Love Island presenter Maya Jama’s surprising new career move is revealed as she steps away from hosting duties for exciting role
Maya Jama has been announced as the new judge of Masked Singer UK, after former star Rita Ora stepped down earlier this year.
The 30-year-old Love Island presenter, who also still hosts the All Stars version of the reality dating show, has taken on the exciting role of judge.
Maya has joined the panel for the highly anticipated new series of The Masked Singer, alongside Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan.
Maya said: ‘I’m a huge fan of Masked Singer so it’s going to be really fun to be on the panel with Davina, Jonathan and Mo, and of course working with Joel!’
‘I can’t wait to find out who’s hiding under all those amazing costumes, experience the atmosphere at their performances and have a front row seat to their unmasking.
Maya Jama has been revealed as the new judge of Masked Singer UK after former star Rita Ora stepped down from her role earlier this year
The 30-year-old Love Island presenter, who will also continue to host the All Stars version of the reality dating show, has taken on the exciting job of judging
“I’ve been watching the show for a while now, so I’m definitely going to do my best during panel!”
Maya has presented Love Island since 2023. Her third season aired this summer.
Joel Dommett returns as host of the hit series, which first hit screens in 2020 and sees celebrities sing in disguise before the guessing begins.
Since then, the series has attracted a whopping 37 million viewers, who wanted to guess who is behind the mask.
A new generation of famous faces will dress in extraordinary and elaborate costumes, in an attempt to hide their identities, as they sing in front of a studio audience and our celebrity judges.
This year’s cast follows in the footsteps of a host of superstars including Dionne Warwick, NeYo, Richie Sambora, Michael Owen, Daisy May Cooper, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Sue Perkins, Glenn Hoddle, Pat Cash, Lorraine Kelly, Jason Manford, Jake Shears, Sir Lenny Henry, Joss Stone and many more.
Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning at ITV, said: “The Masked Singer is back and promises to start 2025 with a bang.
‘TV’s favourite guessing game welcomes the sensational Maya Jama who will be joining our expert detectives, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan, alongside Joel Dommett. We can’t wait.’
Daniel Nettleton and Derek McLean, co-founders of Bandicoot TV, said: ‘When we decided to make a surprise addition to the panel, we knew we had to look no further than Maya.
Maya will replace Rita who has stepped down from the show
“She may be a style icon and a fashion magazine cover girl, but when it comes to music, she’s a total nerd, which could help her solve the clues as our newest celebrity detective. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Masked Singer family.”
Rita has been a judge on the Hidden Identity Celebrity Singer Competition since 2020, but has stepped down after five seasons.
News of Rita’s departure may not come as a surprise to fans, as the star has often been replaced by guest judges due to her busy schedule. According to sources, she is leaving The Masked Singer after landing a major film role.
Earlier this year, Rita headed across the ocean to replace Nicole Scherzinger on The Masked Singer US.
This led to a sweet moment when heavily pregnant winner Vanessa Hudgens explained that she had ignored Rita’s requests to meet up because of the show.