MAYA Jama has emerged as the real winner of The Celebrity Traitors — with the BBC now looking to poach her from ITV with a string of huge new shows.

Comic and actor Sebastian “Bash” Croft split the BBC One show’s jackpot of £83,000 for their respective charities in last night’s finale — which saw host fighting back tears.

Maya Jama in a red dress against a background of flashing lights.
Maya Jama has emerged as the real winner of The Celebrity Traitors despite missing out on the top prize Credit: ITV
Maya Jama in a shiny trench coat in front of a green curtain.
The BBC is now looking to poach Maya from ITV with a string of huge new shows Credit: BBC

But despite the drama, it was host , who was unquestionably the stand-out star of the — by charming her co-stars and viewers alike and being banished only at the very end.

And she never had to confirm she was a Traitor because those banished from the castle in the final do not have their true identities revealed to the group.

A TV insider said of her success: “The Celebrity Traitors has seen Maya take centre stage in a show watched by a massive mainstream audience — and that’s something she’s never had before.

“Beeb execs have been observing her closely and think she has a great mix of intelligence, glamour, confidence and a sense of humour that will make her the perfect choice to front big shows.

Maya Jama hanging from a helicopter above a forest and lake.
BBC bosses have been keeping a close eye on the star and believe she has the perfect combination of qualities to host major shows Credit: BBC
Cast members Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Sebastian Croft, King Kenny, Maya Jama, James Blunt, Romesh Ranganathan and Michael Sheen standing in front of a green curtain.
Romesh Ranganathan split the BBC One show’s charity jackpot of £83,000 Credit: BBC

“So they’re already looking at projects that would fit the bill — but they’ll face some resistance from who very much view her as being firmly in their roster of talent.”

As well as Love Island, which airs on , Maya also shares a role as a panellist on ITV1’s big Saturday show, .

But she had started out on the Beeb. First as a Radio 1 DJ, before she saw her profile truly soar on when she co-hosted Peter Crouch: Save

Our Summer during the Covid lockdown of 2020 and then challenge show on from 2021 to 2023.

Cast members Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Sebastian Croft, King Kenny, Maya Jama, James Blunt, Romesh Ranganathan and Michael Sheen standing in front of a green curtain.
Sebastian ‘Bash’ Croft shared the show’s win during an emotional final showdown Credit: BBC
Maya Jama wearing a green dress in a hallway.
Maya was a Traitor from the start of the recent series and lasted undetected until the final Credit: BBC

Since then most of her work has been with ITV, and she took over the hosting role on Love Island in 2023 before joining the line-up on The Masked Singer last year.

Recently Maya, who used to date rapper and footballer , also started branching out.

She took on an acting role in the second series of hit on and is set to have her part enlarged in the third season.

The insider added: “Maya is now at the stage in her career where she’s always looking at new directions of travel and she’s likely to have plenty of options thanks to .

Maya Jama poses on the set of 'Love Island Aftersun', wearing a white cutout lace dress.
Maya is the host of ITV Love Island and is also a panellist on The Masked Singer Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Maya Jama stands outdoors wearing a brown bikini and a beaded skirt in front of a palm tree.
Maya started out her career on the BBC as a Radio 1 DJ and fronted shows on BBC Three Credit: Instagram

“What’s important is that the contest will introduce her to an broader audience who might not naturally gravitate to an ITV show, which is why going front and centre in the BBC’s biggest programme has been an absolute godsend for her.

“She could turn her hand to various projects, whether that’s fronting some form of light entertainment show or even turning her hand to more acting.”

Talking after her banishment, : “I felt like that was my time to go.

It was the right time. I knew it was coming, that Michael, James duo beforehand really got to me. But I’m happy, I’m proud.”

Maya Jama sitting at a round wooden table in The Traitors.
Maya reached the final of the Celebrity Traitors before being caught by the Faithfuls Credit: BBC
Maya Jama, King Kenny, James Acaster and Leigh-Anne Pinnock stand outside.
BBC executives expect resistance from ITV in their efforts to bring Maya in to present new shows Credit: BBC

Meanwhile, Maya was among around a third of the contestants who were missing from the recording of the Uncloaked show yesterday, which aired after the finale.

It is usually the moment all the show’s stars reunite to reminisce.

But it was understood that Maya along with other players, including actors Myha’la, Sharon Rooney and Bella Ramsey, were filming for other projects.

Also absent were actor and Rob Beckett, despite his partner Romesh winning.

Model Jerry Hall did arrive at Broadcasting House in London for the episode, but within minutes had to suddenly leave.

TRIBUTES TO A 'GREAT TRAITOR'

FELLOW contestants have celebrated Maya Jama — after she almost won as a Traitor, while remaining “delightful”.

Broadcaster Amol Rojan, who was the first player murdered, said of Maya, 32, pictured above: “I love her and hate her.

“A huge satanic, villainous power. She was able to inhabit the role of a Traitor 100 per cent.”

Comedian Rob Beckett said: “Maya Jama does not change her personality, whatever’s happening  . . .  a great Traitor.”

Former EastEnders actor Ross Kemp was clearly impressed, as he said: “I think Maya’s very clever.”

Actor Joanne McNally said she was charmed by her, and joked: “Maya is the new love of my life.”

Fellow Traitor Hannah Fry said Maya was a lot of fun with “no airs and graces, totally delightful to be around”.