Maura Higgins Opens Up About Extreme Relationship Checks
Reality television personality Maura Higgins has candidly disclosed the rigorous measures she takes to safeguard herself in new romantic relationships. The Love Island alum confessed that she routinely examines a partner's mobile phone merely a week into dating, attributing this behaviour to profound trust issues.
From Reality Star to Relationship Investigator
The 35-year-old, currently featuring on the American edition of The Traitors, described herself as having transformed into an "investigator" in matters of the heart. This shift, she explained, stems from years of negative experiences with men who have "done her dirty." Her revelations came during a detailed interview with Glamour Magazine, where she discussed her personal relationship red flags.
"I'd say my biggest red flag in a relationship is I've got serious trust issues," Higgins stated. "If I'm dating you and it's only a week in, I've already gone through your phone. I've turned into a bit of an investigator because men have done me dirty. So like, I mean, I'd probably say it's a beige flag, but we call it red. We call it red because it's not okay to go through someone's phone, but I'm going to do it again."
A History of High-Profile Romances and Public Fallouts
Higgins's trust issues appear to be rooted in her past romantic entanglements. Last year, she publicly criticised her former boyfriend, Pete Wicks, implying infidelity after discovering messages to other women on his device. Sources close to Wicks contested these allegations at the time, asserting his fidelity and expressing hurt over the claims.
The television star's relationship history includes several notable figures from the entertainment world:
- An initial romance with Curtis Pritchard during her time on Love Island.
- A subsequent relationship with Chris Taylor, also met on the dating programme.
- A brief four-month stint with former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice.
- A ten-month relationship with stuntman Bobby Holland Hanton, ending in March 2024.
Higgins has also been linked to other celebrities, including sharing a kiss with TOWIE's Joey Essex in 2022 and a "drunken kiss" with married McFly musician Danny Jones at a BRIT Awards afterparty.
Current Speculation and The Traitors US Connection
More recently, public attention has turned to potential romance rumours between Higgins and her younger Traitors US co-star, Rob Rauch, aged 27. Viewers have noted apparent chemistry between the pair, with many supporters eager for them to become an item. Both individuals share a connection through Love Island US, where Rauch participated as a contestant and Higgins has hosted the Aftersun spin-off show.
During an appearance on Andy Cohen's Watch What Happens Live, Higgins addressed the growing speculation. When questioned about her relationship with Rauch, she responded teasingly, "I mean, you'll have to watch the show to see if that happened." In a separate instance, when asked which Traitors US co-star she would take to the Love Island hideaway, she replied, "Ermm, I would probably say Rob. We're both from Love Island!"
Fans have actively commented on their interactions, with one social media user querying, "Okay but when are Maura and Rob going to confirm their relationship? They are adorable around each other." The intrigue continues as Higgins plays a Faithful on the show while Rauch operates secretly as one of the Traitors.
