ITV bosses are reportedly preparing an eight-figure package to keep Maya Jama as the face of Love Island, amid mounting interest from streaming giants including Netflix and Amazon.
The 30-year-old presenter, who assumed hosting duties in 2023, has become one of the network’s most valuable stars due to her mix of quick wit, natural charm, and headline-making style. According to The Sun, the proposed deal would see Maya earn more than £800,000 for the flagship summer series, the same again for the winter All Stars edition, plus a lucrative sum for Aftersun.
A source told the paper: “Maya is a massive hit with fans and bosses. ITV are desperate not to lose her. They’re acutely aware she’s being offered lucrative work with other companies such as Netflix. She’s hugely in demand.”
The Bristol-born star, currently dating Manchester City footballer Rúben Dias, 28, has already been linked to an Amazon Prime entertainment project rumoured to come with a substantial pay cheque. She is also branching into acting, with a role as a gangster’s wife in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix hit The Gentleman.
Maya recently wrapped the summer Love Island final, which saw Toni Laites and Cach Mercer crowned winners. Posting on Instagram after the live broadcast, she thanked viewers and the production team:
“Love Island live final completed! … We are one of the few shows to do our finals live and I’m so grateful for the trust because it gives so much room for silliness and iconic moments… A massive congratulations to our winners Toni & Cach… and to everyone at home for watching, I love youuu.”
Viewers on X praised her unprompted hosting style, with one noting she didn’t use cue cards. Maya replied: “Cutey! I pride myself on the no cue cards so thank you for noticing.” She also hit back at one follower’s suggestion that she should act more neutrally, telling them to “shut up.”
While ITV and Maya’s representatives have yet to confirm any deal, sources say discussions are at an early stage — but the offer is designed to be “extremely hard to turn down.”