Maya Jama has taken a bold approach to discussing her past relationships, notably using a recent interview to reflect on her dating philosophy and how it shapes her current romance with Portuguese footballer Ruben Dias. The 30-year-old Love Island host, known for her charisma and sharp insights, has recently been linked to Dias, 27, since December 2024. However, it is her candid comments regarding her ex-boyfriends that are making headlines.
Jama revealed her views on relationships during a conversation with Julie Adenuga on the podcast Now You Know, stating she won't hesitate to end a relationship if it does not contribute positively to her happiness. “I’m such a lover but I am a big leaver as well. I know what makes me happy and I know what I like — and this is no disrespect to anyone I’ve been in a relationship with, but if it’s not that then I will leave it,” she explained.
This sentiment seems to point toward her high-profile breakups, particularly with musician Stormzy, whose real name is Michael Owuo Jr., and Australian basketball player Ben Simmons. Jama dated Stormzy from 2014 until 2019, only to rekindle their relationship in August 2023, but the couple split once more in July 2024 after differences in their future ambitions became apparent. A source revealed at the time that, “Maya and Stormzy are very much on different pages when it comes to their future. Stormzy was keen to settle down whereas Maya is enjoying her career, she's ambitious, and wants to prioritize achieving everything she possibly can.”
Your fellow friends might recognize the ongoing theme in Jama's relationships: she places considerable importance on personal happiness and balance. She elaborated further, “My point I always try to make is that I am really, really happy and I have curated this lovely little life for myself and my friends. I only want you if you are going to add to that or make it better, otherwise I am not really on it.”
To illustrate the challenges of dating as a public figure, Jama humorously compared herself to a secret agent. “Dating is a bit of a ball-ache if I am honest because I am like, 'I can’t go anywhere with you because even if I step out with my friend they are going to say I am dating him.' That’s a bit annoying, having to be a secret agent to date,” she noted, highlighting the unique pressures she faces in her romantic endeavors.
As her romance with Dias develops, Jama is reportedly enjoying the initial stages of their relationship. After meeting at the EMAs, they began chatting, and the connection became stronger as it moved into the New Year when, according to a source from The Sun, “When Ruben got injured and had to miss the congested new year fixtures, he jumped at the chance to see in 2025 with Maya in Spain. Spending New Year’s Eve together was a real step forward in their relationship.” The couple is not only reportedly smitten but also making strides in understanding each other during these early days.
With her focus on self-improvement and happiness, Jama seems to be setting a strong precedent for her future relationships. By openly discussing her criteria for happiness with other partners, she emphasizes that knowing oneself and having self-love are vital components of a successful relationship. Her journey holds valuable lessons on the importance of prioritizing one's needs and aspirations in the realm of love.
As audience members of Love Island eagerly keep an eye on Jama's life, so too do the media outlets and fans actively follow her moves and insights on relationships. Reflecting on her lived experiences, she continues to inspire with her commitment to happiness, endeavoring to navigate the complexities of love with both humor and intention.
In a world where the landscape of dating often seems skewed by social media and public perception, Maya Jama's willingness to communicate her desires openly while protecting her emotional space paints her as a role model for many navigating similar waters.
Overall, Jama's continuing evolution in her personal life and willingness to be candid about her experiences place her in both a relatable and aspirational light, especially as she charts a path with Ruben Dias, aiming to combine her blossoming love life with her thriving career.
