How Maya Jama won war of the exes after turbulent split from NBA star fiancé as they both step out with Hollywood actors
IF there was ever a lesson to be taught on how to come out on top after a difficult heartbreak, Maya Jama should probably lead the charge.
The TV presenter has had the most epic bounce back after her devastating break up with US NBA star Ben Simmons and the embarrassment that came soon after.
Now, it's been reported that she has been secretly dating one of the biggest movie stars on the planet, Leonardo DiCaprio, one-upping her ex who was also spotted with a Hollywood starlet.
Maya, 28, and Leo, 48, are said to have partied on two consecutive nights in London in February before she flew over to New York to spend some quality time with Tinseltown's resident lothario.
A source exclusively revealed to The Sun: "Maya and Leo are in regular contact and have been on a string of dates.
"They have both recently come out of long-term relationships so neither of them are rushing into anything — they are having fun and seeing how it goes."
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This marks Maya's first public romance since her break-up with Ben, 26, last year after a whirlwind romance.
It also comes after the Titanic actor split from his model girlfriend Camilla Morrone after five years.
Here, we look at how Maya Jama's epic year means she is winning the battle of the exes with Ben.
Whirlwind romance
Although it's unclear when Maya met Ben, rumours of their relationship began to circulate in May 2021 - they were snapped spending time together in Philadelphia, where he played for the .
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They confirmed their relationship when they stepped out at Wimbledon 2021 and even locked lips in the stand.
Before their romance, they had both been in relationships with A-list stars.
Maya broke up with rapper Stormzy in 2019, after four years together, while Ben's romance with model Kendall Jenner fizzled out the same year.
Ben proposed in December 2021 - just five months after they went public with their relationship - and presented her with an engagement ring thought to have cost a staggering £800,00 ($1million.)
The loved up pair were then spotted on countless dates together and on Valentine's Day, Maya shared a stunning gold chain with an infinity sign pendant.
It was even engraved with 12.18.21, to mark the date Ben popped the question.
But in August 2022, reports surfaced that their relationship had turned sour, with Maya apparently calling off their engagement.
At the time, it was claimed they were still in love but that the pressures of their busy schedules had gotten to them.
In an interview with The Times, in January this year, Maya confirmed: "I’m really, really single right now. Newly single. It’s only been a month, but it’s nice."
Bitter war
Their seemingly cordial break up took a turn for the worse in January this year, when it was revealed Maya had been blindsided with legal papers demanding she returns the engagement ring.
At the time, a source close to Maya said: "Given Ben has never, until now, asked for the ring back, you can appreciate the letter came somewhat as a surprise to Maya."
The former Radio 1 star's reps told The Sun: "Maya received a request from Ben’s representatives on Friday afternoon, asking her to return the engagement ring that he gave her as a gift last year.
“This was the first time that she has been asked by Ben to return it and, for the avoidance of any doubt, she has never refused to return it."
They added: "Maya is making arrangements to return the ring to Ben and wishes him all the best."
But Ben's friends waded into the argument with one saying: "Ben was really shocked when she left and didn’t give him the ring back.
"He was madly in love with her and thought it was forever so was really p***ed she didn’t give it back. It cost around $1million and they were engaged less than a year."
In February 2023, it was reported that Maya had finally sent the ring back to Ben, ending their turbulent relationship for good.
Maya's win
Since the break up, Maya has seen her profile rise to dizzying heights after she was named the new host of Love Island, following the departure of Laura Whitmore.
Her professional wins continued when she received huge praise for her presenting style, with many viewers saying she should have assumed the role ages ago.
Maya also won fans over by showing off her impeccable style, with many of her outfits displaying her incredible curves.
In January, the star - who is worth around £2million - landed the coveted role as the face of Rimmel, replacing Kate Moss.
It was all clearly enough to grab the attention of Leonardo, who was photographed with the star as they left the Le Piaf club in Paris last month.
The date comes after the Wolf of Wall Street star sent her roses as a romantic gesture following an introduction by mutual friends.
Leo - who has dated a string of models including Gisele Bundchen, 42, Bar Refaeli, 37, Toni Garrn, 30, and Gigi Hadid, 27 - spent two nights parting with Maya in London over the Bafta weekend.
The pair then bonded on evenings out in New York when both there for work.
Maya's ex, Ben, has also been spotted with Mexican actress Eiza Gonzalez, with sources in February saying they had been secretly dating for a while.
Although she has been in numerous movies, including Fast and Furious: Hobbs and Shaw and Godzilla vs Kong, her profile pales in comparison to Leo's stardom.
As of 2019, Leo's movies, including Titanic and The Wolf of Wall Street, have grossed over £5.6billion worldwide, making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.
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He's also consistently ranked among the highest paid actors in the industry and is often regarded as one of the greatest movie stars ever.
With impressive career achievements and news of her new A-list romance, Maya has indeed won the war of the exes.