Reality television star Maura Higgins has sparked considerable attention after appearing to adopt an American accent during a recent public appearance. The 35-year-old, who rose to fame on Love Island UK in 2019, was captured on video at the prestigious EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, where her vocal shift became a talking point.
Viral TikTok Moment Reveals Accent Change
A video circulating widely on TikTok shows Higgins greeting fans as she walked the red carpet at The Royal Festival Hall in London. In the clip, she appears to drop her native Irish accent in favour of an American tone when interacting with supporters. Higgins is heard saying, "Hi, I'm good, nice to see you!" and later responding to a compliment on her look with, "Thank you so much," both delivered with a noticeable American inflection.
Time in the United States Influences Speech
This linguistic development follows Higgins' increased presence in the United States, where she is currently appearing on the popular reality competition series The Traitors US. Her participation in the show has involved significant time mingling with American celebrities and production teams, which seems to have influenced her speech patterns. The star has been actively pursuing opportunities to expand her career across the Atlantic, recently celebrating what she called her "new US fame" by wearing tights embossed with the message "Mom, I am a rich man."
Glamorous BAFTA Appearance Turns Heads
At the BAFTA ceremony, Higgins made a striking fashion statement in a dramatic red form-fitting satin gown. The dress featured structured detailing across the chest, delicate black beading, and a substantial train that flowed behind her as she moved. She accessorised with black sheer opera gloves and minimal jewellery, completing the look with towering black YSL court heels and a dramatic faux fur coat for her arrival.
Acting Debut in Irish Comedy Film
While Higgins has yet to receive award nominations, she has recently made her acting debut in the Irish comedy film The Spin. In the feel-good road movie, she plays a character named Rose, though her screen time amounts to less than two minutes in the 92-minute production. Despite the brief appearance, industry reports suggest she "impressed big Hollywood executives" with her performance.
The film follows two music enthusiasts, Dermot and Elvis, who operate a struggling record shop in Omagh, Northern Ireland. Faced with unpaid rent and a hostile landlord eager to evict them, the pair discover an opportunity to purchase rare vintage records of blues legend Robert Johnson in Cork at a surprisingly low price. Their journey forms the central narrative of the comedy.
Reality Television Success Continues
Higgins' appearance on The Traitors US has proven particularly successful with American audiences. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising her glamorous presence and chemistry with other contestants. Comments included observations like "Maura Higgins getting along with the Housewives just makes sense to me" and declarations that she is "serving face so hard she's gorgeous."
Following the show's premiere, Higgins celebrated with co-stars at a viewing party in West Hollywood, where she posed for photographs and embraced her growing stateside recognition. Her trajectory from Love Island UK contestant to transatlantic reality personality appears to be gaining momentum, with the accent shift serving as the latest evidence of her American immersion.
