EKIN-SU Cülcüloğlu's claims she was offered the Love Island presenting job before Maya Jama have been slammed by ITV insiders.

The 28-year-old said this week she rejected the position after Laura Whitmore stepped down – but sources say Maya, also 28, was always their dream candidate.

A telly insider told The Sun: "It's not true. Maya was the first choice for host."

Awkwardly Ekin-Su told Popsugar a different story this week.

She said: "I did get offered. I would've loved to do it, but I can't at the minute because of how busy I am. And I said I'm not ready for it . . . I want proper training. I've done presenting before, but not to the level of Laura."

When asked for her thoughts on Maya, Ekin-Su added: "She's funny, intelligent, smart, beautiful. ITV have made a good choice with picking her, I think."

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Former host Laura last week congratulated Maya on landing the job.

Commenting on Maya's post sharing the exciting news, she wrote: "Yes girl!! So delighted for you! You're gonna be fab❤️xx."

It comes after Laura quit in August having replaced the late Caroline Flack in 2020.

She said she found elements of the production “very difficult” when she revealed she was leaving.

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Maya said: “I’ve always been such a massive Love Island fan and I’m so excited to be hosting one of the nation’s favourite shows! I can’t wait to get into the Villa to meet all of the Islanders.”

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