Maya Indea Jama has become one of the most recognisable faces in British television. Born on 14 August 1994 in Bristol, England, the charismatic presenter, DJ and entrepreneur is best known for hosting Love Island, The Masked Singer UK and Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star.
With her effortless style, vibrant energy and sharp presenting skills, Maya has built a career that spans MTV, BBC Radio 1, major primetime shows and her own beauty brand, MIJ Masks.
Maya first rose to prominence as a presenter on MTV and later joined BBC Radio 1. In 2022 she was announced as the new host of Love Island, taking over from Laura Whitmore. She made her debut with the Winter series in January 2023 and has fronted every series since, quickly becoming one of the most popular presenters in the show’s history.
Alongside her television work, Maya has become a fashion and beauty influencer, collaborating with major brands and launching her own range of face masks under the name MIJ Masks.
Relationship History
Maya Jama’s romantic life has often made headlines. Here is a complete timeline of her known relationships:
Rico Gordon (Early Relationship)
Maya’s first serious boyfriend was Rico Gordon. The pair were together when Maya was 16 and Rico was 21. In 2011, Rico was tragically killed after being caught in the crossfire of a gang fight during St Pauls Carnival in Bristol. Two men from rival gangs were later jailed for life for the shooting. Maya has spoken about how the loss “changed everything” and pushed her to seize every opportunity in life.
Stormzy (2015–2019)
Maya dated British grime star Stormzy for around four years. The couple split in August 2019 amid cheating rumours. Stormzy later denied cheating but admitted he had still been “an a**hole.” The breakup was widely covered in the British press.
Ben Simmons (2021–2022)
In 2021 Maya began dating NBA star Ben Simmons. The relationship progressed quickly and the couple got engaged around Christmas 2021. Maya debuted her diamond engagement ring at the BRIT Awards 2022. They split in September 2022 after roughly a year and a half together. Sources at the time said the pair struggled with long distance and conflicting work schedules, coming from “two different worlds.”
Stormzy (Reconciliation 2023–2024)
In 2023 Maya and Stormzy reconciled. They were spotted holding hands on holiday in Greece and later went public with the relationship. By Christmas 2023 the romance was confirmed. However, in July 2024 the couple released a joint statement confirming they had split for good.
Rúben Dias (2025–2026)
At the start of 2025 Maya was linked to Manchester City footballer Rúben Dias after they appeared in each other’s social media posts. The relationship became serious quickly — Maya reportedly moved to Manchester and the pair were said to have bought a £4 million house in Cheshire together. They broke up in the spring of 2026. Rúben was forced to deny cheating rumours, while Maya later said she is an “all-or-nothing” person who “loves loudly.”
As of late 2026, Maya Jama is understood to be single.
From a teenager in Bristol who lost her first love to one of the UK’s most in-demand television presenters, Maya Jama continues to build a career defined by confidence, style and authenticity.
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