Everything you need to know about Maura Higgins
She's taking part in I'm A Celeb 2024
We aren't going to lie when we say Irish beauty Maura Higgins is one of our favourite Love Island contestants ever! With her hilarious banter and take on life, she caused quite the stir in the villa, and after making it all the way to the final - it's fair to say she's enjoyed an incredible career since! Here's everything you need to know about Maura Higgins...
After Amy Hart quit the show, Maura was quick to make her move on Curtis Pritchard, with the pair coupling up and finishing fourth on the show. Despite the pair splitting after leaving the villa, Maura has become incredibly successful, landing a number of jobs - including a spot on the 2020 series of Dancing On Ice, a presenting role on Glow Up Ireland and a social ambassador role on Love Island USA. As if that wasn't enough, she's now taking part in I'm A Celeb 2024.
Who is Maura Higgins?
Maura Higgins is a model and former grid girl who found fame when she appeared as a contestant on the fifth series of Love Island in 2019.
She's since gone on to appear on Dancing On Ice in 2020, as well as landing her very own clothing edit with boohoo, and modelling her own campaign for Ann Summers.
Most recently, Maura has featured in a new collection with popular fashion brand Oh Polly. The collection is an extension of Oh Polly's premium HOTFIX occasion wear line.
In November 2024, Maura entered the I'm A Celeb jungle as a late arrival.
How old is Maura Higgins?
Maura was born on 25th November 1990, making her 33-years-old.
Where is Maura Higgins from?
She's from County Longford, Ireland.
Where did Maura Higgins finish on Love Island 2019?
Maura finished in fourth place alongside Curtis Pritchard on Love Island 2019.
Maura Higgins on I'm A Celeb
Despite rumours being rife that she was going to be taking part in I'm A Celeb 2024, fans were left confused when she wasn't part of the initial line-up, with Maura also enjoying a brand trip to Las Vegas whilst the show was launching.
HOWEVER, just days later it was announced that Maura would be one of this year's late arrivals into camp, alongside Reverend Richard Coles.
Maura's first scenes aired on Thursday 21st November as she entered camp.
Maura Higgins on Love Island USA
Delighting fans of the show worldwide, Maura took on a new role on the USA version of Love Island. In July 2023, the official Love Island USA Instagram page announced that Maura was joining the show as the social ambassador.
Sharing a photo of Maura, the page wrote: 'This just in... @maurahiggins will be your social ambassador this season bringing (sneaking) you the BTS scoop all summer! #LoveIslandUSA.'
Maura also announced her exciting role on her page as she posted: 'I'M BACK!!!!!! Bringing you all the behind the scenes gossip live from Fiji for @loveislandusa.' (sic)
Maura Higgins on Glow Up Ireland
It was announced in June 2021 that Maura had landed her first ever presenting role for Ireland's edition of make-up show Glow Up.
Maura announced the exciting news on Instagram at the time, writing: 'say hello to THE PRESENTER of Glow Up Ireland 🤯 coming soon to @rte2 #GloUpIrl' (sic).
The show later aired in 2021.
How can I watch Glow Up Ireland?
The series is available to watch on the BBC iPlayer.
Is Maura Higgins dating Pete Wicks?
Despite the pair being good friends, Maura has confirmed she is NOT dating Pete.
Is Maura Higgins dating Giovanni Pernice?
Rumours were rife in late June 2021 that Maura and Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice were 'dating'.
A source told the Mail Online: "It's early days, but Maura is really enjoying getting to know Giovanni, and the feeling is mutual. They're both career driven and ambitious, which are qualities they find really attractive in each other."
The couple confirmed the news by going Instagram official on Friday 9th July, with Maura writing: 'I’m yours❤️'.
HOWEVER, the pair sadly split in October that year, with Giovanni releasing the following statement...
He said: 'Hey guys, I hope everyone had a great Monday.
'Going into another wonderful training week – thank you so much for your amazing messages & your support this weekend. I get to live my dream every single day because of you – so thank you. Thank you, Thank you.
'I wanted to say a couple of things...
'Firstly, great relationships with great people can come to a natural end. This has been the case for me recently. There was absolutely no wrong-doing & this should be the end of any speculation.
'Whilst I respect & understand interest in my personal life, wouldn't it be fantastic to instead use this space to raise awareness of subjects & issues which need the attention.'
Is Maura Higgins dating Chris Taylor?
Not any more! After months of rumours that the good friends were actually dating, on the 24th November 2020 Maura and Chris confirmed their romance.
Taking to Instagram to share a cute snap of the couple in Dubai, Chris revealed he's in love with his best friend, writing, 'Turns out I fell in love with my best mate @maurahiggins ♥️'.
Maura then wrote, 'He’s mine❤️ @christophertaylorofficial'. (sic)
HOWEVER, just months later, Maura and Chris released a joint statement in May 2021, confirming they'd made a 'mutual decision' to split.
Maura wrote: 'It breaks my heart to even type this, but I wanted to let everyone know that myself and Chris have made the joint decision to end our relationship. There is no wrong doing on either side… We still love, care & respect each other deeply. From the minute we met each other we've been very close friends and that will never change. There is no regret. Life is about taking chances, we wanted to make this work but we have realised we work better being friends.
'Whilst I appreciate people may speculate or create false stories, this is the truth. I wish Chris nothing but the best and I will always be one of his biggest supporters x Thank you for all the love & support ❤️' (sic).
Are Maura Higgins and Curtis Pritchard still together?
They are not. Despite Maura and Curtis' relationship lasting a lot longer than everybody expected, the pair announced their split in March 2020.
Maura took to her Instagram Story to reveal the sad news, admitting it 'wasn't meant to be', despite the pair remaining good friends.
She told fans, 'Curtis and I have made the decision to separate. We enjoyed a great experience from our time in the villa and want to thank everyone for supporting our relationship.
'There is no easy way to get through a breakup and no bad feeling on either side.
'We tried to make it work but it wasn't to be and I wish Curtis nothing but the best for the future.' (sic)
Is Maura in a relationship?
Despite being in a relationship with Chris Hemsworth's stunt double Bobby Holland Hunter in 2023, it appears Maura is now single.
Speaking in Autumn 2024, Maura told the press: "I mean, I date, but I’m very much single. And honestly, I just think the interest in my dating life is so boring.
"Everyone goes on dates, but then you’re like... Maura’s in a relationship with this person, this person."
Take a look through Maura's fruitful career so far:
Early career
After leaving school, Maura studied hairdressing, going on to work at a salon in Ballymahon. In 2012, Maura was a finalist in the Miss Sunday World pageant. She then began working for Monster Energy as an ambassador and promoter, which saw her appear in an advert in 2018 as she drove a car on a race track in Abu Dhabi.
2017 - Screen visuals for the late Liam Payne
In 2017, Maura appeared in the screen visuals for the late Liam Payne's track 'Get Low'. In an interview with The Irish Independent prior to entering the Love Island villa in 2019, Maura discussed her modelling work: "Through my modelling work, I've worked with athletes and people who've been in the public eye. I did a visual shoot for Liam Payne as well."
2018 – Ring girl
Before she appeared on Love Island, Maura worked as a ring girl, including for Anthony Joshua's fight with Alexander Povetkin in 2018. When speaking to boxer Tommy Fury in the villa, Maura told him about her experiences. She said: "You're a boxer – you know I'm a ring girl? I've only been doing it like two years. Joshua. His last two or three fights in London."
2019 - Love Island
Maura starred in the fifth series of Love Island in 2019, entering the villa as a bombshell. On the show, she coupled up with dancer Curtis Pritchard, with the pair finishing in fourth place. They later revealed that they had split in March 2020. Maura also met Molly-Mae on the show, with the pair being close friends to this day.
2019 - This Morning
Following her appearance on Love Island, Maura took on presenting roles on This Morning. Fresh from her time in the villa, Maura joined the show as an agony aunt, giving viewers her advice on their relationship problems. She also hosted a segment called Maura's Ireland, which saw her travel round her home country and visit beautiful locations.
2019 - Boohoo and Ann Summers collections
Maura launched a collection with Boohoo in 2019, as well as launching a range with lingerie brand Ann Summers – who she has worked with several times since.
2020 - Dancing On Ice
Maura was announced as a contestant on the 2020 series of Dancing On Ice, where she was partnered with professional skater Alexander Demetriou. Maura and Alexander made it all the way to week seven in the competition before being eliminated following the skate-off.
2020 – Maura Higgins: You’re Joking Me!
In July 2020, Maura Higgins: You're Joking Me! aired on ITV2. The show was a documentary, which followed Maura's journey as she prepared to compete in the Spartan Race, a 5km extreme obstacle course in Twickenham Stadium. Maura was put through her paces with the help of a personal trainer as she got fit for the gruelling challenge.
2021 - Presenting Glow Up Ireland
In June 2021, it was announced that Maura had landed her first presenting role, hosting the Irish edition of Glow Up, which sees make-up artists compete as they take on a series of tasks. Maura shared the exciting news to her Instagram page at the time, as she wrote: 'say hello to THE PRESENTER of Glow Up Ireland 🤯 coming soon to @rte2 #GloUpIrl'. (sic)
Many of Maura's Love Island co-stars, including best friend Molly-Mae, were quick to congratulate her on her role.
2021 - Signed with Elite Model Management
In November 2021, Maura signed a deal with the prestigious model agency Elite Model Management, which included representation from Elite's sister agency EWG Management in New York and LA. Maura announced the exciting news on her Instagram page, sharing a snap of herself in the Elite offices.
2022 - Cooking With The Stars
Maura competed on the series Cooking with the Stars in 2022. The show saw celebrities be paired with a professional chef, who mentored them as they competed in a series of cooking challenges. Maura was paired with chef Jack Stein, finishing the show in fourth place.
2023 – Love Island USA social ambassador
In July 2023, Maura was unveiled as the social ambassador for Love Island USA as she brought fans all of the behind the scenes gossip from the show. Announcing the news on her Instagram page, Maura wrote: 'I'M BACK!!!!!! Bringing you all the behind the scenes gossip live from Fiji for @loveislandusa.'
2023 - Maura reveals she is making her acting debut
In September 2023, Maura shared the exciting news that she will be making her acting debut in a film called The Spin, playing a character called Rose. The movie will be filmed in Northern Ireland and is due to be released in 2024.
As reported by the Irish Mirror, Maura impressed in her role, with the film's producer Edward McCaffery saying: "I have to say, she was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. For someone who's never acted before, to see her hit her cues, hit her marks, give the same performance every take was excellent."
2023 – Love Island Games social host
Maura also took on the role of social host for Love Island Games, which aired in November 2023 and saw previous Islanders from around the world compete in a series of challenges. In her role as social media host, Maura was tasked with interviewing Islanders as they were eliminated from the show – including chatting to her ex Curtis Pritchard.
2024 - Oh Polly collection
In April 2024, the exciting news was revealed that Maura was featuring in a new HOTFIX collection with Oh Polly. The collection is an extension of Oh Polly's premium HOTFIX occasionwear line, and features the gorgeous - and previously unreleased - Amaya dress, which was first worn by Maura as she attended the Oh Polly runway show in February 2024.
2024 - Love Island USA Aftersun
After landing the role as social ambassador on both Love Island USA and Love Island Games in 2023, it was announced in June 2024 that Maura would become the host of Love Island USA: Aftersun for series six.
2024 - I'm A Celeb
Following his split from Maura's BFF Molly-Mae Hague, rumours were rife that Tommy Fury would be heading into the jungle for the 2024 series of I'm A Celeb. HOWEVER, after Tommy turned down the show for a better offer, it was later revealed that Maura would be taking his place! Maura entered the show as a late arrival alongside Reverend Richard Coles.
Where did Maura Higgins finish on Dancing On Ice?
After weeks of rumours about her involvement in the show back in 2019, ITV bosses confirmed on Tuesday 24th September that Maura would be taking part on Dancing On Ice in 2020.
She later posted on Instagram, 'Cats out of the bag!!! I’m joining the cast of this years @dancingonice 🙌🏼 and wow... I just can not contain my excitement 😆⛸'. sic
After being paired with professional skater Alexander Demetriou, and being forced to shut down rumours the pair were dating a number of times, Maura lost her place on the show during a shock showdown.
After finding herself in the bottom two with Libby Clegg, Maura failed to impress the judging panel and she was eliminated in Week 7 of the competition.
How can I follow Maura Higgins on social media?
Get Maura on X at maurahiggins and Instagram on maurahiggins.
How many followers does Maura Higgins have on Instagram?
Maura has an impressive 3.8 million followers.
Maura Higgins on This Morning
Following her successful stint in the Love Island villa, Maura went and landed herself a job on hit ITV Daytime show This Morning,
The Irish beauty hosted phone-ins, which showed her dishing out some of her straight to the point advice that she became known for during her time on Love Island.
She also presented a segment titled ‘Maura Than Meets the Eye’, where she was sent all over the country to take on challenges.
Talking about her role at the time, Maura said, “I’m getting flutters about joining This Morning. I can’t believe it. It’s beyond my wildest dreams.
“I’ve grown up watching Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford and the team. Mad to think I’m now part of that iconic family. Can’t wait to crack on”
Who did Maura couple up with on Love Island?
Despite entering the Love Island villa as a late bombshell back in 2019, Maura certainly made sure she would be remembered in history.
After deciding Tom Walker just wasn't doing it for her, Maura set her sights on ballroom dancer Curtis Pritchard, following his shock split from Amy Hart. Despite this, Curtis confirmed he also wanted to get to know Francesca Allen, but he eventually chose Maura in the next recoupling.
The pair got to know each other further, meeting each other's parents and looking after their baby during the iconic baby challenge.
They later made it all the way to the final, finishing in fourth place.
What did Tom say to Maura on Love Island?
After going in for a kiss and showing Maura his confidence, things seemed to be going VERY well for Tom Walker. Things then got even better when Maura won the task, meaning she was able to take one boy of her choice into The Hideaway, obviously choosing Tom.
However, the Leeds lad quickly put his foot in it, which resulted in Maura telling him to "go f--k yourself."
Whilst Maura was getting ready with the girls, speaking to Danny Williams, Tommy Fury and the rest of the lads, Tom said, "It will be interesting to see if she’s all mouth or not."
Little did he know, Maura had come downstairs to speak with him, and heard the whole thing! AWKWARD!
It really is one of the most ICONIC Love Island moments ever! 🙈
What's Maura Higgins type on paper?
Before entering the Love Island villa, Maura described her type as, "I would go for personality more than anything. I would definitely look for someone who is really honest and a very confident guy, but not arrogant and definitely someone who makes me laugh. They have to have banter, without a doubt."
Her turn-off is, "Arrogance and someone who acts different around their friends. I can’t bear that!"
Who is Maura Higgins's celebrity crush?
Chris Hemsworth.
Has Maura Higgins ever cheated?
Ahead of her debut on Love Island, Maura said: "If I’m in a relationship with someone, I’m loyal. That’s it. I’ve never cheated. I’ve been cheated on. I will trust someone until they do something wrong to me, I’m very much like that."
Of girl code, she admitted, "I think if you’ve put a label on something, boyfriend and girlfriend, then you just don’t go there. If there is a girl and a guy in there and they’ve put a label on it, I would never go there and I would hope that no one would do it to me."
Now read:
Everything you need to know about I'm A Celeb 2024
Maura Higgins breaks silence on late I'm A Celeb arrival
Maura Higgins' career so far: From Love Island to brand ambassador