Love Island host Maya Jama has urged viewers not to judge the new line-up based on appearance, defending the contestants as 'normal people' who deserve grace. The 29-year-old presenter told MailOnline she feels 'protective' of the Islanders after online trolls criticised their looks, with some male contestants facing remarks about their 'less than buff bodies.'
Jama acknowledged that Love Island naturally generates opinions but stressed that participants should be given a chance to show their personalities before judgment. 'We have to give them some grace... I do feel protective once I know them,' she said, adding that she forms bonds with Islanders during Aftersun, where she can get to know them properly.
Executive producer Mike Spencer noted that negative reactions to the opening line-up may prompt the show to release video clips instead of promotional images in future. He emphasised that the show strives for a diverse cast across body types and backgrounds, but it is difficult to pre-empt viewer preferences.
Jama also reflected on relating to contestant Molly Smith during the All Stars final, drawing parallels to her own experience with ex-boyfriend Stormzy. She said she uses such moments to make Islanders feel understood, while remembering her role as host.
