Maura Higgins

Maura Higgins (born November 25, 1990) is an Irish model, television personality, and presenter. Best known for Love Island, she has built a multi-platform career in fashion, beauty, and broadcasting. Explore her biography, career trajectory, brand ventures, and more.

Introduction

Maura Higgins is an Irish model, television personality, and presenter whose charisma and presence on reality TV have propelled her into the multifaceted world of fashion, beauty, and media. After rising to public attention in 2019 on Love Island, she has parlayed that visibility into brand partnerships, hosting roles, and further television stints. Her journey illustrates how one can transform a reality TV platform into a sustainable presence across media and lifestyle sectors.

Early Life and Background

Maura Higgins was born on 25 November 1990 in Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland. Forgney N.S. for primary schooling and later Ballymahon Vocational School for her secondary education.

After finishing school, Maura studied hairdressing in Athlone before working in a salon in her hometown. Her early adult years were not yet centered on television or modeling; her entrance into public life built gradually.

Career & Rise to Prominence

Modeling, Promotions & Early Work

Before her television breakthrough, Maura worked in modeling, promotions, and related gigs:

• She served as a grid girl and appeared in promotional modelling for brands like Monster Energy.

• In 2017, she appeared in visuals for the Liam Payne single “Get Low”.

• She has also worked as a ring girl for boxing events, including fights featuring Anthony Joshua.

• Over time she partnered with fashion and beauty labels, releasing collections (e.g. lingerie with Ann Summers, a shoe & bag collection with EGO, a makeup line, and a false eyelash line “False Flutters” with Primark)

• In November 2021, she signed with Elite Model Management to further her modeling career.

These early ventures helped her expand her personal brand and presence beyond reality TV.

Breakthrough: Love Island (2019)

Maura’s big break came in June 2019, when she entered Love Island UK (series 5) as a “bombshell” contestant. fourth place alongside Curtis Pritchard.

Her strong personality, direct manner, and style made her one of the more memorable contestants. After Love Island, she secured opportunities in hosting and television.

Television, Hosting & Media Roles

Post-Love Island, Maura diversified into presenting and appearing on numerous shows:

• She has appeared on shows like This Morning, Dancing on Ice (2020), Cooking with the Stars (2022), I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2024)

• She became a presenter of the Irish version of Glow Up (makeup competition show).

• In 2023, she took on social media presenter roles for Love Island USA and Love Island Games, and in 2024 began presenting Love Island USA: Aftersun.

• She is making an acting debut: announced in The Spin, a film in which she will portray a character named Rose.

She continues to build her presenting and entertainment credentials.

Public Image, Brand & Business Ventures

Maura has crafted a brand that spans beauty, fashion, and lifestyle:

• Her makeup, eyelash, fashion and accessory lines have been commercial extensions of her public image.

• She has partnered with well-known cosmetics brands—most recently, in January 2025, she became the face of MAC Cosmetics UK & Ireland for their campaign “I Only Wear MAC.”

• She is active on social media, leveraging influence into brand deals and visibility.

Her ability to parlay reality TV fame into a diversified media and business career is a key part of her public persona.

Personal Life

• In terms of relationships, Maura has been publicly linked with several figures. After Love Island, she dated Curtis Pritchard (the runner-up) until early 2020.

• She later dated Giovanni Pernice (from Strictly Come Dancing) in 2021.

• Between 2023 and 2024, she was in a relationship with Bobby Holland Hanton, a stunt double for Chris Hemsworth.

She moved to Essex, UK in 2020 while training for Dancing on Ice and later purchased a home there.

Notable Traits & Public Statements

• Maura is known for her directness, bold fashion sense, and confidence in expressing her personality.

• She has spoken publicly about her upbringing in Longford, including financial struggles (for example, paying for heating), and how those experiences shaped her drive.

• Her tagline “Fanny Flutters” is part of her personal brand, used in her YouTube channel and social media.

Her persona combines glamour, sincerity, and relatability, which helps her maintain appeal in multiple media formats.

Legacy & Influence

Though still relatively early in her public career, Maura Higgins has achieved:

• A model for how reality TV contestants can build long-term careers in media and commerce

• Visibility and representation for Irish personalities in UK/ international entertainment spheres

• A blend of fashion, beauty, and personality as a brand that audiences and companies can engage with

Her path illustrates how media exposure can serve as a launching pad rather than a flash in the pan.