Basketball star Ben Simmons ex fiancé Maya Jama tipped as new Love Island host

Maya Jama could be heading for Love Island UK – if she can beat the Australian host of the show to the gig. 

The former fiancé of Australian basketball player Ben Simmons ‘is the firm favourite’ to take over the hosting role, The Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday. 

However, she faces competition from Aussie host Sophie Monk, who is reportedly also in the running. 

Monk, 42, is currently busy filming the new Down Under season of the hookup show in Spain. 

The former pop star and Bardot band member has fronted the local version of the reality series since it began airing in 2018. 

Former Bachelor star Abbie Chatfield, 26, has been tipped to take over Monk’s position, meaning Monk could be free to head to the UK show. 

Chatfield is currently the host of Love Island’s Afterparty series on Channel Nine. 

She faces competition from Aussie host Sophie Monk (pictured), who is reportedly also in the running. Monk is currently filming the new Down Under season of the hookup show in Spain

It comes just days after news that Maya has reportedly split from fiancé Ben, eight months after getting engaged. 

The British presenter, 28, and the basketball star, 26, were said to have struggled with their busy schedules and maintaining a long distance relationship, as Ben is based in Brooklyn, New York, while Maya lives in London. 

‘While they both care for each other so much, they truly gave it their all and realise that they just come from two different worlds,’ a source told NY Post of the breakup, adding that it was ‘one of the hardest decisions of their lives’.

The former pop star and Bardot band member has fronted the local version of the reality series since it began airing in 2018

Former Bachelor star Abbie Chatfield (pictured) has been tipped to take over Monk’s position, meaning Monk could be free to head to the UK series. Chatfield is currently the host of Love Island’s Afterparty series

‘It’s been a difficult time for them,’ the insider went on. ‘They now understand they don’t have the time they thought to dedicate to this relationship.’ 

‘After many long nights and hours of heartfelt talks, they finally realized as much as they love each other, their nonstop careers and endless travel have made it incredibly impossible to make it work,’ the source added.

Despite calling an end to their romantic relationship, it’s believe the pair hope to stay in each other’s lives, as ‘there is a lot of love between them.’ 

A representative for Maya declined to comment when approached by MailOnline. Ben’s spokesperson has yet to respond. 

It comes just days after news that Maya has reportedly split from fiancé Ben, eight months after getting engaged. Pictured together