Maura Higgins: From Irish Country Girl to Global TV Star

Maura Higgins has become a household name in the world of reality television. Born on November 25, 1990, in the quaint town of Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland, she has made an incredible leap from a small-town girl to an international television star, presenter, and model. Her transformation from a hairdressing student to a beloved figure across various countries is truly inspiring.

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Growing up in Ballymahon, Maura was nurtured by her parents, Sharon and Seamus Higgins, alongside her two sisters and brother. She started her education at Forgney National School before continuing on to Ballymahon Vocational School for her secondary studies. Like many young people, Maura faced uncertainty about her future after school. She chose to pursue hairdressing in Athlone and eventually landed a job at a local salon. Little did anyone realize that this unassuming Irish girl would rise to become one of the most recognized faces on both British and American television.

The Breakthrough: Love Island

Everything changed for Maura in 2019 when she stepped into the Love Island villa during its fifth series. Arriving on Day 10 as a "bombshell"—a term for new contestants who join later to stir things up—her entrance was nothing short of memorable. With her straightforward, no-nonsense Irish charm, she quickly captured the hearts of viewers. She made it all the way to the final alongside Curtis Pritchard, finishing in fourth place. While she may not have snagged the top spot, she definitely won over the public, and her time on the show opened up a world of opportunities for her career.

Building a Media Career

After her stint in the Love Island villa, Maura didn’t just fade into the background like many reality stars do. Instead, she rolled up her sleeves and worked hard to carve out a lasting career in entertainment. She became a familiar face on This Morning, where she hosted an agony aunt segment, revealing a more compassionate and advice-giving side of her personality. She also led her own two-part travel series called "Maura's Ireland," where she explored her homeland and showcased its stunning beauty.

Her television presence grew even more, with guest appearances on shows like Loose Women, Celebrity Juice, and Love Island: Aftersun. In 2020, she took on the challenge of Dancing on Ice, demonstrating her determination and resilience, ultimately finishing in sixth place. By 2022, she was back in the spotlight as a contestant on Cooking with the Stars, making it to the semi-finals and proving she could tackle challenges beyond the realm of reality dating shows.

Expanding Her Reach: Love Island USA and Beyond

Maura's career took an exciting turn when she stepped into the role of social media presenter for Love Island USA in 2023. With her natural charm and engaging presenting style, she quickly won over fans and became a beloved figure on the show. By 2024 and 2025, she had transitioned to hosting Love Island USA: Aftersun, showcasing her growth and versatility as a presenter. Her success in this role highlighted that she was more than just a reality star; she was a talented television presenter in her own right.

In 2024, Maura made a splash as a late arrival in the twenty-fourth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Joining the camp on Day 5 alongside Reverend Richard Coles, she made a significant impact and finished in seventh place. Despite coming in later than the others, she formed strong connections with her fellow campmates and embraced her adventurous spirit, tackling the show's notorious trials with both bravery and a sense of humor.

The Traitors US and Dancing with the Stars

In 2026, Maura took part in the fourth season of The Traitors US, where she impressively finished as the runner-up to winner Rob Rausch. This experience introduced her to a whole new American audience and further cemented her status as an international television personality. Later that same year, she was thrilled to be announced as the first contestant for the 35th season of Dancing with the Stars US, continuing to bridge the gap between Irish and American entertainment.

Maura's Style and Brand

Maura Higgins has carved out a unique personal style that has truly established her as a fashion icon. Her fashion sense strikes a perfect balance between glamorous and approachable, blending elegance with a touch of edginess. Whether she’s strutting down the red carpet or sharing a snapshot on Instagram, she often chooses fitted silhouettes that beautifully highlight her figure.

Makeup and Beauty

When it comes to makeup, Maura is celebrated for her radiant, flawless complexion. She loves to sport bronzed, sun-kissed looks that really bring out her natural beauty. Her brows are always impeccably shaped, and she isn’t shy about trying out bold lip colors. In 2025, she took on the role of the face for MAC Cosmetics in the UK and Ireland, leading their "I Only Wear MAC" campaign – a true nod to her impact in the beauty industry.

Fashion Choices

Maura's wardrobe is a delightful blend of high-end designer pieces and trendy high-street fashion. She has teamed up with various brands, including Boohoo.com, where she launched her own clothing line. Additionally, she has collaborated with Ann Summers on lingerie collections, EGO shoes for footwear and bags, and Bellamianta for luxury tanning products. Her knack for effortlessly switching between glamorous evening attire and stylish daytime outfits has made her a go-to style inspiration for many.

Hair and Tan

Maura's signature long, flowing locks are often styled in effortless waves or sleek, straight looks, and she’s known for rocking a flawless tan all year round. In fact, she took her passion for beauty a step further by launching her own false eyelash line called "False Flutters" exclusively for Primark in 2020, showcasing her knack for creating accessible beauty products that her fans can easily get their hands on.

Personal Life

Even with her hectic schedule, Maura has managed to keep her authenticity and that charming Irish spirit intact. She made the move to Essex in 2020 while training for Dancing on Ice, and in October 2024, she achieved a major milestone by purchasing her dream home—a big deal for someone who grew up in a small Irish town.

Her personal life has certainly caught the public's eye, with notable relationships including Love Island's Curtis Pritchard, Strictly Come Dancing pro Giovanni Pernice, and Chris Hemsworth's stunt double, Bobby Holland Hanton. Through it all, she’s handled the media spotlight with poise, keeping her focus on her career aspirations.

Conclusion

Maura Higgins embodies a fresh wave of reality TV personalities—those who leverage their initial fame to carve out genuine career paths. From her roots in Ballymahon to hosting major shows and competing on international stages, she’s shown that with hard work, authenticity, and determination, it’s possible to create something truly lasting.

Her style, blending Irish charm with contemporary glamour, has turned her into a fashion icon for countless fans. Whether she’s gracing the red carpet, hosting a TV show, or sharing snippets of her life on social media, Maura Higgins continues to enchant audiences. At just 35, she’s already accomplished so much, and her career is only just getting started.

From hairdressing student to international television star, Maura's journey is a powerful reminder that embracing opportunities and staying true to oneself can lead to remarkable success.

Imaga source : Instagram