She’s back gracing our screens as the host of Love Island. But, just before the new series kicked off, Maya Jama enjoyed some island-based romance of her own in Capri with new footballer beau Rúben Dias.
And heat can reveal the TV star is smitten, with friends saying a wedding could be on the cards.
Maya, 30, and Rúben, 28, headed off to the Italian island to spend some quality time together before Maya’s schedule became jam-packed. The couple – who confirmed their romance back in April – went extra with PDAs during a lavish boat trip, before Maya posed with a huge bouquet of red roses.
An insider tells heat, ‘The trip to Italy was incredibly romantic. There was no wild partying – they just enjoyed some quality couple time and it gave them a chance to talk about their future. Maya knows it’s early days, but she’s head over heels. She wants to settle down, get married and have a family – and she doesn’t want to wait much longer.’
The source continues, ‘Rúben seems genuine so far, and she really thinks he could be The One. What Maya loves about him is that Rúben doesn’t come across someone who would mess her about. He was with his last girlfriend for around three years – he’s not been involved in any cheating scandals, like a lot of footballers. In fact, there’s no red flags at all at the moment. He’s got a good sense of humour, and they have such a laugh together, but they’re also focused on their careers and passionate about what they do.’
Maya was first linked to the Manchester City defender after reportedly meeting him at the MTV European Music Awards last November, just months after she split from her ex, Stormzy, 31. Last July, Maya revealed that she had called it quits with the rapper, writing on Instagram, ‘We fell madly in love in 2014, broke up in 2019, and then spent five years manoeuvring life apart. We decided to try for the final time in August 2023, and we’ve spent this past year trying our best to make it work.’
Last year, Maya – who was briefly engaged to American basketball player Ben Simmons in 2022 – revealed she was looking to settle down, saying, ‘The next person I meet I want to marry and have kids with, so obviously I’m feeling fussy.’
Posting a snap of her recent Italian getaway with the caption ‘Romantica’, the presenter definitely seemed to have found happiness again. And her showbiz pals were quick to congratulate her. Comedian Katherine Ryan commented, ‘I have laid awake at night thinking, “Who will be the one to treat Maya Jama the way she deserves?” It’s been on my list of concerns.’ Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu also sent her love, simply writing, ‘Cute!’
But while Maya’s dreaming of a wedding, we’re told that her inner circle can’t help but worry. ‘Her friends and family are obviously protective of her,’ says the source. ‘After the big heartbreak of her last relationship, they want to make sure Rúben is the right guy for her. But even her most protective friends have found it hard to find any real fault with him.’
Now, we’re told, Maya is keen for this relationship to be her last. ‘She’s been looking for her next big love after Stormzy. At one point, she really through he was going to be her forever person, so she was truly devastated when they split, and she’s been on the lookout for Mr Right ever since.’
As well as playing for Manchester City, Rúben also in the squad for the Portuguese national team. Noting that the footballer’s career could well see him leave the UK at some point, the source adds, ‘Maya does wonder whether or not Rúben sees himself living permanently in England, or whether he hopes to settle back down in Portugal one day. The idea of moving there to be with him doesn’t seem too bad, though. Maya feels that if it’s meant to be, they’ll make it work no matter what.’
