Maya Jama says she hopes her 'future self will thank her for taking chances and being brave' after she blindsided ITV by quitting Love Island in pursuit of Hollywood

Published: 08:15 EST, 13 November 2026 | Updated: 09:25 EST, 13 November 2026 Maya Jama has said she hopes her 'future self will thank her for taking chances and being brave' after she blindsided ITV by quitting Love Island in pursuit of Hollywood. The presenter, 32, announced last week that she had stepped down from the dating show and just a day later landed a huge seven-figure global Netflix deal.Maya stunned on the front cover of DSECTION Magazine's The Life Issue as she spoke about her 'ambitious' decision to change direction in her career. After taking the leap of faith, Maya admitted: 'I want my future self to thank me for being brave. 'For taking chances, trusting my instincts and not letting fear or other people's opinions stop me from doing things.''I've definitely still got that hunger,' Maya said while bosses scramble to look for her replacement. 'I don't think that ever really goes away when you're naturally ambitious. Maya Jama, 32, has said she hopes her 'future self will thank her for taking chances and being brave' after she blindsided ITV by quitting Love Island in pursuit of Hollywood Maya stunned on the front cover of DSECTION Magazine as she spoke about her 'ambitious' decision to change direction in her career'I still get excited by new opportunities, and I still want to push myself and see how far I go. 'Being able to choose what I do, who I work with, where I spend my time and who I spend it with. That's a massive luxury and I don't take it for granted.'To celebrate DSECTION's 15th anniversary, Maya modelled a number of racy looks for the photoshoot. Maya announced she had stepped down from ITV's Love Island this week saying it was time for her to 'throw myself into something new'.The star is set to work with streaming giant Netflix on a multi-project deal and has signed a deal with a major US talent agency, William Morris Endeavor.Now her first project – Will You Marry Me? – has been revealed, and may well rival Love Island when it comes out as it has already been dubbed as the 'hottest series of 2027'.According to a new report, the interactive dating reality show will be live and streamed around the globe.The Sun reports that the format will involve a man being introduced to 50 women who are then narrowed down to just one by a public vote.The man will then have to propose there and then as the live viewers wait and watch to see what happens. Maya admitted: 'I want my future self to thank me for being brave. For taking chances, trusting my instincts and not letting fear or other people's opinions stop me from doing things.' 'I've definitely still got that hunger', Maya said while bosses scramble to look for her replacement. 'I don't think that ever really goes away when you're naturally ambitious' Maya wowed in a faux-fur coat as she cradled Dachshund during the shoot DSECTION is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a special edition featuring Maya Jama to mark this milestone To celebrate DSECTION's anniversary, Maya modelled a number of racy looks for the photoshoot Maya shocked her devoted fans when she announced her departure from dating reality show Love Island after an 'unforgettable' nine series Maya recently starred on BBC's The Celebrity Traitors and almost made it to the very end undetected A source said: 'Maya and her team had so many options on the table for where to take her career in 2027.'It became a 'when' and not an 'if' she leaves Love Island, so ITV knew she was leaving. But it must sting a bit to know she's going to a rival dating show.'Will You Marry Me? is set to be one of Netflix's biggest projects for 2027, and putting Maya at the helm shows how much they respect her. Her star is only going to have risen dramatically by this time next year.' A representative for Maya has been contacted by the Daily Mail for comment.Maya told Variety on Monday evening: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be working with Netflix! There are some really exciting things coming and I can't wait for everyone to see what we've been working on. 'I can't give too much away just yet, but I'm so excited for this next chapter. Watch this space!'She later took to her Instagram and penned: 'Cling cling to the next chapter' and posed with a Netflix mug. Netflix's vice president of UK content, Anne Mensah, added: 'Maya is fabulous. She has an infectious energy and an ability to captivate audiences. 'We adored working with her on The Gentlemen, and we're absolutely delighted for her to be an even bigger part of the Netflix family.