Maya Jama, the celebrated television and radio presenter best known as the host of Love Island, is setting her sights on a new challenge: acting. While she’s become a familiar face on primetime television, Jama reveals a long-held ambition to step outside of presenting and embrace roles that allow her to completely subvert expectations. The 31-year-old, who currently resides in Manchester with Manchester City footballer Ruben Dias, is eager to explore a different side of her creative talents, and isn’t afraid to lean into darker characters.
Jama’s journey to becoming a household name wasn’t always straightforward. She recalls a period of self-doubt early in her career, admitting she “wasn’t as persistent as I should have been” when pursuing acting opportunities and easily “got disheartened,” questioning if the path was right for her. However, a wealth of experience in front of the camera, coupled with a renewed sense of purpose, has reignited her passion for performance. This desire to act comes after years of success in the entertainment industry, and a growing confidence in her abilities.
The presenter’s early career involved a grassroots approach, starting with creating content on YouTube and social media. She then transitioned into television, co-hosting shows like Cannonball and the MOBO Awards in 2017, followed by The Circle and Don’t Hate the Playaz in 2018. Jama remembers feeling daunted by the prospect of reaching primetime TV, reflecting on how far she’d come from her beginnings as “a girl from Bristol doing YouTube videos.” Her big break arrived in 2022 when she took over hosting duties on Love Island, succeeding Laura Whitmore.
Despite her success as a presenter, Jama feels a shift happening. “I naturally fell into presenting when I was young because I got to be myself on camera and I’m interested in humans,” she explained, “but now it just feels like the doors opened up again [to get into acting].” She’s now actively seeking opportunities to explore this new avenue, and has a very specific vision for the types of roles she wants to pursue.
Early Auditions and a Passion for Performance
Jama’s interest in acting dates back to her teenage years. At the age of 15, she auditioned for the cult Channel 4 series Skins, reaching the final stage of the casting process. Skins, known for launching the careers of actors like Daniel Kaluuya and Dev Patel, proved to be a formative experience, even though she didn’t land a role. This early experience, though ultimately unsuccessful at the time, fueled her passion for performance and laid the groundwork for her future ambitions.
Before her television breakthrough, Jama honed her skills by working behind the scenes, “making teas and working at a production company, using their cameras on lunch breaks.” This hands-on experience provided valuable insight into the filmmaking process and solidified her determination to function in the industry. She likewise hosted radio shows on Rinse FM and BBC Radio 1 between 2017 and 2020, further developing her on-air presence and confidence.
A Desire to Play Against Type
Jama isn’t interested in playing characters that mirror her public persona. “My dream role is something completely opposite to me,” she stated. “I’ve always said I don’t want to be what people expect me to be on camera. I’d want to be the complete opposite to that so a monster or a mean, evil person. A villain maybe would be nice.” This desire to challenge herself and defy expectations suggests a willingness to take risks and explore the complexities of character work.
Her relationship with Manchester City defender Ruben Dias, confirmed in April 2025 after months of speculation, has also provided a stable base as she considers her next career move. The couple celebrated Halloween in 2025 with a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed costume, showcasing their playful side and close bond.
As Maya Jama looks towards the future, she’s embracing the opportunity to expand her creative horizons. With a solid foundation in presenting and a clear vision for her acting ambitions, she’s poised to take on new challenges and surprise audiences with her versatility. The next chapter in her career promises to be an exciting one, as she steps into the world of acting with a determination to break the mold and deliver captivating performances.
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