Maura Higgins: A Look Into Her Dating Life and I'm a Celebrity Journey

Maura Higgins, known for her bold personality and stunning looks, first gained attention as a contestant on the popular ITV show, Love Island. Since then, her life has been a whirlwind of love interests and reality show appearances. Most recently, Maura has joined the cast of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, heightening questions about her dating life and romantic escapades. In this post, we delve into her dating history and her excitement for the jungle adventure.

From Love Island to Reality Stardom

Since appearing on Love Island in 2019, Maura has established herself as one of the most sought-after figures in showbiz. With her captivating presence, she amassed quite a following, and it's no surprise that many were curious about her romantic life.

Recent Jungle Introduction

Maura made her entrance into the 2024 I'm a Celebrity season amid widespread speculation. Upon joining, she candidly stated, “I am single at the moment, but honestly no one is going to fancy me in the jungle. Trust me!” While a jungle romance seems unlikely, Maura's admission hints at the light-hearted approach she takes toward relationships.

A Timeline of Maura's Relationships

Early Love Interest

Before her rise to reality fame, Maura was engaged to James Finnegan, her childhood sweetheart. They were together for nine years and became engaged in 2013. However, the couple called it quits four years later without tying the knot. This early experience foreshadowed a rollercoaster of romances that would follow her entry into the public eye.

Notable Relationships Post-Love Island

1. Shane McGuigan: After her engagement ended, Maura briefly dated boxing coach Shane McGuigan in 2018. Their relationship fizzled out due to long distances, as Maura was based in Ireland while Shane ran his gym in London.
2. Curtis Pritchard: During Love Island, Maura fell for professional dancer Curtis Pritchard. Although they ended up in fourth place on the show, their romance flared but ended in March 2020 amid allegations of cheating.
3. Chris Taylor: Their relationship blossomed post-Love Island but encountered its own obstacles. Maura and Chris were open about their affection for one another, but they split in 2021, resolving to stay friends.
4. Giovanni Pernice: Another fleeting romance was with Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice, confirming their relationship in July 2021. Despite moving in together, they parted ways by October.
5. Bobby Holland Hanton: A more recent connection with stuntman Bobby Holland Hanton began in May 2023, with the pair being public about their relationship during a vacation in Ibiza. However, they reportedly split after ten months of dating.
6. Pete Wicks: In early 2024, rumors circulated about a relationship with Strictly contestant Pete Wicks. Both parties downplayed romantic involvement, insisting they were just friends.

Maura and the Love Island Connection

Notably, Maura's entrance into the jungle could reignite old flames, especially due to the presence of Barry McGuigan, Shane's father. The tension could certainly make for captivating television, given their history—Maura and Shane reportedly shared several fun dates, but the romance ultimately didn't evolve due to various commitments.

Molly-Mae's Support

Fellow Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague publicly supported Maura upon her entry into the show, declaring on Instagram that, “the series has begun.” Their shared Love Island experiences highlight a supportive network among past contestants, even amid their personal relationship struggles.

Conclusion

Maura Higgins’s journey through love and reality television showcases the unpredictability of both. As she navigates through the challenges and possible romance of the I'm a Celebrity jungle, her past serves as a reminder of the complexities of love in the public eye. Will Maura find new connections in the jungle? Only time will tell.

Final Thoughts

Fans will be eagerly watching Maura’s journey not only for the entertainment value but to see how her love life continues to unfold post-show. As she declares herself single, her charm and charisma might just bring new opportunities her way.