Maya Jama hopes presenting Love Island will open ‘way more doors’ for aspiring stars from ‘similar backgrounds’

Maya Jama has said she hopes that her Love Island gig will be inspirational for others from ‘similar cultures’ to land a showbiz career.

The 28-year-old, who previously dated Stormzy, has notched up a series of impressive jobs, from hosting a Radio One show to regular appearances on Celebrity Juice.

More recently, the host has been helming her own shows, often in prime TV slots, such as Peter Crouch: Save Our Summer and competition series Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star.

Following Laura Whitmore’s departure from the ITV2 juggernaut series last year, Maya took over presenting duties for the first time on winter Love Island, which kicked off this week.

Reflecting on her illustrious career, Maya said: ‘Growing up, I never saw an East African woman host a show, and no Black or mixed-race woman hosts such a big primetime TV show, other than June Sarpong.

‘This is definitely a big moment for all of us in that sense, and I hope it just opens way more doors for other people from similar backgrounds and cultures as myself,’ she continued to Vogue Magazine.

Maya also revealed that Maura Higgins and Megan Barton-Hanson are among her favourite-ever Islanders, as was Georgia Steel, who was left fuming when Josh Denzel returned from Casa Amor with Kaz Crossley, leaving Georgia single.

She added: ‘Maura was one of my favourite ever contestants – it’s just great to see a powerful, opinionated woman on screen. She’s an ultimate G. I loved Megan Barton-Hanson when she came and just rattled everything.

‘Georgia’s reaction when Josh brought Kaz back in, because no one expected him to bring someone back.

‘Chris [Hughes] and Kem [Cetinay] – that whole series was one of my favourites. Mainly personalities have stuck out. We get some legends fromLove Island.’

Maya said she believed she would be a mix of ‘outspoken’ Maura and last year’s winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu if she were ever to enter the villa as a contestant.

When asked which Islander she would be most like as a contestant, she explained: ‘I’d be a mix of Maura and Ekin-Su. Maura’s outspoken and I’m a bit fiery myself, but then Ekin-Su’s a Leo like me, so I probably would be like, “Let me just bring some drama, because everyone’s chilling out too much.”‘

Maya Jama’s first outing as Love Island host went down a storm with fans, with the star taking to Instagram to thank them for their immense support.

Uploading several pictures of herself in her already-iconic black cut-out dress, she wrote in the caption: ‘Overwhelmed from last night, thank you so much for you’re kind words.’

Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.

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