Maya Jama Signs Multi-Project Global Netflix Deal After Love Island Exit

By James Calloway

One day after announcing her exit from Love Island, Maya Jama has signed a multi-project global deal with Netflix. The timing wasn't accidental. Someone as business savvy as Jama doesn't walk away from one of the biggest presenting jobs on UK television without a plan.

The deal, revealed a day after her Love Island announcement, covers multiple projects. Netflix hasn't disclosed what they are. What we do know is the relationship already has a track record.

What does the Netflix deal involve?

Jama made her acting debut in season two of the Netflix series The Gentleman, starring Theo James, earlier this year. She plays Aisha, a business acquaintance of Susie, played by Kaya Scodelario. She will reprise the role in season three.

She also starred as a Traitor in the record-breaking second season of The Celebrity Traitors on BBC One. Her CV already spans presenting on MTV, her own BBC radio show, hosting Love Island and a panel seat on The Masked Singer. That's the breadth Netflix is buying into.

Anne Mensah, Netflix's vice president of UK content, didn't hedge on the bet: "Maya is fabulous. She has an infectious energy and an ability to captivate audiences. We adored working with her on The Gentleman and we're absolutely delighted for her to be an even bigger part of the Netflix family."

The takeaway: Netflix is converting a one-season acting cameo into a long-term, global talent partnership.

What has Maya Jama said?

Jama kept the specifics vague but the tone emphatic. "I'm absolutely buzzing to be working with Netflix!" she told Variety. "There are some really exciting things coming and I can't wait for everyone to see what we've been working on. I can't give too much away just yet, but I'm so excited for this next chapter. Watch this space!"

She framed the move as deliberate risk. "I've always believed that to truly grow, you have to take a leap every now and then, and now is my time to throw myself into something new," she wrote on Instagram.

In short: she's selling the leap, not the details, and Netflix is letting her.

Why did she leave Love Island?

Two forces were at work. First, a Netflix contract sitting alongside ITV hosting duties could present a conflict of interests. Second, she'd done the job — nine seasons across three years, starting at age 28.

Her farewell post leaned on gratitude rather than grievances. "What an incredible era and what an unforgettable time I've had, it's been far too much fun to put into words or a video," she wrote, "but as all good things must come to an end, it's my time to step down as the host of my beloved Love Island."

"I've loved every slow-mo walk, fire pit and live show," she added. "I'll forever be grateful for the experience."

The plain read: a conflict risk plus a natural endpoint pushed her out of Villa duty and straight into a global streaming deal.

For marketers, the signal is Netflix's escalating investment in personality-led formats — and Jama's transition from franchise host to a streamer-owned multi-project brand, with details still under wraps.