Finding the perfect fit is never simple, Maya Jama reveals during Love Island premiere

Maya Jama hints that she has faced difficulties in her past relationships during the premiere of Love Island’s ninth series.

The 28-year-old radio and television presenter has taken over as the new host of the ITV2 dating show after Laura Whitmore announced she would be stepping down in August.

In the first episode of the new winter series, Jama tells the 10 new contestants: “Don’t forget, finding your perfect partner has never been so simple, trust me, I know.”

Jama split from ex-boyfriend Stormzy in the summer of 2019 after more than four years together and then was in a relationship with American basketball player Ben Simmons.

On Monday night’s show, which begins at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV’s new streaming service, ITVX, viewers will see five men arrive at a brand new South African villa, where they are greeted by Jama .

Shaq Muhammad, 24-year-old airport security officer and 21-year-old TV salesman Haris Namani, from Doncaster, are at the top.

They were followed by 23-year-old farmer and TikTok star Will Young, 25-year-old financial advisor from Essex Ron Hall and finally Kai Fagan, 24-year-old fitness and science teacher from Manchester.

After arriving at the villa, the men begin to get to know each other before witnessing Jama’s dramatic entrance and exit as she arrives by helicopter.

After landing, Jama began questioning the male islanders and finding out what they were looking for from the girls, who were about to arrive.

When asked what his type is, Shaq said: “I like personality and vibe more but she definitely has to be funny, humor is my priority, I like that.”

Meanwhile, Haris revealed that he has never been in a love relationship, and Kai frankly shared that he is “looking for a wife”.

After getting to know the men, Jama said: “Well guys, it’s time to pair up, the girls will come in one by one and I’ll ask you guys to step forward if you guys like them.

“Each girl will then decide which guy she wants to marry. It’s that simple.”

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Five women entered the villa, with 22-year-old biomedical science student Tanya Manhenga leading the procession.

Following Tanya were Anna-May Robey, a 20-year-old payroll manager from Swansea, Lana Jenkins, a 25-year-old makeup artist from Luton, and Olivia Hawkins, a 27-year-old actress from Brighton.

The women’s lineup was completed by 26-year-old hairstylist Tanyel Revan from London.

After the series’ first union and as the islanders begin to get to know each other, they are shocked to discover that the public has voted for the series’ first bomb.

Following the public vote, Ellie Spence, the business development executive, 25, from Norwich, or Tom Clare, 23, a semi-professional footballer from Barnsley, will enter the villa to stir things up like the first bomb.

The new series is the show’s first winter series since before the coronavirus pandemic.

Newcomers also include Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson and Indiyah Polack, a finalist on the show last year, who will join as regular panelists on the show. Love Island’s Aftersun show.

Love Island returns Monday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.