Maya Jama Strikes Deal With Netflix (EXCLUSIVE)

British multi-hyphenate Maya Jama has signed a Netflix deal with a number of new projects in the works, Variety can exclusively reveal. The news follows Jama’s announcement on Sunday night that she has exited her “Love Island U.K.” hosting gig after nine seasons. “I’ve always believed that to truly grow, you have to take a leap every now and then, and now is my time to throw myself into something new,” she wrote on Instagram. The pact marks an exciting new chapter in Jama’s relationship with Netflix after she made her acting debut in “The Gentlemen” Season 2 earlier this year. Jama played Aisha, a business acquaintance of Kaya Scodelario’s Susie, and will be returning to the role next season. Jama also recently competed on “The Celebrity Traitors,” which broke ratings records for the BBC. As for Jama’s upcoming projects, details are being kept under wraps for now. “Maya is fabulous,” Anne Mensah, Netflix’s vice president of U.K. content, said in a statement to Variety. “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.” Added Jama, “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!” Jama got her start as a presenter for MTV and BBC Radio 1, before moving to television with “Love Island U.K.” and “The Masked Singer U.K.,” on which she serves as a panelist. “The Celebrity Traitors” recently gave her another boost, as she was a fan favorite and the only original Traitor to make it to the final episode. Speaking with Variety about her time on the series, Jama said she “was reminded about how resilient I am.” “You don’t really know what you’re capable of in some situations until it actually happens,” she added. “And I’m really proud of myself for just holding it down despite the stress all around.”