When Maura Higgins entered the Love Island villa in 2019, few could have imagined her path would lead to one of Hollywood's most exclusive red carpets. Yet, on a star-studded night in January 2026, that is precisely where the reality star turned media personality stood, commanding attention at the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills.
A Star is Born: From Ballymahon to Beverly Hills
Born in Ballymahon, County Longford, Maura Higgins, now 35, began her working life as a hairdresser. Her striking looks soon led to modelling contracts and work as a grid girl. However, her true breakthrough came with her casting on the UK version of Love Island in 2019. It was here that her quick wit and hilarious one-liners set her apart from the typical reality TV contestant, earning her a legion of fans.
One iconic moment, where she shut down a male Islander's suggestive comment, has been re-watched more than 2.5 million times on YouTube. Her honest, no-nonsense approach prompted American comedian Amy Schumer to say she felt "very connected" to Maura.
Crossing the Atlantic: Conquering American Screens
After Love Island, Maura's career followed a familiar trajectory for a time, including a relationship with fellow Islander Curtis Pritchard and appearances on shows like Dancing On Ice and I'm A Celebrity. The game changed in 2023 when she landed the role of social media presenter for Love Island USA and the Love Island Games.
By 2024, she was hosting Love Island USA: Aftersun, her fun and sassy style resonating powerfully with American audiences. Her stateside presence has only grown, culminating in her current starring role on the US version of The Celebrity Traitors. Her plans to 'crack America', revealed in June 2025, are clearly coming to fruition.
Red Carpet Royalty and Silver Screen Success
Her appearance at the 2026 Golden Globes marked a new pinnacle. Posing in a Marmar Halim gown with a 1920s screen siren allure, she was even stopped for a picture by global music icon Snoop Dogg. This glamorous moment was bolstered by the premiere of her debut movie, The Spin, in which she plays Rose.
The feel-good film has been met with praise, and sources told The Mirror that Hollywood executives are already in talks with her about future roles based on her performance. Professionally, she continues to ascend, having signed with the same publicist as former Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn and boasting over four million Instagram followers.
While her personal life has made headlines—including a split from TOWIE's Pete Wicks in early 2025 and being photographed kissing married campmate Danny Jones later that year—her career has emerged unscathed and stronger than ever. As Maura herself has said, "Whatever you want, screenshot it, print it, cut it out, stick everything you want…" and for her, that determined mindset has clearly worked wonders.
