Yahoo News I'm A Celeb star Maura Higgins' quiet Essex life from romance with Strictly star to Love Island
The I'm A Celebrity campmates are in for a surprise as two new celebrities will be joining them in tonight's episode (Thursday 21 November). The late arrivals have been confirmed as Reverend Richard Coles and Love Island star Maura Higgins.
Maura, originally from Ireland but now living in Essex, gained popularity during the fifth series of Love Island in 2019, making it to the final and creating some memorable moments.
As fans eagerly await the Irish beauty's appearance in the villa, let's delve into her life, from her presenting career to her speculated romance with Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks.
Read more: The budget-friendly Essex restaurant loved by British Bake Off stars with 'exceptional' food
Presenting career
After her stint on Love Island in 2019, Maura embarked on a presenting career, hosting an agony aunt segment on This Morning. She also presented a two-part series titled Maura's Ireland, where she explored her home country, showcasing its beauty. In 2021, she was announced as the presenter for the Irish version of Glow Up, a show aimed at discovering new makeup artists.
After her social host role for Love Island USA and Love Island Games, she took up the mantle as the show host for Love Island USA: Aftersun and has even guest-hosted the main show, reports OK!.
Romance with Pete Wicks
Rumours about Maura and Pete started swirling in August this year when they were seen kissing in public at the Broadwick Soho Hotel. They were later reportedly spotted getting cosy at the afterparty for the Pride of Britain Awards.
Despite being seen in close company multiple times, the duo insists they are merely friends. While guesting on Paul C Brunson's podcast We Need To Talk, she gushed: "We just get on very, very well. Very, very well. I adore him, he's amazing." Yet, prior to her entry into the I'm A Celebrity jungle, she made it clear that she is decidedly "very single" at present.
Acting debut
Her first foray into acting sees the reality TV favourite making waves in an Irish music-themed comedy film titled The Spin, taking on the role of a character named Rose.
With its debut at the Belfast Film Festival, The Spin features not only her but also celebrity talents like Kimberly Wyatt from The Pussycat Dolls, Brenock O'Connor of Game of Thrones fame, and Derry Girls alumni Tara Lynne O'Neill and Leah O'Rourke.
The film's premise tells of "Two down-on-their-luck record store owners, Elvis and Dermott, embarking on a cross-country trek to Cork in search of a rare record that promises to rescue their sinking shop and shield them from their malevolent landlord, Sadie."
In conversation with Digital Spy, Maura shared: "Being on set was an incredible experience, and I enjoyed every moment! I play the character of Rose, the girlfriend of Dermot, a down-on-his-luck record store owner."
I'm A Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX followed by I'm A Celebrity: Unpacked after the main show on ITV2
