Love Island host Maya Jama has shared an unexpected update from Cape Town, revealing she's being 'terrorised by huge bugs' while production on the highly anticipated Love Island: All Stars series remains on hold.
Wildfires Force Major Production Delay
The 31-year-old television presenter is currently in South Africa where the new series was due to film. However, ITV bosses were forced to postpone the launch after dangerous wildfires raged in areas close to the planned villa location. The launch, originally scheduled for Monday evening, has been delayed indefinitely while producers assess safety.
An official statement from ITV confirmed the delay, noting: 'Everyone is safe though and we're working on bringing you an iconic series.' The statement added that the team is still working to confirm a new launch date, with hopes that filming could begin on Wednesday. The postponement is reportedly costing the broadcaster over £15,000 an hour due to commitments to crew, staff, and other professionals already on the ground.
Maya's Unwelcome Roommate
While awaiting the green light to start filming, Maya Jama's downtime took a creepy-crawly turn. In a Wednesday update to her Instagram followers, the host described being bullied by a 'big back beetle' that she said resembled a cockroach but had pincers.
'He dropped on my bed waking me up,' Maya wrote alongside dishevelled photos of herself laughing about the incident. 'Because it was so heavy it sounded like a mouse landed and then crawled under my bed & continued to sing all night from somewhere behind the curtain.'
The nocturnal intruder proved victorious, with Maya admitting: 'He won. I slept on the sofa with a blanket over my head.'
Making the Most of an Unexpected Break
Prior to her bug encounter, Maya had been sharing glimpses of her 'wholesome' extended stay in a location she now considers a second home. 'It's been four years I've been coming here so I do feel a bit like a local,' she said in a video, strolling through Cape Town.
She also showcased her sensational figure in a skimpy black bikini from brand Hunza G during the unexpected break. Meanwhile, the confirmed 12 All Stars Islanders, including former contestants like Millie Court and Tommy Bradley, are understood to be waiting in high-end accommodations alongside a number of unannounced 'bombshell' contestants.
ITV has urged fans to keep an eye on their social media channels for the confirmed new launch date of Love Island: All Stars.
