Maura Higgins

Maura Higgins is an Irish reality television personality, presenter, and model who gained widespread recognition after appearing as a standout contestant on the fifth series of the UK reality show Love Island in 2019. Known for her bold personality and quick wit, she rapidly transitioned from reality television stardom to a multifaceted media career spanning international television hosting, high-fashion modeling, and major commercial endorsements.

Early Life and Background

Born on November 25, 1990, in Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland, Higgins grew up alongside three siblings. After finishing school, she trained and worked as a hairdresser in her hometown. She eventually transitioned into promotional modeling, serving as a brand ambassador for Monster Energy and working as a ring girl at high-profile international boxing matches, including World Heavyweight Championship bouts hosted by boxer Anthony Joshua. In 2017, she was also featured in promotional visual content for singer Liam Payne's single 'Get Low.'

Television and Hosting Career

Higgins made her breakthrough on Love Island in 2019, finishing in fourth place alongside her partner. Her popularity on the show launched a prolific television career. In 2020, she competed on ITV's Dancing on Ice and regularly appeared as a guest presenter on This Morning. In 2021, she returned to Ireland to present the competition show Glow Up Ireland. Expanding into American media, she became the social media host and later the presenter for Love Island USA: Aftersun and Love Island Games: Aftersun. She has also appeared on popular competitive series including I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and The Traitors US.

Fashion and Brand Endorsements

Beyond broadcasting, Higgins has built a massive platform in fashion and cosmetics. She has represented major global beauty and fashion lines, securing official partnerships with brands such as L'Oréal Paris, M.A.C Cosmetics, Ann Summers, and Victoria's Secret. Known for her red-carpet style, she has made prominent appearances at prestigious fashion events, including the Cannes Film Festival, the TIME 100 Gala, and the British Fashion Awards.

Personal Life

Higgins resides primarily in Essex, United Kingdom, while maintaining close connections to her family in Longford, Ireland. Over the years, her personal life has been closely followed by British media; she previously dated fellow Love Island contestant Curtis Pritchard, Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice, and stunt performer Bobby Holland Hanton.