Maya Jama ‘responds’ to Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s claims she was ‘offered Love Island hosting role first’

Love Island’s new host Maya Jama seemingly shut down reports that Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu was the “first choice” to host the ITV2 dating series.

Last week, the TV presenter, 28, confirmed that she would be taking over hosting duties from Laura Whitmore stepped down after she announced in August she would be stepping away from the series.

Although Jama was hotly tipped to take over the show’s hosting reigns, Love Island 2022 winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu said she was offered the role just months after leaving the villa.

Speaking to PopSugar, she said: "I did get offered. I would’ve loved to do it, but I can’t at the minute because of how busy I am. And I said I’m not ready for it.

“I want proper training. I’ve done presenting before, but not to the level of Laura [Whitmore].”

However, the reality TV star’s comments have since been debunked with a source telling Metro.co.uk: “This is untrue. Maya was the first choice for host.”

Not only that but the former BBC Radio 1 DJ reportedly liked and swiftly unliked a tweet, which suggested she had been informed she was in the running before anybody else.

In light of the furore, Cülcüloğlu has since taken to Twitter and appeared to deny her comments, saying: "These rumours make me laugh!"

Despite her comments, the Turkish soap star heaped praise on Jama earlier this month and insisted that ITV had “picked right” with the presenter.

She told The Standard: “I think ITV have picked wisely, one, I think she’s [Maya Jama] beautiful, I think she’s funny and I think she’s very smart.

“I think she’s very well-spoken and she’s someone everyone can relate to as well.”

Jama will make her Love Island debut when it returns for its ninth series in early 2023.

She will be on hand to help a new influx of islanders looking for love in the winter edition of the show, which will be filmed in South Africa.

Jama said in a press release that she was excited about her new gig and couldn’t wait to get started.

She said: “I’ve always been such a massive Love Island fan and I’m so excited to be hosting one of the nation’s favourite shows! I can’t wait to get into the Villa to meet all of the Islanders.”