Maura Higgins is an Irish television personality, presenter, model, and influencer who turned a Love Island villa into a launchpad for a thriving, multifaceted media career. Known for her sharp wit, unfiltered honesty, and magnetic confidence, she has grown far beyond her reality TV origins into a genuine force in British, Irish, and increasingly American entertainment.
Early Life and Background
Born on November 25, 1990, in Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland, Maura grew up in a close-knit family with two sisters, Becki and Louise, and a brother, Jamie. Her parents, Sharon and Seamus Higgins, separated when she was young, and she was primarily raised by her mother.
She attended Forgney National School and Ballymahon Vocational School before leaving at 16 to train as a hairdresser in Athlone. For roughly a decade, she worked at Halo Hair Design, a local salon in Ballymahon. That grounding in beauty and client-facing work quietly laid the foundation for everything that came later.
Pre-Television Career
Before reality TV, Maura carved out a path as a promotional model and grid girl at motorsport and boxing events. She placed as a finalist in the 2012 Miss Sunday World pageant and gained wider exposure when she appeared in Liam Payne’s 2017 music video for “Get Low.” These experiences sharpened her camera presence and built a modeling portfolio that would eventually help her hold her own on one of the UK’s biggest television stages.
Breakthrough on Love Island
Maura entered the Love Island villa in 2019 as a late arrival during Series 5 and immediately became one of the season’s most talked-about contestants. Her strong Longford accent, candid personality, and zero-tolerance attitude for anything less than honesty made her a fan favourite. She coupled up with Curtis Pritchard and reached the final, finishing in fourth place.
The couple dated for around eight months before splitting in March 2020. The show, however, proved to be a genuine turning point, catapulting Maura into the public eye and opening doors across television, fashion, and brand partnerships.
Television and Media Career
Post-Love Island, Maura has demonstrated impressive versatility across formats and genres:
- Dancing on Ice (2020) – Competed in Series 12, reaching week 7.
- Glow Up: Ireland (2021) – Hosted the Irish edition of the acclaimed makeup competition series.
- Cooking with the Stars (2022) – Took part as a celebrity contestant.
- Love Island USA: Aftersun (2024–present) – Serves as host, cementing her role in the franchise’s US expansion.
- Love Island Games & Aftersun – Also hosted the social media companion show for Love Island Games.
- I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2024) – Competed in the UK jungle edition.
- The Traitors US (2026) – Appeared as a contestant, significantly raising her American profile.
She has also made guest appearances on This Morning, Loose Women, and Celebrity Juice, fronted her own ITV2 special Maura Higgins: You’re Joking Me!, and in 2025 made her acting debut in the Irish indie film The Spin.
Fashion, Beauty, and Influencing
Maura has built a genuinely lucrative career as a fashion and beauty influencer. Her brand collaborations include Boohoo, Ann Summers, PrettyLittleThing, MAC Cosmetics, L’Oréal, and reportedly a six-figure deal with Victoria’s Secret. She has also launched her own beauty products, including a line of false eyelashes.
With over 4 million Instagram followers (@maurahiggins), her content, fashion, lifestyle, and behind-the-scenes glimpses connect because it feels real. Her relatable, straight-talking style makes her a consistently sought-after partner for major brands.
Personal Life
Maura’s relationships have never escaped media attention. After Curtis Pritchard, she dated fellow Love Island alumnus Chris Taylor (2020–2021), Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice (2021), and stunt performer Bobby Holland Hanton (2023–2024). She has also been briefly linked to Pete Wicks. As of early 2026, she describes herself as single and intentionally so, having spoken openly about a period of celibacy to prioritise her career and personal growth.
She lives in Essex, England, where she purchased her dream home in 2024, and has spoken candidly about maintaining healthy boundaries with certain family members while staying closely bonded with her mother and siblings.
Net Worth and What Comes Next
Maura’s net worth is estimated between £3–4 million (approximately $4–6 million USD as of 2026), built through television work, presenting contracts, brand endorsements, social media partnerships, and her own ventures. Her high-profile appearance on The Traitors US has reportedly positioned her for even larger opportunities in the American market, a natural next chapter for someone who has consistently outgrown every stage she’s been given.
Her story is ultimately a modern one: a small-town Irish woman who leveraged a reality TV moment with intelligence and authenticity, and built something lasting from it.
Frequently Asked Questions on Maura Higgins
Who is Maura Higgins?
Maura Higgins is an Irish television personality, presenter, model, and influencer best known for her appearance on Love Island UK Series 5 in 2019. She has since built a career in hosting, reality TV, fashion, and beauty.
How old is Maura Higgins?
She was born on November 25, 1990, making her 35 years old as of 2026.
Where is Maura Higgins from?
She was born and raised in Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland.
How did Maura Higgins become famous?
She gained widespread recognition as a late entrant on Love Island 2019, where her outspoken personality and relationship with Curtis Pritchard made her a fan favorite. She finished fourth.
What is Maura Higgins’ net worth?
Estimates place her net worth between £3–4 million (around $4–6 million USD in 2026), earned through TV appearances, brand deals, influencing, and presenting roles.
What TV shows has Maura Higgins been on?
Key credits include Love Island (2019, contestant), Dancing on Ice (2020), Glow Up: Ireland (host, 2021), Cooking with the Stars (2022), I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2024), Love Island USA: Aftersun (host), and The Traitors US (2026).
Is Maura Higgins in a relationship?
As of early 2026, Maura has described herself as single and focused on her career. She has previously dated Curtis Pritchard, Chris Taylor, Giovanni Pernice, and Bobby Holland Hanton.
What does Maura Higgins do now?
She works as a television presenter (including Love Island: Aftersun), brand collaborator, influencer, and media personality, with growing international opportunities in the US.
Did Maura Higgins appear in a music video?
Yes, she featured in Liam Payne’s 2017 music video for “Get Low.”
Where does Maura Higgins live?
She lives in Essex, England, and confirmed purchasing her dream home there in 2024.
