Loose Women star reveals desire to replace Maya Jama as new Love Island host

Conversations as to who could be the next host have reportedly already begun.

Maya Jama stood in front of the Love Island arch that is lit up in pink, smiling ahead.

ITV

Published: Monday, 9 November 2026 at 3:48 pm

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GK Barry has thrown her hat into the ring to become the next host of Love Island following the shock news that Maya Jama would be stepping down after three years fronting the reality show.

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The podcaster and regular panellist on Loose Women, joked during today's show that she'd "do anything" to be the next host, following reports she is a frontrunner to potentially lead the reality series.

"Get me in there," she said. "I’ll do anything, first born child – have it. Not to sound desperate. I love it, I make Ella [her partner] watch it every night. Maya was really good at holding her tongue – I’d be like 'what are you doing?'"

Her on-air pitch followed Maya Jama's announcement that she is stepping down as Love Island host after three years and nine seasons.

GK Barry wearing a black dress, smiling ahead, as she poses for a photo.

GK Barry. Zak Hussein/Billboard via Getty Images

In a statement shared on Instagram, Jama reflected on her time hosting the dating series, writing: "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."

"I started hosting the show aged 28 and during the 9 incredible series met the most wonderful humans along the way. I’ve loved every slow-mo walk, fire pit and live show. I’ll forever be grateful for the experience.

"But 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 also thanked fans and the production team, adding: "The show really does belong to the people who watch it and embrace it year after year."

GK Barry - who recently appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! - is one of several names being linked with the role, though ITV has not confirmed a replacement. Maura Higgins and Olivia Attwood are also among the stars tipped for the job, with bookmakers making Attwood an early favourite.

All seasons of Love Island UK are available to watch on ITVX.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

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