Love Island host Maya Jama has offered a glimpse into her approach to dating, revealing she has no hesitation in walking away from relationships that don’t meet her standards — while appearing to throw subtle shade at ex-boyfriends Stormzy and Ben Simmons.
In a candid interview on Now You Know with Julie Adenuga, the 30-year-old presenter said she is “a big leaver” despite being a natural romantic. Maya, who is currently linked to Portuguese footballer Ruben Dias, said that if a partner doesn’t add value to her life, she has no problem calling it quits.
“I’m such a lover but I am a big leaver as well. I know what makes me happy and I know what I like — and this is no disrespect to anyone I’ve been in a relationship with, but if it’s not that, then I will leave it,” she said.
The star added, “I have curated this lovely little life for myself and my friends. I only want you if you are going to add to that or make it better.”
Maya also described the challenges of dating in the public eye, likening herself to a “secret agent” trying to keep her personal life private. “Even if I step out with my friend, they are going to say I’m dating him,” she said, calling the constant speculation “annoying.”
Her comments come as her relationship with Dias, 27, appears to be blossoming. The pair were first linked in December 2024 and reportedly spent New Year’s Eve together in Spain while Ruben was recovering from an injury. A source described the getaway as “a real step forward in their relationship,” adding that the two “get on really well.”
Before Dias, Maya had a high-profile on-off relationship with British rapper Stormzy from 2014 to 2019, before briefly rekindling their romance in 2023 and ultimately parting ways again in 2024. She also dated Australian NBA star Ben Simmons between 2021 and 2022.
Despite her past relationships, Maya said she’s focused on self-fulfilment and making room only for those who match her energy and ambition.
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