Love Island has unveiled the first glimpse of this year's summer series, confirming that Maya Jama will return as host. The World Cup-themed teaser features a beach ball bouncing into a football stadium amid cheering fans, seemingly indicating the series' air date will coincide with the FIFA competition, which runs from June 11 to July 19 in North America.
Maya Jama Returns to Mallorca
ITV confirmed that Maya will preside over all the action from the sun-soaked Mallorca villa. The broadcaster stated: 'Heading to sun-drenched Mallorca for the ultimate game of love, a brand new batch of Islanders must couple up or clear out as they dive head first into a summer of twists, turns, and tests - all in pursuit of finding a connection.' They added: 'With unexpected arrivals, shifting loyalties, and sparks flying, the new series promises even more unforgettable, unmissable moments, messiness, and plenty of romance.'
Maya Jama Also Joins Celebrity Traitors
Meanwhile, Maya was reportedly the first star approached by Celebrity Traitors bosses in a bid to attract a younger audience. The series two cast was officially announced last week, with Jerry Hall, Richard E Grant, and Romesh Ranganathan among the stars heading to the castle. Maya was top of the producers' wish list due to her ability to draw a younger demographic thanks to her Love Island hosting duties.
The 31-year-old was more than willing to take a significant pay cut of £760,000 compared to her fee for hosting the ITV dating show. She is said to have accepted the £40,000 rate after falling in love with the series while watching it with her boyfriend Rúben Dias. A source said: 'She loved watching the first Celebrity Traitors series at home with boyfriend Rúben and is so excited to get filming. She can't wait to do some fibbing and be as deceitful as possible to try to win it.' The source added: 'It has worked out perfectly that she can go straight from the Scottish castle to the villa in Majorca to film the summer Love Island series in June.'
BBC Increases Budget for Celebrity Traitors
The BBC has reportedly been forced to double its £1 million budget for the second and most star-studded series yet. The increased budget was evident as pictures emerged of stars arriving in the highlands via planes and private jets, while last year many contestants were said to have travelled by train. Alan Carr and Sir Stephen Fry were among those ferried around in a minibus last year, which has now been replaced with chauffeur-driven cars. Money has also been spent on enhancing security to keep the stars safe and the castle's activities under wraps ahead of transmission later this year.
A source said: 'Although most of the stars are British, so many of them are used to working in America that their teams are used to the treatment.' They told The Sun: 'The production team have little choice, however, than to cater for their demands because they accept the number of A-listers taking part in this year's show makes it exceptional.' The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.
