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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Maya Jama announces new career move with A-list star as Love Island return date is confirmed

Maya Jama has announced a new career move, revealing on Instagram that she’s diving into acting.

The 30-year-old presenter shared the exciting news on Instagram announcing that she will star in The Gentlemen, the popular Netflix series directed by Guy Ritchie.

Maya, who is getting ready to host Love Island this summer, took to her Instagram Story and penned: “Told you I’ve been on some side quests”.

“Gassed is an understatement,” she wrote in a follow-up post, sharing her enthusiasm. “I’ve gone and got a little role in one of my favourite series!”

Adding: “To work alongside such amazing & accomplished actors who I admire, incredible production, and with a legendary director Guy Ritchie is honestly a dream come true.

“So grateful for the opportunity and I can’t wait for you all to meet my character, she’s a G.”

Maya will join Theo James in season two of The Gentlemen (Christopher Rafael/Netflix)

Production for the second season of The Gentlemen is currently underway in the UK, with filming taking place at the stunning Badminton House in Gloucestershire.

The British gangster drama, which stars Theo James and Kaya Scodelario. Maya’s role is reportedly that of the glamorous wife of a shady associate connected to James’ lead character, Eddie Horniman.

This season also adds some notable names to the cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Benjamin Clementine, Benedetta Porcaroli, and Michele Morrone, among others. Returning cast members include Vinnie Jones, Daniel Ings, Ray Winstone, Joely Richardson, and Giancarlo Esposito.

Earlier this year, the Glow-Up presenter teased fans with a Netflix script and a cryptic photo alongside The Gentlemen star Kaya Scodelario, prompting speculation about her involvement in the series.

Maya is set to host Love Island this summer, which kicks off on June 9 (ITV)

Maya had previously hinted at auditioning for a "dream role" in January, saying she was eager to play something completely different from her bubbly TV persona.

She said: “My dream role, I would want to be like a villain or something that’s completely not like me, so then it shows that I can actually act. And then people would be like, wow, two different people.”

Maya’s acting career takes off just as Love Island gears up to return to screens.

ITV confirmed that the dating show will return for its 12th season on Monday, June 9 at 9 pm, with a fresh batch of contestants heading to the villa.

The 10th anniversary season will bring a special Love Island: A Decade of Love episode, celebrating the hit show's milestone.

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