Maya Jama: Love Island host's ITV2 show is at risk of being 'axed' after four seasons

Maya Jama’s hit show on ITV2 is reportedly at risk of being axed. The Love Island host, 28, from Bristol, has featured on Don’t Hate the Playaz since its very first episode in 2018.

The award-winning show, which is hosted by Rizzle Kicks frontman Jordan Stephens, follows Maya and Lady Leshurr, 35, as they lead rival teams competing to prove who has the most hip hop knowledge and music skills.

It has gained a strong cult following and welcomed a string of high-profile guests from the worlds of comedy and music, including Mo Gilligan, Aitch, London Hughes, and Katherine Ryan. However, according to  TVZone, Don't Hate The Playaz might not return for a fifth season. An ITV spokesperson released a statement, saying: “We are proud of the multi-award winning success of Don’t Hate the Playaz and will be exploring future plans for the series in due course.”

This comes after panel team captain, Maya Jama, was chosen to replace Laura Whitmore as the new host of Love Island. She proved to be popular with viewers of the most recent winter series filmed in South Africa. 

As a result the presenter stepped down from her other hosting role on Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star. She took over hosting the third season in 2021, with the most recent fourth season airing last year.  

A source told The Sun: “Maya loved her time hosting Glow Up for the last two series but has decided now not to return for another run. It was a really difficult decision, but she’s going to be really busy doing two series of Love Island this year and couldn’t make it work.”

She has also taken on the role of Rimmel brand ambassador this year, adding to her ever-growing list of ventures since leaving her role in radio in 2020.

Following her successful debut as Love Island host, Maya tweeted: “Overwhelmed from last night, thank you so much for your kind words.”

The next summer series of Love Island is set to kick-off on 5 June 2023.