Maya Jama shocks Love Islanders with the series’ first bombshell

Maya Jama has left Love Island contestants in shock after announcing the arrival of the new series’ first bombshell.

The launch of the ninth series of the ITV2 dating show saw a new generation of islanders step into a luxury villa in South Africa on Monday night.

As the islanders settled into their new home and got to know each other, the show’s new host, Maya Jama, made a surprise visit and announced a late arrival.

The 28-year-old presenter, who took over from Laura Whitmore after announcing she was stepping down from the show in August, told the islanders: “As you know it’s Love Island and we always say expect to the unexpected, and you never know when someone will walk through that door.

“The public voted on who should be the first bombshell to enter the Love Island villa. Islanders, get ready, it’s Tom.

After a public vote, 23-year-old semi-professional footballer Tom Clare from Barnsley was chosen to enter the villa as the series’ first bombshell.

Before leaving the villa, Jama warned the male islanders: “In 24 hours, Tom will have the chance to pair up with the girl of his choice, leaving one of you single and your place on the island in jeopardy. .

“I suggest you boys graft on and hold on tight to your daughters.”

Ahead of his arrival, a confident Tom said: “I will definitely score goals in the villa.

“If there’s a girl I want and she’s in a relationship, nine times out of 10 I’ll get her.”

Earlier in the program, the show’s first couples were revealed after a coupling ceremony hosted by Jama.

Biomedical student Tanya Manhenga kicked off the pairing, which chose airport security guard Shaq Muhammad.

Lana Jenkins, a make-up artist from Luton, chose to partner with the show’s first visually impaired contestant, Ron Hall.

After pairing and re-pairing several times, Kai Fagan, a physical education and science teacher from Manchester, ended up with Tanyel Revan, a hairdresser from north London,

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Anna-May Robey, a payroll administrator from Swansea, was eventually linked with television salesman Haris Namani, from Doncaster, who said ‘no girl has ever turned me down’ but admitted he doesn’t had never been in love.

The two remaining islanders – actress Olivia Hawkins, who initially chose to partner with Kai, and farmer and TikTok star Will Young – formed the final couple.

Olivia initially seemed unimpressed when Will revealed he had another girl’s initial tattooed on his ankle.

” Why are you telling me this ? You should have lied!” she said.

Jama suggested that she had encountered difficulties in her past relationships during the launch show.

She told the 10 new contestants, “Remember, finding your perfect match is never that easy – trust me, I know.”

Jama split from ex-boyfriend Stormzy in the summer of 2019 after more than four years together and later had a relationship with American basketball player Ben Simmons.

During the episode, she polled the male islanders to find out what they expected from the girls.

Asked about her type, Shaq said: “I’m looking for more personality and vibe, but she definitely has to be funny – funny is top of the list, I love that.”

Haris revealed he had never been in a relationship and Kai said he was “looking for a wife”.

The new series is the show’s first winter series since before the coronavirus pandemic.

Love Island airs at 9 p.m. on ITV2 and ITVX.