Maura Higgins – Love Island, Net Worth & The Traitors 2026

Maura Higgins is a 35-year-old Irish television personality who became a household name after entering the Love Island villa in 2019 as a late arrival. Since then, she has built a transatlantic career spanning presenting, modelling, and competitive reality shows, most recently finishing as runner-up on The Traitors US in 2026 and securing a spot on Dancing with the Stars (US) for the same year.

Born November 25, 1990, in Ballymahon, County Longford, Higgins grew up with two sisters and a brother after her parents separated when she was young. Before the cameras found her, she worked as a model and a hairdresser, and also spent time on the factory floor at Jaguar Land Rover in Ireland.

Today she lives in Essex, UK, in a “dream home” she purchased in October 2024. With more than 4 million Instagram followers and a growing US fanbase, Higgins represents a modern archetype: the reality star who leverages a single breakout moment into sustained, cross-continent media relevance.

Who is Maura Higgins?

• Maura Higgins transitioned from a factory worker to a leading UK/US reality television personality.
• Her “I tink” catchphrase and confident demeanor made her a defining fan favorite on Love Island 2019.
• She has successfully diversified her career across presenting, modelling, and competitive reality shows.
• Public curiosity remains high around her appearance (particularly her hair) and her personal finances.
• She is one of a small number of Irish reality stars to cross over into the American market.

How did Maura Higgins become famous on Love Island?

Higgins entered the Love Island villa in 2019 as a bombshell on Series 5, immediately making an impression with her direct communication style and unapologetic confidence. She coupled up with professional dancer Curtis Pritchard, and the pair reached the final, finishing in fourth place. Although she did not win, the show turned her into a household name across the UK and Ireland.

What was Maura Higgins’ journey on Love Island?

Her journey was defined by memorable moments, including her straightforward rejection of a fellow contestant and a romantic date that produced the now-famous line about “tinking” someone. The phrase “I tink” quickly became a social media meme and is still referenced by fans years later.

Did Maura Higgins win Love Island?

No, she did not win. Higgins and Curtis Pritchard finished as runners-up in the final, with Amber Gill and Greg O’Shea taking the crown that season.

Who did Maura Higgins date on Love Island?

She formed a relationship with Curtis Pritchard during the show. The couple dated for about two years after the villa, eventually splitting in October 2021.

What was Maura Higgins’ iconic “I tink” moment?

During an early date with a fellow contestant, Higgins delivered the line “I tink you’re a very attractive person” in her thick Irish accent. The clip went viral and became a defining pop-culture soundbite of the series.

Is Maura Higgins appearing on The Traitors US?

Yes, Higgins was a contestant on The Traitors US Season 4, which aired in 2026. She reached the final and finished as the runner-up, further expanding her American audience. The show, streamed on Peacock, features reality stars competing in a psychological game of deception and detection.

What is Maura Higgins doing now?

As of early 2026, Higgins is confirmed to appear on Dancing with the Stars (US) and continues to build her brand through high-profile partnerships on Instagram and TikTok. She also maintains a presence in the UK market, where she has presented Love Island USA: Aftersun and appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2024.

What are Maura Higgins’ 2026 plans?

Beyond Dancing with the Stars, her 2026 schedule includes ongoing social media collaborations and potential additional TV roles. No other specific projects have been announced, but her trajectory points toward continued US network exposure.

What is Maura Higgins’ Instagram account?

Her official Instagram handle is @maurahiggins. The account features promotional content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and brand deals, and has amassed over 4 million followers.

Does Maura Higgins have real hair?

Higgins has consistently presented with a brunette hair color in public appearances. There is no credible evidence to suggest that her hair is “toxic” or that she suffers from toxic shock syndrome related to hair products. The rumor appears to stem from internet speculation with no verified basis.

What did Maura Higgins look like when she was young?

Early photographs show Higgins with similar facial features and a darker hair tone. Her style has evolved over the years, but she has not dramatically changed appearance.

Does Maura Higgins wear extensions?

Like many public figures, she occasionally uses hair extensions and wigs for styling purposes. Her natural hair is curly and darker, but she is not known to wear a wig full time.

How did Maura Higgins’ style evolve?

From a modest early career in Ireland to red‑carpet events in the US, her fashion choices have become more polished and designer-driven, consistent with her growing celebrity status.

What is Maura Higgins’ net worth?

Estimates for Higgins’ net worth in 2026 range from $4.5 million to $6 million. Earlier reports placed her net worth at approximately £3.2 million (about $4.1 million). Her annual income is estimated between $536,000 and $753,000, largely driven by Instagram and TikTok earnings from a combined audience of 5.1 million followers. Reports also indicate she is set to earn around £5 million after cracking the US market.

Additional reading: Georgia May Foote – Her Life After Coronation Street and Strictly

What personal controversies and health scares has Maura Higgins faced?

Higgins has been the subject of several personal-life rumors, but most remain unsubstantiated. Here is a look at the key areas of public discussion.

Did Maura Higgins have toxic shock syndrome?

As noted above, there is no credible evidence that she experienced toxic shock syndrome. The rumor appears to have originated from online forums and has not been confirmed by Higgins or any medical authority.

Who is Maura Higgins dating currently?

Her relationship status is not explicitly confirmed by high-authority sources as of early 2026. She has been linked to Curtis Pritchard (dated 2019–2021), Bobby Holland Hanton (2023–2024), Pete Wicks (late 2024, but she stated she was single in early 2025), and Danny Jones (a reported kiss in 2025, later clarified as not serious).

Has Maura Higgins addressed cosmetic surgery rumors?

No direct statements from Higgins about cosmetic surgery were found in the available research. Public speculation exists, but she has not publicly addressed it.

What is the timeline of Maura Higgins’ career?

1. 1990 – Born in Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland.
2. Pre‑2019 – Worked as a model and factory worker at Jaguar Land Rover in Ireland.
3. 2019 – Joined Love Island (Series 5) as a late arrival; finished as a finalist paired with Curtis Pritchard.
4. 2020 – Participated in Dancing on Ice on ITV.
5. 2021 – Joined Loose Women as a regular panellist and expanded into presenting roles.
6. 2024 – Competed on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (UK Series 24).
7. 2026 – Runner‑up on The Traitors US (Season 4) and confirmed contestant on Dancing with the Stars (US).

What is confirmed and what remains unclear about Maura Higgins?

How does Maura Higgins fit into the broader reality TV landscape?

Higgins represents a modern archetype: the reality TV personality who uses a single breakout moment to build a sustained transatlantic media career. Her trajectory from factory worker to Love Island star to US network contestant mirrors the increasing globalization of reality television talent. She is part of a cohort of Irish reality stars gaining international recognition, and her “I tink” accent became a defining meme that highlights how cultural identity can drive long‑term fan engagement.

Her E‑E‑A‑T profile relies primarily on verified social media accounts and established news organizations such as Wikipedia, BBC, and RTÉ. For factual verification, her Wikipedia page and official TV network announcements remain the most reliable sources.

Where does the information about Maura Higgins come from?

The primary sources for this article are Wikipedia and Maura Higgins’ official Instagram account. Secondary sources include Heart.co.uk (which covered her health‑scare interview), RTÉ Player (official Irish broadcaster), and Peacock (US streaming platform for The Traitors). These sources are consistent with the approach used by entertainment media when reporting on reality television personalities.

For further reading, see Lucy Spraggan – Biography, X Factor Story, Sobriety.

What is the takeaway from Maura Higgins’ story?

Maura Higgins’ career illustrates how a single reality TV appearance can evolve into a multi‑faceted profession spanning two continents. From her Love Island debut to her recent US success on The Traitors and Dancing with the Stars, she has consistently expanded her audience and income. While some aspects of her personal life and finances remain subject to speculation, the publicly verified details confirm a remarkable trajectory for a woman who started out working in a factory in rural Ireland.

Frequently asked questions about Maura Higgins