Maya Jama has revealed the very surprising reason she was quizzed by airport immigration officials during her recent travels to America.
The presenter, 28, is gearing up to host her second series of Love Island next month as the ITV2 show returns to screen for series 10.
And it was indeed the dating show that was the reason for being stopped by officers as she jetted into New York, with one keen airport worker grilling her on all thing Love Island.
Ahead of the launch, Maya shared of her experience: ‘It’s not even celebrities, it’s just everywhere I go.
‘I was in the airport recently going to America and the woman at immigration was telling me how much she loved the show.
Questioned: Maya Jama has revealed the very surprising reason she was quizzed by airport immigration officials during her recent travels to America (Pictured at an airport recently)
She’s baaack! The presenter, 28, is gearing up to host her second series of Love Island next month as the ITV2 show returns to screen for series 10
‘She was asking me questions about all of the Islanders.’
Far from having her passport checked or questioned as to her reasons for visiting the city, Maya added that the official was far more interested in the last season of the show.
She went on: ‘I wasn’t asked any questions about why I was in the country, but instead everything that went down last series.’
It comes as Maya revealed she is is ready to turn up the heat and serve some sensational looks when the show returns next Monday.
Ahead of the show launch, the full line-up – including a Coronation Street star’s daughter, top model, deaf footballer and lip filler expert – was revealed, and host Maya can’t wait to see them set foot in the villa in Majorca.
Speaking ahead of the show launch, the star has admitted ‘the pressure is on for my stylist’ as she plans on upping her fashion game.
She said of the new series: ‘It feels so exciting, I was full of nerves for my first series because I was wondering what it would be like. Now, I know I feel really ready and excited, I just can’t wait to get started!
‘Now there’s a bit more of an expectation, I just want to make sure that I live up to that expectation again…. The pressure is on for my stylist because the dresses did very well last series!’
Quizzed: And it was indeed the dating show that was the reason for being stopped by officers as she jetted into New York, with one keen airport worker grilling her on all thing Love Island
Big fans: Far from having her passport checked or questioned as to her reasons for visiting the city, Maya added that the official was far more interested in the last season of the show (Maya pictured with the winter series finalists)
On what viewers can expect to see her wear this series, she added: ‘We haven’t decided yet, but I’ve said that I want to look beachy, sexy and fun. I’d say “Ibiza summer” is the vibe I’m going for.’
And she is hoping to make a big entrance for what will be series 10, having suggested her favourite slow-mo song to walk in to: ‘It would depend on the atmosphere of what I was walking in for, I really like the song Maria Maria by Santana, I feel like that could be good.’
Love Island is set to return on June 5 and with a week to go, it has been revealed that beautician Ruchee Gurung, 24, from Sutton, semi-pro footballer Tyrique Hyde, 24, from Essex, and actress Molly Marsh, 24, from Yorkshire are joining the villa.
Following on from the trio are George Fensom, 24, a Business Development Executive from Bedford and ‘fun, flirty and chatty’ Catherine Agbaje, 22, a Commercial Real Estate Agent haling from Dublin.
Upping the hunk factor on the show is French model Mehdi Edno, 26, who producers are said to be will be the next Davide Sanclimenti, while Glaswegian model Ella Thomas 23, is also set to bring her award-winning looks to the villa.
Back with a bang! It comes as Maya revealed she is is ready to turn up the heat and serve some sensational looks when the show returns next Monday (pictured for the winter series in January)
In style: Speaking ahead of the show launch, the star has admitted ‘the pressure is on for my stylist’ as she plans on upping her fashion game (pictured for the winter series in January)
The next contenders for love include gas engineer Michel Taylor, 26, from Sheffield, London-native Jess Harding, 22, who is an Aesthetics Practitioner and economics graduate and clothing brand entrepreneur Andre Furtado, 21, from Dudley.
And Maya has revealed what she thinks makes a great Islander, explaining: ‘I think being super confident and not afraid of going after what you want is a great way to be, you have to really want to find someone, but not be afraid of stepping on people’s toes in order to get them.’
Meanwhile, Maya is looking forward to returning to spin-off show Aftersun to present alongside former show star Indiyah Polack and ex Made In Chelsea regular Sam Thompson.
She said: ‘Us as a little trio have formed a really nice bond and friendship, which is only going to get stronger. We know each other well and everything we did last series went well, so I’m excited to add even more to it. More opinions, more fun, more vibes!’
Love Island starts at 9pm Monday 5th June on ITV2 and ITVX.
MEET THE ISLANDERS
Ruchee Gurung
NAME: Ruchee Gurung
AGE: 24
FROM: Sutton
OCCUPATION: Beautician
WHY ENTER THE VILLA? I’m single and looking for love, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to find someone. I’m a relationship kind of girl, but so far it’s not worked out for me.
WHY DATE ME? I’m really caring, when I’m with someone I’m all about them. I’m also really loyal and love doing nice things for the people that are special to me. My love language is gift giving, so I’m a real giver when it comes to relationships
Tyrique Hyde
NAME: Tyrique Hyde
AGE: 24
FROM: Essex
OCCUPATION: Footballer
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’ll bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty. I don’t sit on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want
CLAIM T0 FAME? Toby Aromolaran is one of my best friends, we grew up together and were in the same class at school
Molly Marsh
NAME: Molly Marsh
AGE: 24
FROM: Yorkshire
OCCUPATION: Actress
WHY LOVE ISLAND AND WHY NOW? I think it’s ideal timing and the perfect way to find someone.
I don’t go out and party and I don’t use dating apps, I’m actually quite old-fashioned, so there’s no better way to meet someone than by going into a Villa in the sun with the potential ‘one’ in there.
George Fensom
NAME: George Fensom
AGE: 24
FROM: Bedford
OCCUPATION: Business Development Executive
HOW WOULD YOUR FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? I’m the first person to bring the vibe up, I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants to go out. My go-to dance move is what I call the Dad Dance, I’m gonna bring dad jokes and dad dancing to the Villa.’
Catherine Agbaje
NAME: Catherine Agbaje
AGE: 22
FROM: Dublin
OCCUPATION: Commercial Real Estate Agent
HOW WOULD FAMILY AND FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU? Someone who is fun and a loving character. They know I have so much love to give.
I’m always smiling, I’m always happy, I’m always laughing. You’ll always see me with a smile on my face.’
Mehdi Edno
NAME: Mehdi Edno
AGE: 26
FROM: Bordeaux/London
OCCUPATION: Communications Manager/Model
ARE YOU READY TO FIND THE ONE? Yes. I’ve been busy for the last few years with work, and doing my Masters degree but now I’m done with the busy schedule, and ready to find love.
THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO HAVE IN A PARTNER? Looks are important but they aren’t everything, a good sense of humour and someone who is outgoing and up for an adventure is what I’m looking for.
NAME: Ella Thomas
AGE: 23
FROM: Glasgow
OCCUPATION: Model
WHAT’S YOUR CLAIM TO FAME? I’ve been in a Headie One and Burna Burna Boy music video and I was once an extra in World War Z. I was 12 years old when I filmed it and got to meet Brad Pitt which was cool.
WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I’m the whole package, I know what I want in life and I’ve got a big heart.
Mitchel Taylor
NAME: Mitchel Taylor
AGE: 26
FROM: Sheffield
OCCUPATION: Gas engineer
WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I thrive on being a gentleman. I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates, I’ll fill your bedside drawer with your favourite sweets and chocolate. I’ve been single, I’ve had my fun and now I want to settle down.
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I’m just really picky. I’ve got to find the girl that I want to marry and have kids with. I’m nearly 27, I don’t want to play the field anymore, I want to find the one.
Jess Harding
NAME: Jess Harding
AGE: 22
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Aesthetics Practitioner
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? Because every boy is giving me the ick at the moment. I feel like it’s fate because I’m saving myself for Mr Right in the Villa!
WHAT GIVES YOU THE ICK? When a guy stunts for money, that’s an ick. Showing off all their designer clothes because most of the time they’re probably fake anyway! Another one is when a boy runs for the train and the train goes without him. Lunch Boxes also – just go to Tesco and get a meal deal!
Andre Furtado
NAME: Andre Furtado
AGE: 21
FROM: Dudley
OCCUPATION: Economics graduate and clothing brand entrepreneur
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’m charming, I’m going to bring good looks and some language lessons. I’m going to teach the other Islanders Portuguese, Spanish and a little bit of Creole. I think I’ve got every slice of the pie.
DO YOU FALL IN LOVE QUICKLY? I would say I fall too quickly to be honest. When I look at beautiful ladies, before I’ve said hello to them I’ve already fallen in love. I’m already planning the wedding.
