previous “holiday romances” “on TV”.
Presenter: Maya Jama has said she’s excited to see Casa Amor return on Love Island’s winter series as “we all want to know what our partner does on vacation”.
Maya spoke about what she’s always loved about the show as a viewer, explaining that it was the first reality show other than Big Brother that she made sure to be back home to watch.
“Everyone contributes, everyone has an opinion – from the older people in your family to the younger ones,” she explained.
#It’s just fun, it’s fun to see how people behave in different situations and to wonder what you would do if you were in the same position.
“Most of us have had some sort of holiday romance at some point and it’s like watching it on TV.”
Exciting: The brand new presenter of the hit ITV2 show, 28, has outlined some of the things she’s most looking forward to ahead of series two filming in South Africa
And specifically on the subject of wanting to see Casa Amor in this series, Maya added: “I think that’s one of the best moments.
“We all secretly want to know what our partner does when they’re on the boys’ or girls’ holidays.”
Maya, who recently insisted she’s “really, really single,” used to date rapper Stormzy and called off her engagement to NBA star Ben Simmons just last year.
Ben reportedly popped the question about the 2021 holiday season following a seven-month hurricane romance.
Not long to go! Maya will be hosting her first-ever series of Love Island after her predecessor Laura Whitmore left after the 2022 summer season (islanders pictured).
Her relationship with Stormzy, who she dated for four years, ended in 2019, with Stormzy previously admitting to being “disrespectful” and “reckless” towards her.
And the presenter, 28, called off dating basketball player Ben, 26, last August to focus on her career.
Maya will host her first-ever series of Love Island after her predecessor Laura Whitmore quit after the 2022 summer season.
Single and ready to mingle: While it was recently rumored that she has rekindled her romance with ex Stormzy, Maya Jama has insisted she is “really, really single”.
Ex: Maya previously dated rapper Stormzy and just last year called off her engagement to NBA star Ben Simmons (pictured together)
The latest series starts on January 16th.
“It feels incredible,” Maya said. “It’s really, really exciting. It was a weird feeling because you find out and then you have to wait and set it up.
“I can’t wait to get started. I’m counting the seconds and the days until South Africa.”
On what she thinks makes a good Islander, Maya said, “Someone who is looking for love, someone with a vibrant personality, someone who is open and shares their feelings but also someone who is not afraid to share theirs Keeping options open and testing the waters.
“Just someone willing to fully embrace the experience and any challenges. Make the best out of it!
“And instead of playing it safe, let it become a real test and see if your relationship can pull through. I think that’s what makes the best islander.”
And who she thinks could make a surprise return like Adam Collard did last year, Maya is hoping series three’ Theo Campbell could be a good addition.
She said: “I found him [Theo] hilarious. That line about “going with them” – that was it. We all felt it and Theo actually said it. You need that honesty sometimes!’
LOVE ISLAND 2023: MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
Tanya Manhenga
Name: Tanya Manhenga
Age: 22
Location: Liverpool
Profession: student and model
Something not many people know about her: “I have vitiligo, which is skin pigmentation that you might not even notice.”
“It’s on my lip and I have a streak in my hair. Not many people know that, but I think it’s pretty cute.”
“I don’t care about covering it up all the time, I think it’s a mood.”
Lana Jenkin
Name: Lana Jenkins
Age: 25
Location: Luton
Profession: makeup artist
What not many people know about her: “I have worked with many celebrities in my work as a make-up artist.
“When I was 6 years old I lived in Spain and was an extra in an episode of Benidorm.”
Anna May Robey
Name: Anna May Robey
Age: 20
Location: Swansea
Profession: payroll clerk
Something not many people know about her: “I went on a date once and never saw him again.”
“We went out to eat and shared a bottle of wine. When I spoke to him he fell asleep!’
“I had to clink his wine glass to wake him up.”
Tanyel Revan
Name: Tanyel Revan
Age: 26
Location: North London
Profession: hairdresser
Something not many people know about her: “My celebrity crush is Channing Tatum — I don’t like pretty boys, they give me the ‘ick’ because they always have a crappy personality.”
“Channing Tatum is handsome but not too pretty. He’s male and he can dance.”
“If a man can dance, I fall in love with him instantly.”
Olivia Hawkin
Name: Olivia Hawkins
Age: 27
Location: Brighton
Profession: ring girl and actress
Something not many people know about her: “I did a movie with Jason Statham and had a nice 10 minute conversation about life.”
“I was a ring girl for KSI, I played a waitress on James Bond with Daniel Craig, and I was also a body double for Michelle Keegan and Emma Watson.”
Kai Fagan
Name: Kai Fagan
Age: 24
Location: Manchester
Profession: Science and physical education teacher
What not many know about him: “I am a Jamaican citizen. That’s why I played rugby 7s for Jamaica.
“I now play semi-professional rugby for Burnage RFC.”
“Technically, I have three different degrees and went to three different universities.”
Ron Hall
Name: Ron Hall
Age: 25
Location: Essex
Profession: financial advisor
Something not many people know about him: “If you met me, you would never know that I am blind in one eye.”
“It was the result of a soccer injury when I was 8 years old. I have two different colored eyes, one blue and one green.”
will young
Name: Will Young
Age: 23
Location: Buckinghamshire
Occupation: farmer
What not many people know about him: “Every evening I light a candle and meditate for 20-25 minutes.”
“A girl I met told me to meditate, I tried it and loved it. I stopped seeing them and continued meditating!
“It’s a beautiful way to reflect on yourself”
Shaq Muhammad
Name: Shaq Muhammad
Age: 24
Location: London
Occupation: airport security officer
What not many people know about her: “I’m a very emotional person. It can be a blessing and a curse.’
“Every time I see Dear John, I cry.
This is my favorite movie. Every time I’m with someone and they say, “Let’s watch a romantic movie,” I say, “How about Dear John, how does that sound?”
Haris Namani
Name: Haris Namani
Age: 21
Location: Doncaster
Profession: TV salesman
Something not many people know about her: “I never found love. I think this is the show that can help me.’
“It’s the best opportunity for me to find the girl and find the right one. I obviously haven’t found the right thing myself.”