Love Island contestant is glad Maya Jama will be the show’s new host

‘Love Island’ star Antigoni Buxton praises Maya Jama as new host

The 26-year-old appeared on the summer 2022 version of the show which was the last series hosted by Laura Whitmore before she stepped down from presenting duties and was replaced by Maya who will take over for the winter version in January 2023 and Antigoni believes Maya was the perfect choice.

Antigoni explained: “I think there would be nobody else that would’ve been good for the job. So I’m glad that decision was made. I love Laura as well but kinda gutted I didn’t get to be there with Maya too.”

Antigoni went on to insist Maya will make the role her own with her very particular style of presenting. She added: “You know what I think Maya is going to bring the sauce. I think she’s going to revamp the whole show with her like … do you know what I mean? She’s just so beautiful and like good vibes and she’s going to give it a new energy.”

Antigoni Buxton was an Islander on Season 8 of the revived series of Love Island. Antigoni entered the villa on Day 17 and was dumped from the island on Day 25

Maya will “bring the sauce” as the new host of the show.

Maya was confirmed as the new host of ‘Love Island’ this week after Laura stepped down from the role in August. 2023 is officially the year of Love, as ITV and Lifted Entertainment (part of ITV Studios) announce two new series of Love Island, coming to ITV2 and ITVX

The show’s official Instagram account shared a video of someone scrolling through headlines linking her to the role, only to reveal Maya with a signature ‘Love Island’ water bottle and suitcase. The team wrote: “Okay, the rumours are true. Say hey to your brand new #LoveIsland host @mayajama!” Maya replied to the announcement: “SO BLOODY EXCITED! GET ME ON THAT ISLAND”.

Laura replaced late TV presenter Caroline Flack and hosted the show for three series. However, she quit ‘Love Island’ over the summer, hinting at some issues behind the scenes.

Announcing her decision to leave, Laura explained that “certain elements” were tough to deal with. The star – who is marred to the show’s narrator Iain Sterling – said in a statement: “Some news! I won’t be hosting the next series of ‘Love Island’. “There are certain elements of the show I’ve found very difficult that cannot be changed some due to the format, including the flying back and forth to South Africa along with my new conflicting projects. I wish it was still possible but know you’ll be in safe hands.”

The series returns to South Africa in 2023