Professional footballer Catarina Pita reportedly in talks to enter villa during Women’s Euros as host Maya Jama quits spin-off show
Love Island producers are reportedly lining up professional footballer Catarina Pita as a late bombshell in a calculated move to create “maximum drama” during the Women’s Euros, according to show insiders.
The ITV2 dating show, which has already delivered explosive Casa Amor drama and a controversial Movie Night, is allegedly set to raise the stakes further with the arrival of the “gorgeous” new Islander. A show insider told The Sun that the footballer is in active discussions with producers about joining the current series.
“Cat has been busy in pre-season training but is on ITV2’s list as a late bombshell,” the source revealed. “As always, cast are pulled in to suit storylines to create maximum drama. Bosses loved the idea of having a female footballer on the show during the Women’s Euros.
The timing would capitalise on heightened interest in women’s football during the European Championships, potentially drawing new viewers to the long-running reality series. However, specific details about Pita’s football career and current club remain unverified.
Maya’s No-Nonsense Approach Wins Fans
Meanwhile, host Maya Jama has been earning praise for her straight-talking approach to this year’s contestants, particularly during Wednesday’s dramatic recoupling episode. The 30-year-old presenter left viewers “open-mouthed” after criticising Harry, Helena and Ben for their “embarrassing” behaviour.
When Harry surprisingly returned from Casa Amor single despite exploring a connection with bombshell Rheo Parnell, Maya didn’t hold back. After Rheo revealed there had been “kisses in bed, cuddles and all sorts” between her and Harry, the semi-professional footballer and Helena burst into laughter at the revelation.
“I don’t know, I probably wouldn’t find it that funny if I was in a couple with someone like that,” Maya retorted, earning widespread approval from viewers who branded her the “best” host for the show.
Sam Thompson praised Maya’s intervention during Love Island Aftersun, saying: “You smashed it with Ben by the way, yeah, you nailed that.” Maya revealed that not all her remarks make the final edit, admitting: “Thank you, but you do have to remember we film for a long time, I do always speak, it just doesn’t always get involved.”
Exit Rumours Intensify
However, Maya’s future with the Love Island franchise has come into question after it was confirmed she will not return as host of Love Island Games. The presenter, who hosted the first series of the Peacock spin-off in 2023, is being replaced by Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix for the second series premiering in September.
Peacock announce Love Island Games season 2 premieres September 16th, this time with Ariana Madix as host,” read an official announcement. It’ll see all-star islanders from the UK, USA & Australia return for another game of love.
Ariana, 40, previously stepped in for Maya during two episodes of the first series, making her a natural choice for the permanent role. The former Love Island USA: Aftersun host has strong connections to the franchise, having appeared as a contestant on Love Island in 2019.
Business Ventures Signal Change
The decision to step back from Love Island Games has fuelled speculation about Maya’s long-term future with the main show. In April, The Sun revealed she had established her own media firm, MIJ Productions, in partnership with close friend Issy Lloyd.
The new company, filed under media and advertising agencies with Companies House, suggests Maya is preparing for life beyond Love Island. She has also launched a plant milk brand called Sproud and worked as a producer on West End play Shifters.
Maya signs her Love Island contract on a rolling annual basis, meaning she will need to decide about the 2026 series in the coming months. Last summer, she hinted at ambitions behind the camera, telling The Sun: “I am a fan of the show and have grown up on reality TV so maybe one day, never say never.
Aftersun Returns
Despite the Games departure, Maya confirmed Love Island: Aftersun will return for the current series. In a TikTok video, she expressed excitement about the spin-off show, which features regular panellists Amy Hart, Sam Thompson, and Indiyah Polack, alongside newcomers Joe Baggs and Ash Holme.
“Aftersun’s back… I just got a really big wave of excitement,” Maya revealed, adding that she had recently filmed promotional material for the main show. She also addressed December rumours about leaving Love Island entirely, posting on Instagram: “I will be hosting Love Island next year & have no plans to leave right now. Fake news is fake news-ing as usual.
As Love Island 2025 continues to deliver drama with Casa Amor fallout and Movie Night revelations, the potential arrival of footballer Catarina Pita could shake up established couples. With producers promising more bombshells than ever this series, viewers can expect further surprises in the weeks ahead.
The current series has already featured several footballer connections, including semi-professional player Harry Cooksley and former Derby County defender Harrison Solomon, making a professional female footballer a notable addition to the villa dynamics.
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