Love Island host Maya Jama was reportedly experiencing significant personal heartbreak during the latest season of the hit ITV dating show, according to sources close to the presenter. Friends have described Jama as "devastated" by her split from Manchester City footballer Ruben Dias, a breakup that became public knowledge in May.
Despite her personal struggles, Jama, 32, was required to host the flagship program, which involves overseeing the romantic entanglements of contestants. This professional obligation came at a particularly difficult time, as sources told The Mail on Sunday that Jama had believed her relationship with Dias, 29, was headed for a long-term future. "She was devastated and it was tough for her," a source close to Jama stated. "She had to smile for the cameras and spend her evenings surrounded by people falling in and out of love."
The couple had been together for less than two years and had reportedly moved into a £4 million home in Cheshire. Friends claim Jama was "the happiest she had ever been" with Dias and was "really planning a future with him." However, rumors began circulating in May that Dias had been engaging with other women on social media. Dias has strongly denied any infidelity.
In a statement, Dias addressed the speculation, saying, "When my 85-year-old grandad is asking me if I’ve cheated on my girlfriend because he’s seen it repeatedly on the news, that’s where I draw the line on what’s acceptable and what’s not. I believe Maya deserves all the respect in the world. Respect me, respect Maya, and understand that not always one has to betray the other in order for a relationship to end."
Following the split, Jama deleted photos of Dias from her social media and took a notably public approach to moving on, embarking on extensive international travel. Since the breakup, she has reportedly traveled over 20,000 miles, visiting destinations including Sweden, Mykonos, Majorca, Miami, New York, Ibiza, and Morocco, often documented on her Instagram for her 3.3 million followers.
Jama has a history of high-profile relationships. She previously dated rapper Stormzy for five years, with a brief reconciliation in 2023 before ending things again. She also had a seven-month engagement to NBA player Ben Simmons.
Ruben Dias also has a history of relationships, including a past relationship with Love Islander Arabella Chi and a three-year partnership with Portuguese pop star April Ivy. In a recent interview, Dias expressed a desire to "settle down," while acknowledging that his profession could create a perception of being a womanizer.