Maya Jama Signs Major Netflix Deal Just One Day After Quitting Love Island

Maya Jama has announced a major new partnership with Netflix just one day after revealing she is stepping down as the host of Love Island. The 32-year-old presenter has several projects in development with the streaming giant, marking an exciting new chapter in a career that has already taken her from British television presenting to international entertainment.

The agreement was confirmed on Monday 9 November, following Maya's emotional announcement that she was leaving the ITV2 dating programme after three years and nine series. Although Netflix has yet to reveal which productions she will be involved in, the company has made clear that it sees considerable potential in working with her following her acting debut in Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen.

What has Maya Jama said about her Netflix deal?

Maya expressed her excitement about the partnership, revealing that discussions about future projects are already underway. She said: "I'm absolutely buzzing to be working with Netflix! There are some really exciting things coming and I can't wait for everyone to see what we've been working on."

The presenter added that she could not reveal too much about the agreement just yet, although she promised that further announcements would follow. Her enthusiasm was echoed by Netflix's Vice President of UK Content, Anne Mensah, who praised Maya's personality and her ability to connect with audiences.

"Maya is fabulous. She has an infectious energy and an ability to captivate audiences," Mensah said, adding that Netflix had thoroughly enjoyed working with her on The Gentlemen. The company is now looking to build on that existing relationship, although it has not confirmed whether Maya's upcoming projects will involve acting, presenting or a combination of both.

The agreement has been described as potentially worth seven figures, but neither Netflix nor Maya has publicly confirmed its financial value. The number of projects involved and the length of the partnership have also not been disclosed, leaving further details to be announced.

Why has Maya Jama decided to leave Love Island?

Maya announced her departure on Sunday 8 November through an emotional Instagram message accompanied by highlights from her time presenting the programme. She described the experience as an unforgettable part of her career, thanking viewers, contestants and the production team for making her three years on the show so memorable.

Having joined Love Island in January 2023 following Laura Whitmore's departure, Maya became one of the programme's most recognisable faces. She went on to host nine series across the franchise, including Love Island All Stars, while also presenting Love Island Games and the companion programme Aftersun.

Reflecting on her decision, Maya explained that she had always believed personal growth sometimes required taking a leap into something unfamiliar. She said it was now her opportunity to pursue new experiences, while making clear that she would continue supporting Love Island and everyone involved in producing it.

ITV responded warmly to her announcement, describing Maya as a fantastic and much-loved host who had made an important contribution to the programme. The broadcaster thanked her for her work over the previous three years and wished her continued success as she prepared for the next stage of her career.

Could Maya Jama become a major Netflix star?

Maya's relationship with Netflix has already begun through her appearance in the second series of The Gentlemen, the British crime drama created by Guy Ritchie. Playing Aisha, she made the move into scripted acting after establishing herself through live presenting, reality television and entertainment programming.

Her ambitions also extend beyond the British television industry, with American talent agency WME linked to her expanding international career. Although the precise direction of her Netflix partnership has yet to be revealed, the agreement gives her opportunities to develop a broader range of work for audiences outside the UK.

The move follows another successful television appearance in the second series of Celebrity Traitors, where Maya reached the final after being selected as a Traitor at the beginning of the competition. Following the programme, she also made a personal donation to her chosen charity, Action for Children, despite not winning the prize money.

SoapLandTV previously covered Maya's generous gesture following Celebrity Traitors, which added another positive moment to an increasingly busy year for the presenter.

Where to watch

Love Island and Love Island All Stars are available on ITVX, with new series broadcast on ITV2 in the UK. The Gentlemen is available on Netflix, while Celebrity Traitors can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.