Love Island host Maya Jama was experiencing significant personal heartbreak as she began filming the latest series of the popular ITV dating show, according to sources close to the presenter. Jama, 32, had recently ended her relationship with Manchester City footballer Ruben Dias, a split that friends say left her 'devastated.'
Despite the personal turmoil, Jama presented a cheerful facade to contestants and millions of viewers. "She was devastated and it was tough for her," a source told The Mail on Sunday. "She had to smile for the cameras and spend her evenings surrounded by people falling in and out of love."
The breakup occurred in May, shortly before Jama was due to return to the Love Island villa in Majorca. The television personality had reportedly believed Dias was "her forever person" and had not anticipated the relationship ending. Friends described her as "the happiest she had ever been" with the footballer.
The couple had been together for less than two years but were reportedly planning a future, having moved into a £4 million home in Cheshire in December. Their plans for the summer included Jama filming Love Island while Dias was on World Cup duty, with Jama intending to travel to be with him.
Rumors of the split began circulating in May, with reports suggesting Dias had followed female influencers on social media. While Jama was filming Celebrity Traitors in Scotland at the time, the couple eventually confirmed their separation. Dias strongly denied allegations of infidelity, stating in an Instagram post that he believed Jama deserved respect and that relationships can end without betrayal.
Following the breakup, Jama appeared to cope by traveling extensively. Her social media documented trips to Sweden, Mykonos, Majorca, Miami, New York, Ibiza, and Morocco, covering over 20,000 miles. Amidst this jet-setting, she also moved out of the Cheshire home and returned to her London residence.
This is not Jama's first high-profile relationship to end. She previously dated rapper Stormzy for five years, with a brief reconciliation in 2023 before their final separation. She also had a whirlwind romance with NBA player Ben Simmons, which led to an engagement before ending after three months.
Ruben Dias also has a history of public relationships, including a previous relationship with Love Islander Arabella Chi and a three-year romance with Portuguese pop star April Ivy that ended due to "lifestyle differences." Dias had recently told Esquire magazine he wished to settle down but acknowledged that his profession could create a perception of being a womanizer.