Love Island host Maya Jaya has been hit with a legal demand letter from her ex calling for the star to give back her engagement ring, according to reports.

Maya was dating basketballer Ben Simmons, with the 26 year old going on to pop the question in December 2021 following the pair’s whirlwind romance. It’s believed the ring cost an eye-watering £800,000.

Maya, 28, and Ben are thought to have called it quits last month, however, after the new Love Island favourite told The Times ahead of her hosting debut that she was “newly single”.

In the wake of the breakdown of their relationship, Maya has reportedly been blindsided by Ben who has asked for the ring back via legal demand.

As per Mostyn Perspectives, a legal demand letter will "state a legal claim and demand that the person or organisation on the other end take action to remedy that claim".

Discussing the letter that’s said to have “surprised” Maya, a source told The Sun: “Given Ben has never, until now, asked for the ring back, you can appreciate the letter came somewhat as a surprise to Maya.”

A representative for the 28 year old confirmed to the publication that Maya received the request from Ben’s representatives on Friday 20 January.

“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,” they said.

“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.

"Maya is making arrangements to return the ring to Ben and wishes him all the best.”

When approached by OK!, Maya's representative gave no further comment.

Maya and Ben were first connected in May 2021. Things started getting serious when Maya flew to Philadelphia in the US to spend quality time with her new man.

Two months later, the pair were spotted packing on the PDA at Wimbledon as they went public with their romance.

Come January 2022, Maya was seen sporting a massive rock on her ring finger, sending fans into a frenzy.

Things continued to be steady for Ben and Maya who were spotted enjoying an intimate lunch date in New York a few months later. They dined at Edward's in Tribeca which serves casual dishes such as pizzas, steaks and grilled salmon.

However, by August there was speculation that the pair went their separate ways after not being seen together for some time.

From Maya’s pre-Love Island comments though, the 28 year old didn’t split from her basketball beau until December.

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