Maya Jama will appear in just one episode of new The Masked Singer series and 'has no plans to return' after signing seven-figure global Netflix deal

Maya Jama will appear in just one episode of the new The Masked Singer series and has no plans to return.

On Sunday, the presenter, 32, announced her departure from dating reality show Love Island after an 'unforgettable' nine series, leaving ITV bosses 'blindsided'. 

It later emerged that Maya has signed a seven-figure global Netflix deal as she prepares to conquer Hollywood following the success of The Gentlemen and Celebrity Traitors. 

Now it has come to light Maya has only filmed one episode of The Masked Singer, which is set to air next year, with insiders saying she won't be returning. 

The TV host joined the show back in 2024 after replacing Rita Ora on the panel. She joined Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan in trying to identify the celebrity behind the mask. 

'Maya came for the first day of filming but then didn't return and is in only one episode of the series, it'll be a surprise to viewers as she's one of The Masked Singer's main panellists,' a source told The Sun. 

'The official line is that her absence is part and parcel of format changes involving the Legends – Maya, Davina, Jonathan and Mo – taking on the Wild Card detectives.

'The fact remains that she features in just one episode of her sole-remaining ITV show, bosses are saying no decisions have been made about the next series – the one that will film in late 2027 and air in 2028 – but insiders say she won't be returning.'

The new series has had a format shake-up, with the original panel being called 'Legends' while comedian Alan Carr will lead a rival team named The Wild Cards. 

Both teams will have to compete to try and uncover who is behind the mask.

An ITV spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'Audiences can look forward to seeing Maya on the Legends panel in episode two of the new series.

'Due to The Masked Singer's brand new rival panel format, Maya was never scheduled to film all episodes of series eight, airing in 2027.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Maya's representative for comment.   

Maya is set to work with Netflix in a multi-project deal and has signed a deal with a major US talent agency, William Morris Endeavor. 

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.

She is set to work with the streaming giant on a multi-project deal and has signed a deal with a major US talent agency, William Morris Endeavor. 

Maya, 32, 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. 

Maya took over Love Island in January 2023 from Laura Whitmore and has become one of the most in-demand stars in the UK. 

Her departure may have also surprised ITV bosses, after they reportedly announced her as the show's host to their sponsors just last week.

An email allegedly from staff at Love Island was sent out to potential sponsors for the reality show which declared Maya would be returning as the presenter for the next series.

The email, which was headlined 'flight: 2027', read: 'Maya Jama returns to host as a cast of iconic ex-Islanders head back to paradise for another chance at love.

'They'll couple up, put their connections to the test and compete to win over the nation, with only one pair taking home the crown.

'Secure your brand a front-row seat to the action with pre-roll placements directly before official show clips, shared from the @LoveIsland handle on X.'

The account that shared the screenshot, TV Zone, wrote alongside it: 'Awkward. Last week ITV told potential sponsors that Maya would be returning.' 

Maya's Hollywood move comes after her stint on the BBC's Celebrity Traitors, as a Traitor who breezed through the series undetected until the finale.

She also recently made her acting debut in Guy Ritchie's hit Netflix series The Gentlemen. 

The star has already launched a bid to crack America with her role on the show, flying to New York earlier this year for a string of promotional TV appearances.