Was Maya Jama and Stormzy's split inevitable? How their second go at love was thwarted by career progress they made apart - with social butterfly Love Island star prioritising work while rapper focused on religion, social causes and settling down
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She is one of the country's most in-demand presenters and has served up a selection of sensational looks during this summer's series of Love Island.
Meanwhile the rapper's most recent album 2022's This Is What I Mean went to number one in the UK and was nominated for Best Album at the Brit Awards.
Together they were one of the UK's hottest power couples, however Maya Jama and Stormzy shocked their fans when they announced their split in a surprise statement on Wednesday.
They confirmed this breakup is 'final' after previously going their separate ways following a five year relationship in 2019 and reconnecting last August.
However the couple have struggled with their celebrity couple status and have grown apart as their 'normal relationship' buckled under the pressure of religion, politics and fame. But was their split inevitable?
2014 - From humble beginnings
The pair met when they were in their early 20s with Stormzy trying to make it as a rapper and Maya carving out a career as a TV presenter.
Born in Bristol to her father Hussein and her mother Sadie, Maya faced a tough time during her childhood with her dad in and out of prison.
Fast forward to 16-years-old and Maya faced more heartache when her boyfriend Rico, 21, was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight in Bristol in 2011.
His mum Anna previously told The Sun that Maya 'blamed herself' for the tragedy, as he had chosen to come and see her on a whim while living in London.
Eventually overcoming her heartache, Maya moved to London in 2012 when she was 16, and for many years struggled to even earn enough money to travel to work.
She told The Sunday Times in 2023: 'I was broke, pretending I'd lost my Oyster card every day so I could get to work. Hustling my little way around London, having £1 chicken-shop meals every day.
'But I was happy. I was working and I was living in London, I felt like I was getting somewhere. I'd just work as much as I could.'
The star landed a part-time job at the high street shop Urban Outfitters, and has also been working as a runner for the production company Jump Off.TV.
Eventually, Maya began to host its weekly music video countdown, before moving to TRACE Sports on Sky, and Rinse FM.
The pair met when they were in their early 20s with Stormzy trying to make it as a rapper and Maya carving out a career as a TV presenter (the pair's first picture together in 2014)
They were last seen together holding hands on July 5 at the F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Stormzy performed a headline set
Maya was left in tears earlier this month during Love Island's dramatic Casa Amor re-coupling, which saw several Islanders left brokenhearted
In 2014, Maya joined MTV on their show The Wrap Up and it was that year she met Stormzy at Red Bull Culture Clash before interviewing him the next day.
In a joint interview with British Vogue Maya reflected on the moment they met as she explained: 'He was coming out for Boy Better Known and I was just backstage going wild'.
Stormzy added: 'I saw her again at the afterparty, looking back at it, I think she was drunk.'
Maya continued: 'He filmed me on Snapchat and I was like 'AHHH' and then I actually interviewed him for MTV the day after that'.
'Yeah I would've been trying to impress,' teased Stormzy.
Meanwhile Stormzy was raised by his mother in Croydon before he went on to excel academically at school, achieving 6A*s at GCSE.
According to Lord Harris, the Tory peer who is a benefactor of the school, he could have gone to 'Oxford or Cambridge', however while he had the grades, Stormzy said he didn't have the 'desire for it'.
While working at an oil refinery in Southampton, Stormzy got in touch with his friend, Tobe Onwuka, who was working at a Land Rover dealership. Onwuka helped Stormzy quit his job and set up a company.
That work manifested itself in the viral one-take freestyle clip of Stormzy's Shut Up. As of February 2018, the clip has been viewed over 70 million times.
In 2014, Maya joined MTV on their show The Wrap Up and it was that year she met Stormzy at Red Bull Culture Clash before interviewing him the next day
Maya has spoken in the past about how the couple started their romance and the fact that 'no one' cared so they did not feel like a celebrity couple (pictured February 2017)
His first EP, Dreamers Disease, was released in 2014 and rose to the top of the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap chart.
It was a breakout year for Stormzy as he won Best Grime Act at the 2014 MOBO Awards and went on to become the first unsigned rapper to feature on Later With Jools Holland.
Maya has spoken in the past about how the couple started their romance and the fact that 'no one' cared so they did not feel like a celebrity couple.
She said: 'I didn't ever feel like a celebrity couple. Everyone else made it like that. We just had a normal relationship. And then everyone was just talking about it.
'We met when we were like 20, before anyone cared about us. So then it was just a normal relationship. Basically, I always said it was like a normal relationship but people wanted to look at it more and talk about it more.'
The pair first went public with their romance in 2016 after initially keeping their relationship private, and made no secret of their commitment to each other.
She said: 'I didn't ever feel like a celebrity couple. Everyone else made it like that. We just had a normal relationship. And then everyone was just talking about it' (pictured June 2017)
The couple were every inch the power couple once their romance went public. Pictured at the KA & GRM Daily Rated Awards in London in October 2017
2017 - Become THE celebrity power couple
Things soon progressed from 'not a celebrity couple' to a red carpet-dwelling superstar duo as their careers began to truly take off.
They would frequently be pictured at glitzy events, appear on their respective social media accounts and even shared a home together in South West London.
Stormzy said he planned to marry Maya, telling the Sunday Mirror in February 2018: 'I'm still so young but I want to propose, it's going to happen and I will do it right. She is so sick, she is the best.'
Stormzy's 2017 debut Gang Signs & Prayer was a critical and commercial success, debuting at No.1 on the UK Album Chart.
Every track off the album featured on the UK Singles Chart, with seven appearing in the Top 40 alone.
Stormzy also became more vocal in his political opinions after her received the best solo artist prize at the GQ Men of the Year awards by Jeremy Corbyn in the September of that year.
The rapper had been part of the #Grime4Corbyn campaign before the general election this year which saw major grime artists publicly backing the Labour leader.
While accepting his award, Stormzy used his platform to criticise the Prime Minister at the time Theresa May.
He said: 'Big up Jeremy Corbyn. I do want to use this to say Theresa May is a paigon and you know what we're doing right now, yeah, trust me. Yeah, it's awkward innit when I say that.'
They put on cosy displays as their romance was hurtled into the glare of the public. Pictured leaving Sexy Fish in London in August 2017
Stormzy also became more vocal in his political opinions after her received the best solo artist prize at the GQ Men of the Year awards by Jeremy Corbyn in the September of that year
Maya featured on Stormzy's social media, including in a romantic post for her birthday in August 2018
2018 - The cracks start to show
Stormzy's career continued to go from success to success after took home the awards for British Album of the Year and British Male Solo Artist at the Brits in 2018.
The London artist closed the show with a message to Theresa May about Grenfell saying: 'Yo Theresa May, where's the money for Grenfell? Do you think we've just forgotten about Grenfell? You criminals!'
Meanwhile Maya was slowly racking up an impressive number of jobs after she presented the pre-Brit Awards Party in 2017 as well as a Facebook Live from the red carpet.
She also co-hosted the MOBO Awards on Channel 5, Cannonball in 2017, and the first series of The Circle in 2018.
However factors began to drive the couple apart as they were first plagued with rumours of a split when Stormzy unfollowed Maya on Instagram and the rapper was keen to 'settle down' soon.
A source close to the couple revealed: '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 prioritise achieving everything she possibly can.
'She also loves travelling and partying, at just 29 she's not ready for the next chapter just yet.'
Their romance was both private and professional, with Maya seen helping the hunky rapper celebrate his birthday at an official Spotify Premium bash in Menorca in July 2018
However factors began to drive the couple apart as they were first plagued with rumours of a split when Stormzy unfollowed Maya on Instagram and it was revealed Stormzy was keen to have children sooner rather than later (pictured 2018)
2019 - Split
Maya also led the praise for her boyfriend after he headlined Glastonbury in a history making performance in 2019.
The grime artist, who was 25 at the time, became the first black British solo artist to ever headline the famous festival.
Unable to contain her pride after his set, Maya took to Twitter as she tweeted 'ICONICCCCCCCC'.
However, sadly their relationship didn't last and later in 2019 Maya's representatives confirmed the couple were no more.
They told MailOnline at the time: 'I can confirm the relationship has ended and Maya has separated from Stormzy.'
A source close to the DJ added that she had already moved out of the home they shared in South West London, telling The Sun: 'The decision isn't one she has come to lightly, but ultimately the relationship has come to an end.
'She wants to focus on her TV and radio career for now.'
He has always denied any infidelity in the relationship but admitted he had to learn some hard lessons about his behaviour, describing it as 'disrespectful'.
In December of that year Stormzy ditched the rapping for reading as he took to part in a special Bible reading to celebrate Christmas Day.
Stormzy gave a reading from St Luke's Gospel as he told the story of the first Christmas when angels appeared to shepherds to proclaim the news of the birth of Jesus on BBC One.
Maya also led the praise for her boyfriend after he headlined Glastonbury in a history making performance in 2019
Following their break-up, Maya's career continued to burgeon with frequent appearances at a slew of events. Pictured at a make-up bash in May 2019
2020 - 2023 Time apart and moving on
During their time apart Maya's career began to soar as she landed a primetime gig as the host of Simon Cowell's glitzy talent series Walk The Line, and then went onto present ITV2's panel show Don't Hate the Playaz.
Maya also took over from Stacey Dooley as the host of the BBC Three series Glow Up in 2021, and co-hosted Crouchy's Year-Late Euros show alongside footballer Peter Crouch.
As well as her television work, Maya had a regular slot hosting BBC Radio 1 until 2020, and also appeared alongside Scott Mills until he moved to Radio 2.
In 2023 she took over from Laura Whitmore as the face of Love Island and has hosted the ITV reality dating show ever since.
She previously told The Times, that the job is a 'golden ticket' for her, and she said yes to the offer 'straight away', before she even completed an audition.
Elsewhere Stormzy was awarded an honorary university degree from Exeter University in 2022.
The achievement was dedicated to the musician for his work to promote education and fighting racial inequality.
He also went on to release his 2022 album This Is What I Mean which went to number one in the UK and was nominated for Best Album at the Brit Awards.
The rapper seemed to suggest he had been unfaithful during his time with Maya as he confessed in his song Lessons, 'I done the dirt and then I figured that you'll dig it out.'
Speaking to Louis Theroux in his interview series, the rapper admitted to making mistakes during their four-year relationship but revealed he had since grown.
In December 2021, Maya then landed a primetime gig as the host of Simon Cowell's glitzy talent series Walk The Line
She also co-hosted Crouchy's Year-Late Euros show alongside footballer Peter Crouch
In 2023 she took over from Laura Whitmore as the face of Love Island and has hosted the ITV reality dating show ever since
She previously told The Times, that the job is a 'golden ticket' for her, and she said yes to the offer 'straight away', before she even completed an audition
Elsewhere Stormzy was awarded an honorary university degree from Exeter University in 2022
He explained: 'My break-up, that was probably the biggest catalyst for growth as a man. It was like, OK, you made a mistake, and you lose someone you loved, someone you cared for, someone who is special to you.
'That’s probably the biggest loss a man can have, isn’t it? Away from someone passing away, that’s the biggest loss you can have. '
'The whole f***ing palaver that surrounded that situation, do you know what I mean? There were other things in terms of mistakes I’d made.
'I didn’t do what a man should do to fully appreciate love, and care for his woman.”
He added: 'Long story short, I learned that if I don’t want to feel like that again.'
Stormzy also admitted to Louis during the interview that he wasn't dating as it was too diffucult due to his level of fame.
He explained: 'I always say that’s not fair on the person I’m with because they don’t want to f***ing be in f***ing tabloid magazines.
The pair also appear to have different religious beliefs with Stormzy frequently expressing his deep Christian faith. Maya has previously stated she is not a 'strct' Christian.
Stormzy told Louis: 'We grew up in church. I've had faith all my life. I've loved God all my life. But I feel like you've got to come to your own realisation, innit?'
Looking to the future, he added: 'I believe God will bless me with a family. I always say I'll just wait for God, innit. To present me with…my woman, my family.'
While Stormzy stopped dating, Maya fell in love once again after she became engaged to NBA player Ben Simmons in December 2021 following a whirlwind seven-month romance.
However the pair later split 2022 as they struggled with their busy schedules and maintaining a long distance.
The British presenter and the basketball star were said to have struggled with their busy schedules and maintaining a long distance, as Ben is based in Brooklyn, New York, while Maya lives in London.
'While they both care for each other so much, they truly gave it their all and realize that they just come from two different worlds,' a source told NY Post of the breakup, adding that it was 'one of the hardest decisions of their lives.'
Speaking to Louis Theroux in his interview series, the rapper admitted to making mistakes during their four-year relationship but revealed he had since grown
While Stormzy stopped dating, Maya fell in love once again after she became engaged to NBA player Ben Simmons in December 2021 following a whirlwind seven-month romance
2023 It's back on
Maya was briefly linked to Leonardo DiCaprio last year after they were introduced by mutual friends and seen spending time together in both New York and Paris.
However the Hollywood actor, 48, hit back at claims that he had been seeing the presenter and denied the new string of rumours after a source told the The Sun that Leo and Maya 'are in regular contact and have been on a string of dates'.
And later that year Maya and Stormzy delighted fans when they confirmed they were back together after jetting to Greece for a romantic getaway in August.
The rapper publicly declared he had 'never loved anyone how I've loved her' and in December the pair went Instagram official as Maya shared snaps of the pair together at the British Fashion Awards, which she hosted.
Maya and Stormzy delighted fans when they confirmed they were back together after jetting to Greece for a romantic getaway in August
The rapper publicly declared he had 'never loved anyone how I've loved her' and in December the pair went Instagram official as Maya shared snaps of the pair together at the British Fashion Awards, which she hosted
Maya also shared a sweet photo of herself cosying up to her boyfriend Stormzy in the crowd at Coachella in April as they danced the night away together
Since the pair rekindled there had been no shortage of public appearances with Stormzy even flying to South Africa to support the presenter during the Love Island All Stars final (pictured together in June)
2023 - 2024 Split part II
Since the pair rekindled there had been no shortage of public appearances with Stormzy even flying to South Africa to support the presenter during the Love Island All Stars final.
The pair seemed to be going stronger than ever as they discussed their romance during an intimate chat over on social media on Valentine's Day.
During a game of 'who's more likely to', Maya confirmed she was the first to say 'I love you' in the relationship, as the rapper captioned the clip: 'Mi amor – I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day.'
Maya also shared a sweet photo of herself cosying up to her boyfriend Stormzy in the crowd at Coachella in April as they danced the night away together.
The couple also attended Glastonbury festival last month before Maya flew via helicopter to the ITV studios where she presents Love Island spin-off show Aftersun live on a Sunday evening.
However it hadn't all been smooth sailing, as the couple were also pictured arguing in an alleyway during a trip to LA together in October.
An onlooker told The Sun: 'Stormzy and Maya had a real bust-up on Saturday morning.
'They were in an alleyway in downtown Los Angeles the day after they landed and he seemed pretty annoyed about something.'
The pair held hands and looked in good spirits despite the rain as they attended Silverstone for their last public appearance together
However it hadn't all been smooth sailing, as the couple were also pictured arguing in an alleyway during a trip to LA together in October
Last week the pair made separate appearances at Wimbledon with the rapper attending evian's Mountain of Youth VIP suite on Thursday solo
'Stormzy was raising his voice and waving his hands around for a good ten minutes.'
Stormzy was seen in the crowd seated alongside Central Cee and Mia Regan
In their statement, they retold their love story, documenting the five years they spent navigating separate lives
Last week the pair made separate appearances at Wimbledon with the rapper attending evian's Mountain of Youth VIP suite on Thursday solo.
Meanwhile, Maya partied until the early hours at celebrity haunt Chiltern Firehouse.
They were last seen together holding hands on July 5 at the F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Stormzy performed a headline set.
Announcing their split on Wednesday in a joint statement they said: 'We fell madly in love in 2014, broke up in 2019, and the 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; however, we recently decided to call it quits.
'We were 21 and 20 when we first met – both at the beginning of our careers – and spent five years growing together and five years growing separately, so this final attempt required a whole lot of figuring out, relearning, and unlearning. We tried, and it didn't work, and that's okay.'
