Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maura Margaret Higgins |
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1990 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in – 5 ft 7 in (168–170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 55 kg (121 lb) |
| Profession | Television Personality, Presenter, Model |
| Years Active | 2017–present |
| Estimated Net Worth | $4.5 million – $6 million (2026) |
| Instagram Followers | 4.3+ million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
Introduction: Why Maura Higgins Is Famous
Maura Higgins is one of the most recognizable faces in British and Irish reality television. She first captured the public’s attention in 2019 as a contestant on the fifth series of ITV2’s Love Island, where her quick wit, unfiltered honesty, and signature Irish brogue made her an instant fan favorite. But unlike many reality TV stars who fade from the spotlight after their season ends, Higgins has proven to be a rare exception.
Her trajectory from a small-town hairdresser to walking red carpets at the Cannes Film Festival and the Golden Globes reads like a Hollywood script. In 2026, she was named one of Time Magazine‘s Top 100 Creators, solidifying her status as a global influencer. With a burgeoning acting career, a hosting role on Love Island USA: Aftersun, and a standout performance on The Traitors US, Maura Higgins has successfully transitioned from reality TV contestant to bona fide entertainment industry powerhouse.
Early Life and Family Background
Maura Higgins was born on November 25, 1990, in Ballymahon, County Longford, a small town in the Irish Midlands. She is the daughter of Sharon and Seamus Higgins and grew up alongside two sisters, Becki and Louise, and a brother named Jamie. Her father worked as a truck driver, and her parents have since separated.
Growing up in rural Ireland, Higgins attended Forgney National School—a primary school so small she has described it as resembling a “shed” with just three other pupils. She later attended Ballymahon Vocational School. Reflecting on her childhood, Higgins has described it as “pretty normal”—a far cry from the glamorous celebrity life she would eventually lead.
At 16, Higgins left formal education to pursue a career in hairdressing. She trained in Athlone and worked at a local salon called Halo Hair Design in her hometown for about a decade. This early career choice would prove useful later, as she drew on her beauty industry knowledge even as her media career blossomed.
Education and Early Career
After completing her hairdressing training, Higgins worked in the beauty industry while simultaneously pursuing modeling opportunities on the side. At 18, she began taking on modeling gigs, eventually becoming a brand ambassador for Monster Energy drinks.
As a “Monster Girl,” Higgins traveled to Abu Dhabi for the 2018 Formula 1 finale, where she became a viral sensation after a video of her drifting a car—part of a campaign to inspire Arab women to drive—circulated widely online. She also worked as a ring girl for professional boxing matches, including bouts featuring heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. In 2017, she appeared in the music video for Liam Payne’s song “Get Low,” marking one of her earliest forays into the entertainment industry.
Complete Career Journey
Breakthrough: Love Island (2019)
Higgins’ career-defining moment came in 2019 when she entered the Love Island villa on day 10 of the fifth series. Described by the show as a “bombshell,” she quickly made her presence felt with her bold personality and unfiltered commentary. Interestingly, Higgins has admitted that her decision to join the show was partly motivated by a desire for revenge against an ex-boyfriend.
During her time in the villa, Higgins paired with several contestants, eventually finishing in fourth place alongside Curtis Pritchard. But it wasn’t her romantic connections that made her memorable—it was her personality. One particular moment, in which she shut down a male contestant who questioned whether she was “all mouth,” has been viewed over 2.5 million times on YouTube. American comedian Amy Schumer even said she felt “very connected” to Higgins after watching the show.
Post-Love Island: Brand Deals and Television Appearances
Rather than fading into obscurity after Love Island, Higgins capitalized on her fame with remarkable success. She launched a luxury tan collection with Bellamianta (August 2019), a clothing line with Boohoo (October 2019), and a lingerie collection with Ann Summers (November 2019). In April 2020, she released a shoe and bag collection with EGO shoes. She also partnered with Inglot to create her own makeup line featuring 34 products.
On television, Higgins became a familiar face across British screens. She appeared as an “agony aunt” on ITV’s This Morning and competed on Dancing on Ice in 2020, where she was partnered with professional skater Alexander Demetriou. She also appeared on Celebrity Juice, Cooking with the Stars (2022), and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2024).
Presenting Career and U.S. Expansion
In 2021, Higgins took on a hosting role as the presenter of Glow Up Ireland, the Irish version of the BBC makeup competition series. Her transition into presenting marked a significant career development, showcasing her versatility beyond reality TV competition.
In 2023, Higgins became the social media presenter for Love Island USA and Love Island Games. By 2024, she had been promoted to host Love Island USA: Aftersun, a role that cemented her presence in the American media landscape.
The Traitors US and Global Recognition
In early 2026, Higgins competed on Season 4 of Peacock’s The Traitors US, filmed at Ardross Castle in Scotland. As a “Faithful” contestant, she navigated the psychological competition’s complex alliances and betrayals, making it all the way to the finale alongside fellow contestants including Rob Rausch. The season culminated in a dramatic finale where Rausch—who had been masquerading as a Faithful—revealed himself as a Traitor and won the $220,800 prize, leaving Higgins stunned by the betrayal.
Despite being the runner-up, the internet declared Higgins a winner. Rausch later made amends by gifting her a Hermès Birkin bag valued between $16,000 and $22,000.
Acting Career and Recent Projects
Higgins has also ventured into acting. She made her film debut in The Spin, a feel-good movie in which she played the character Rose. Reports suggest she is in conversations with Hollywood executives about future scripted roles, with sources indicating she is “reading scripts for Disney”.
In 2026, Higgins was also announced as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars Season 35, the U.S. version of Strictly Come Dancing. She has also been rumored as a potential lead for a live version of The Bachelorette.
Awards and Recognition
Higgins’ influence has been recognized at the highest levels. In 2026, she was named to Time Magazine‘s prestigious Time100 Creators list, which “highlights digital creators across multiple domains, celebrating their impact on culture, entertainment, education, and social influence”. Time noted that Higgins “became a fan favourite because of her deep Irish brogue, straight-up delivery and cheeky sense of humour”.
Personal Life, Lifestyle, and Family
Relationships and Dating History
Higgins’ personal life has been a subject of significant public interest. Before her rise to fame, she was in a nine-year relationship with James Finnegan, an Irish car salesman she met in school. The pair were even engaged for a time before splitting in 2017.
In 2018, she briefly dated boxing coach Shane McGuigan. On Love Island, she coupled up with Curtis Pritchard, and the pair dated briefly after the show before splitting in March 2020. She subsequently dated Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice until October 2021. In early 2025, she split from TOWIE star Pete Wicks.
As of 2026, Higgins is single and has been celibate for over a year. She has spoken openly about prioritizing her career and personal growth over romantic relationships, stating she doesn’t want to bring “just anyone” into her energy.
Lifestyle and Home
Higgins is based in Essex, Britain. In 2025, she purchased a five-bedroom detached house in Essex for £1.25 million (approximately €1.8 million). She has described it as her “dream house”.
A known fashion enthusiast, Higgins’ glam squad reportedly costs approximately $10,000 per day. She has been photographed at major events including the BAFTAs and the Cannes Film Festival.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth
Maura Higgins’ net worth in 2026 is estimated to be in the range of $4.5 million to $6 million. Some sources report her net worth as approximately £4.6 million. This represents a significant increase from her reported £3.2 million net worth in 2025.
Primary Income Sources
- Television Appearances: Higgins has earned substantial fees from her appearances on Love Island, Dancing on Ice, I’m a Celebrity, The Traitors US, and Dancing with the Stars.
- Brand Endorsements and Partnerships: Higgins has collaborated with major brands including Ann Summers, Boohoo, L’Oreal, PrettyLittleThing, Bellamianta, Inglot, and EGO shoes.
- Presenting Roles: Her hosting work on Love Island USA: Aftersun, Love Island Games: Aftersun, and Glow Up Ireland provides a steady income stream.
- Social Media and Influencer Work: With over 4.3 million Instagram followers and 1.6 million TikTok followers, Higgins commands significant fees for sponsored content.
- Acting: Her film debut in The Spin and potential future acting roles represent a growing income source.
Physical Appearance and Fitness
Maura Higgins stands between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall (168–170 cm) and weighs approximately 55 kg (121 lb). She has hazel eyes and dark brown hair. Her body measurements are reportedly 34-24-34 inches (bust-waist-hips).
Higgins has been open about her beauty maintenance routines. In an Instagram Q&A, she clarified that she gets Botox every six to eight months and had lip filler years ago but hasn’t had any in over 3.5 years. She attributes her youthful appearance primarily to skincare and avoiding sunbathing.
Her glam squad includes makeup artist Suzy Clarke and hairstylist Frankie Calire, with Kris Fe handling styling.
Interesting Facts About Maura Higgins
- Trained Hairdresser: Before fame, Higgins worked as a hairdresser for about a decade—a skill she still draws on today.
- Viral Drifting Video: A video of her drifting a car in Abu Dhabi as part of a Monster Energy campaign went viral and helped inspire Arab women to drive.
- One Direction Connection: Higgins appeared in the music video for Liam Payne’s “Get Low”.
- Nearly a Boxer’s Ring Girl: She worked as a ring girl for Anthony Joshua’s boxing matches.
- Engaged Before Fame: Higgins was engaged to her first boyfriend, whom she met in school, before they split after nine years together.
- Time100 Creator: In 2026, she was named to Time Magazine‘s prestigious Time100 Creators list.
- Celibacy: As of 2026, Higgins has been celibate for over a year, prioritizing her career and personal well-being.
- Birkin Gift: After being betrayed on The Traitors US, winner Rob Rausch gifted her a Hermès Birkin bag worth up to $22,000.
- Nickname: Her nickname is “Casper”.
- BAFTA Red Carpet: Higgins made a striking appearance at the 2026 BAFTAs in a dramatic red gown.
Conclusion: Impact and Future Prospects
Maura Higgins’ journey from a small Irish town to the global entertainment stage is nothing short of remarkable. In just a few years, she has transformed herself from a hairdresser and promotional model into one of the most recognizable reality television personalities in the world. Her success stands as a testament to the power of authenticity—it was her unfiltered honesty, sharp wit, and refusal to conform to expectations that made her a fan favorite and continues to drive her career forward.
Looking ahead, Higgins’ future appears brighter than ever. With reported conversations with Disney about potential acting roles, a spot on Dancing with the Stars Season 35, and rumors of a possible Bachelorette hosting gig, she is well-positioned to continue her ascent in the American entertainment industry. As she herself has said, her Instagram bio reads: “I TINK I’m just getting started”.
For a woman who once described her primary school as resembling a “shed,” Maura Higgins has built an empire that extends far beyond her wildest dreams. And if her trajectory is any indication, the best is yet to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old is Maura Higgins?
Maura Higgins was born on November 25, 1990, making her 35 years old as of 2026.
What is Maura Higgins’ net worth?
Maura Higgins’ net worth in 2026 is estimated to be between $4.5 million and $6 million.
What is Maura Higgins famous for?
Maura Higgins rose to fame as a contestant on the fifth series of Love Island UK in 2019, where she finished in fourth place.
Where is Maura Higgins from?
Maura Higgins is from Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland.
How tall is Maura Higgins?
Maura Higgins is approximately 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall (168–170 cm).
Does Maura Higgins have a boyfriend?
As of 2026, Maura Higgins is single and has been celibate for over a year.
What TV shows has Maura Higgins appeared on?
Maura Higgins has appeared on Love Island, Dancing on Ice, This Morning, Celebrity Juice, Cooking with the Stars, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, The Traitors US, and Dancing with the Stars. She has also hosted Glow Up Ireland and Love Island USA: Aftersun.
What is Maura Higgins’ background before fame?
Before fame, Maura Higgins worked as a hairdresser for about a decade, as well as a brand ambassador for Monster Energy and a ring girl for boxing matches.
Has Maura Higgins won any awards?
In 2026, Maura Higgins was named to Time Magazine‘s Time100 Creators list.
What is Maura Higgins’ relationship with Rob Rausch?
Rob Rausch and Maura Higgins were the final two contestants on The Traitors US Season 4. Rausch, who had been secretly a Traitor, won the competition and later gifted Higgins a Hermès Birkin bag as a gesture of goodwill.
