Irish model and television personality Maura Higgins is reportedly in advanced discussions for a significant project with Disney, capitalising on her recent success in the American version of the reality competition series The Traitors. According to exclusive reports, the 35-year-old former Love Island star has been sharing exciting news with close friends about potential script readings for a Disney venture, marking a substantial breakthrough in her determined efforts to establish a career in the United States.
From Reality TV to Disney Dreams
An insider close to Maura Higgins revealed that the television personality is maintaining a discreet approach but could not contain her enthusiasm about the Disney opportunity. The source stated: 'Maura is keeping her cards close to her chest but she couldn’t help but tell pals she’s reading scripts for Disney. Everyone – including Maura – is stunned at how well her career in the US is going. This is just the beginning.' Representatives for Maura Higgins have been contacted by media outlets for official comment regarding these developing negotiations.
Potential Bachelorette Replacement
In a parallel development, Maura Higgins is also reportedly being considered for another major television role as a potential replacement lead for the next season of The Bachelorette. This opportunity arises following the sudden and dramatic cancellation of the show's upcoming twenty-second season, which was scheduled to premiere on March 22 with Taylor Frankie Paul as the central figure.
The cancellation decision came just days before the scheduled launch after a shocking 2023 video surfaced showing Taylor attacking her former boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, with her minor daughter present during the incident. The network executives at ABC made the difficult choice to halt production entirely, citing their focus on supporting the affected family as the primary reason for this unprecedented move.
Financial and Production Fallout
The abrupt cancellation of The Bachelorette represents a substantial financial blow to the network, with estimated losses potentially reaching up to twenty-eight million dollars. Production costs for the reality dating series typically amount to approximately two million dollars per episode, making this decision particularly costly for the broadcasting company.
According to anonymous tips received by the gossip platform Deux Moi, television executives are actively exploring the possibility of recruiting Maura Higgins as a replacement Bachelorette, with considerations for live shooting of the series. The tip claimed: 'ABC exec friend said that they are looking into getting Maura Higgins to be the new Bachelorette and do a live shooting of it. They shut down Layla and Miranda as a dual season and are trying to steer away from the SLOMW girlies.'
Broader Production Implications
The controversy has extended beyond The Bachelorette, affecting Taylor Frankie Paul's other television project as well. Filming has been suspended on the fifth series of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives after cast members reportedly expressed discomfort about continuing to work alongside Taylor following the video's release.
In an official statement released after the video surfaced publicly, Taylor claimed she had been a victim of abuse at Dakota Mortensen's hands, stating: 'There are too many women suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives.' The statement continued by expressing gratitude for ABC's support while prioritising family safety and security.
Contrasting Perspectives
Dakota Mortensen responded through a representative to Entertainment Weekly, emphasising that his primary concern remains protecting the former couple's toddler son. The representative explained: 'His number one priority here is protecting their son, Ever. He knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor. It's been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to co-parent well.'
The relationship between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen has been characterised by complexity since 2022, when Taylor gained public attention through a 'soft swinging' scandal that involved admitting to infidelity during her marriage to Tate Paul. The former couple, who share two children together, subsequently divorced amid these personal challenges.
As these developments unfold, Maura Higgins finds herself at a potential career crossroads with two significant American television opportunities simultaneously emerging – the Disney project discussions and the possible Bachelorette replacement role – representing what could become a transformative moment in her transatlantic career trajectory.
