Celebrities

Maya Jama drops jaw‑dropping cut‑out bikini body, jets Netflix launch

By GoNews Pulse Editorial Team••Updated Oct 16, 2026
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Maya Jama drops jaw‑dropping cut‑out bikini body, jets Netflix launch

**Maya Jama Flaunts “Happy Weight” in Swimsuit Shoot, Re‑opens Stormzy Friendship Loop**

Maya Jama, 32, the former *Love Island* presenter turned television personality and budding actress, dropped a sunny Instagram story on Sunday night that highlighted her “happy weight” after a dramatic period of weight loss.

The star rocked a pale yellow cut‑out swimsuit alongside a tiny leopard‑print minidress, pairing the looks with a relaxed snapshot taken on a private jet. She captioned the series of photos “Brick by brick,” adding a clip of herself watching *The Gentleman* after her acting debut on Netflix earlier that month.

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## Background & Context

Maya’s journey to the camera has always been a blend of unapologetic self‑confidence and candid vulnerability. Having first burst onto the public eye as a contestant on *Love Island* in 2016, she carved out a niche as one of the show’s most outspoken and fashion‑forward personalities.

Over the years, she transitioned into presenting roles—most notably hosting *The Xtra Factor*, *The Voice UK* and *Britain's Got Talent*—and has become a regular on daytime shows such as *Loose Women*.

The weight conversation began earlier this year when Jama openly expressed frustration at being “naturally skinny.” In a March interview, she shared that a severe bout of food poisoning while traveling abroad had left her noticeably thinner.

“I wanted a thicker body and I’m going to do the training and late‑night eating to fill out,” she said, hinting at a personal battle against genetics. She also made it clear she is not a fan of Ozempic, noting that many slim people are associated with the drug and that gaining weight naturally can be a real challenge.

Jama’s Instagram post coincides with her debut on Netflix’s *The Gentleman*, a crime‑thriller series set in 1980s London. In the show, she portrays a supporting character who adds depth to the narrative while showcasing her acting chops.

The appearance marks a significant step for Jama, positioning her within an international streaming platform and exposing her to new audiences.

Her relationship with English rapper Storm Zy (real name Michael McLaren) has also been in the spotlight. The duo first dated from 2015 to 2019, rekindled their romance in August 2023, and split again in July 2024.

After the latest break, Jama refollowed Storm Zy on Instagram and shared a clip of herself singing along to his hit “One Second,” reigniting speculation about a possible reconciliation.

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## What People Are Saying

Fans poured in comments praising the outfit and acknowledging Jama’s candidness about her body. “Brick by brick” became an instant hashtag, with many users posting their own “happy weight” journeys and tagging the star for encouragement.

The pale yellow cut‑out swimsuit was highlighted as a “perfect balance of confidence and subtlety,” while the leopard‑print minidress received praise for its playful edge.

In a separate post, Jama explained her weight‑gain strategy: > “I don’t love that Ozempic thing… Some of us are naturally skinny and we don’t want to be. We like being thicker, but it’s hard so just bear that in mind, alright.” She added, “I’ve gained weight before and I will do it again.

And eat late. I don’t know if this is proper advice but I eat late at night and then feel like it stays on my body, so let’s see.”

The following week she addressed rumours of a reconciliation with Storm Zy after refollowing him and singing his music. In response to a post on X, Jama clarified: > “I like the song. We have always been friends.

No one is back together, rest with the theories.”

Her fans appreciated her transparency; over 15k comments across both posts expressed support, ranging from “So proud of you” to “Can’t wait to see your next project!” The engagement also sparked a broader conversation about body positivity and the pressure on public figures to maintain a particular look.

Many commentators noted that Jama’s honesty might encourage others who struggle with body image to feel less isolated.

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## What Happens Next

No official announcements have been made regarding Jama’s upcoming projects beyond her current Netflix role. However, she continues to share lifestyle content on Instagram, suggesting she will keep posting similar photos and personal snippets.

Her private jet shoot—an emblem of her glamorous image—also signals that she is comfortable navigating a high‑profile lifestyle without shying away from the public eye.

As for her relationship with Storm Zy, Jama has firmly stated that they remain friends only, with no hint of a rekindled romance. Fans may watch for any future developments, but for now the duo seems to be content keeping their personal lives separate from the public.

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## Industry Impact

Maya Jama’s new Instagram narrative extends beyond a mere fashion statement; it feeds into larger industry trends. Her frank discussion about weight management and body image has resonated with a generation increasingly invested in authenticity.

The “brick by brick” caption, coupled with her candid explanation of late‑night eating, underscores how public figures are shifting from polished perfection to relatable storytelling.

For the television and streaming sectors, Jama’s transition from presenter to actress is notable. *The Gentleman* places her alongside seasoned actors within a high‑budget Netflix production—an opportunity that could open doors to future roles on international platforms.

Her growing presence in mainstream media also benefits the broader movement of African‑British entertainers gaining visibility in traditionally Eurocentric industries.

the Storm Zy storyline demonstrates the enduring power of celebrity relationships in driving engagement. Even a refollow and a shared music clip can spark conversations that boost social media metrics, proving that personal updates remain a potent marketing tool.

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Maya Jama’s latest Instagram post underscores her commitment to maintaining her “happy weight” while navigating the demands of fame and personal relationships.

By blending style, authenticity, and strategic visibility, she offers fans a glimpse into her evolving journey—one that continues to inspire conversations about body positivity, career growth, and the complex dance between personal life and public persona.

Why It Matters

Maya Jama’s Instagram narrative underscores a broader cultural shift toward authenticity in celebrity branding. By openly discussing her weight journey and pairing it with high‑profile imagery—a private jet shoot and a tasteful swimsuit—she positions herself as both relatable and aspirational, bridging the gap between influencer culture and traditional media. This move is strategically timed with her Netflix debut in *The Gentleman*, allowing cross‑promotion across platforms and expanding her audience from reality TV fans to streaming viewers. The emphasis on body positivity resonates with younger demographics increasingly skeptical of polished beauty standards, potentially enhancing audience loyalty. For the industry, Jama’s dual role as presenter and emerging actress demonstrates the fluidity of media careers, encouraging networks to scout talent beyond conventional boundaries. her transparency about friendships with Storm Zy highlights how personal narratives can be leveraged for engagement without compromising professional credibility. Overall, the story illustrates how celebrities can harness personal authenticity to drive brand growth while navigating the delicate balance between public image and private life.

Our Take

Maya Jama’s decision to spotlight her "happy weight" while promoting a new Netflix series is a savvy blend of personal branding and professional ambition. By marrying candid body talk with high‑end visuals, she taps into the current appetite for genuine self‑representation, potentially expanding her fanbase beyond *Love Island* nostalgia. Yet, this approach also risks alienating segments that may view late‑night eating advice as irresponsible. From an industry perspective, her pivot to acting signals a promising trajectory for media personalities willing to diversify, while her friendship clarification with Storm Zy demonstrates a mature stance on public speculation. Ultimately, Jama is redefining the celebrity narrative: authenticity meets strategy, and body positivity becomes a vehicle for broader cultural impact.

GoNews Pulse Editorial Team

This article was prepared for publication by GoNews Pulse and checked for publication requirements under our editorial standards. We review available information and correct material errors when they are identified.

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Related topics

  • #Maya Jama
  • #Storm Zy
  • #body positivity
  • #Love Island

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