Love Island presenter Maya Jama announces surprising new career move after Stormzy split

Maya Jama has announced a surprising career move away from television following her split from rapper Stormzy.

The Love Island host has announced she will be trying her hand at theatre production, starting with the West End transfer of the Bush Theatre’s production of Benedict Lombe’s romance Shifters.

Actress Iris Elba and rapper Little Simz have also signed on to the project as producers.

Shifters is scheduled to run for 9 weeks at the Duke of York’s Theatre, from August 12 to October 12.

Starring Heather Agyepong and Tosin Cole, the story follows Dre and Des, two talented young black men whose lives intersect years after taking different paths. As they navigate new secrets and old scars, they wonder if destiny brought them together.

Heather Agyepong (“School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play”) and Tosin Cole (“Supacell,” “Doctor Who”), who reprise their roles from the original Bush Theatre production.

During the performance, a pop-up initiative called Shifting The Narrative Bookshop will also be on offer, highlighting Black British plays, literature and poetry. The bookshop will be open from 12th to 20th August in the theatre’s outer foyer, offering titles focusing on Black joy, love and celebration.

She took to Instagram to share a series of photos from production and opened up about her decision to come on board with her 3.2 million followers.

Jama said: “I am very pleased to be helping to bring Benedict Lombe’s wonderful play, SHIFTERS, to the West End.

“I feel like I know these characters, I know their story, and it’s also really wonderful to be able to see yourself represented in art, that’s the most important part.”

His friends and fans were quick to send him their congratulations and wishes of happiness in the comments section.

“This is so cool @mayajama!” wrote TV presenter Julia Goddard, before declaring Jama a “legend”.

“Congratulations,” wrote another, adding, “love this look on you.”