Love Island host Maya Jama's collection of body art offers a fascinating glimpse into her personal life, blending emotional depth with spontaneous creativity. The 31-year-old television presenter's tattoos are far more than mere decorative elements; they serve as permanent markers of significant relationships, cultural identity, and pivotal moments that have shaped her journey.
The Meaning Behind Maya Jama's Personal Inkings
Maya Jama's tattoos frequently capture public attention, especially when she wears outfits that reveal them during her hosting duties on the popular ITV2 show. Each piece tells a unique story, combining personal symbolism with heartfelt meaning and occasional whimsical designs.
Heritage Tattoo Celebrating Cultural Roots
In 2025, Maya unveiled a particularly meaningful tattoo on her upper arm that celebrates her diverse cultural background. The design features the distinctive outlines of three countries: Scotland, Sweden, and Somalia. This ink represents her mixed heritage, with Scottish and Swedish ancestry from her mother's side and Somali roots from her father's side. It stands as a proud, personal emblem of her family history and identity.
Heartbreaking Tribute to Late Boyfriend
Perhaps the most emotionally charged tattoo in Maya's collection is the initials "RG" inked discreetly beneath her ribcage. This serves as a permanent tribute to her late boyfriend, Rico Gordon, who was tragically killed in 2011 when Maya was just 16 years old. The London-born Rico was shot in what was described as being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and Maya was reportedly on the phone with him during the incident.
Reflecting on this devastating loss, Maya has spoken about how it became a driving force in her career. She described it as "the worst thing that's ever happened to me" and noted that focusing on work provided crucial solace during her grief. This tattoo, rarely shown in public photographs, holds profound significance as a memorial to both Rico and the resilience that emerged from tragedy.
Spontaneous Zodical Lion Inking
Adding a lighter note to her collection, Maya has a lion silhouette tattoo on her ankle area, representing her Leo star sign. This piece originated from a spontaneous, hangover-inspired trip with a friend. In a TikTok video from January 2024, Maya documented the impromptu decision, explaining they decided to get tattoos while recovering from a night out. She humorously admitted not knowing what design she wanted until moments before the appointment, ultimately choosing the lion for its symbolic connection to her zodiac identity.
Friendship Bonding Through Matching Tattoos
Demonstrating the fun, social aspect of body art, Maya has matching cartoon-style tattoos on her wrists featuring faces with tongues sticking out. These were inked in November 2023 as part of a set shared with two close friends, symbolising their long-term bond and camaraderie. Maya commemorated the occasion on social media with the caption 'For life gang', highlighting the tattoos' role in celebrating enduring friendship.
Unconfirmed Script Tattoo
Reports suggest Maya may also have a script tattoo running vertically down her hip or side, though she has never publicly confirmed or shared images of it. Sources speculate the text is in Arabic and translates roughly to 'Love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching'. This potential addition to her collection remains shrouded in mystery, adding an intriguing layer to her tattoo narrative.
Overall, Maya Jama's tattoos collectively paint a portrait of a woman who uses body art to honour her past, celebrate her heritage, and mark important relationships. From deeply personal tributes to spontaneous expressions of identity, each inking contributes to a visual autobiography that is both poignant and playful.
