Maura Higgins made a stunning appearance at the 2026 Time 100 Gala in New York City on Thursday evening, wearing a dazzling strapless silver gown. The Love Island star, 35, who is expanding her presence in the United States after appearing on the US version of The Traitors, looked incredible in the eye-catching number.
Gown Details and Red Carpet Look
Maura showcased her impressive figure in a corset gown featuring a cone bra and a sheer skirt. The Irish model, recently revealed as the first contestant for Dancing With The Stars, elevated her height with towering heels and accessorized with glamorous silver earrings. She styled her bobbed brunette hair in a sleek loose updo and completed her ensemble with a glamorous makeup palette. Maura flashed her gorgeous smile as she walked the red carpet at the star-studded event held at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Dancing With The Stars Announcement
Earlier in the day, Maura's US takeover reached new heights when it was announced she would join the lineup for Dancing With The Stars this autumn. Sources claim she could be in line for a £5 million payday thanks to new deals. Maura will appear on the 35th season of the hit show, the US version of Strictly Come Dancing, and was the first star unveiled for this year's lineup. The news was announced on Dancing With The Stars' Instagram with the caption: 'She went from looking for love to looking for who to trust, and now she's looking to win the Mirrorball. We're welcoming @maurahiggins to #DWTS on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu this fall! #HuluGetsReal.' Maura shared the announcement on her social media with the caption: 'I TINK IM VERY EXCITED!'
Previous Interest in DWTS
The star had previously expressed interest in appearing on Dancing With The Stars during her stint on The Traitors. She said: 'Maybe [I'd do] Dancing With the Stars. It's something that'd be a challenge for me. I've never danced. I'd done a bit of Irish dancing when I was younger. It'd be a huge challenge, but I know I'd throw myself into it and all the looks and glitter.'
US Career Expansion
Sources claim that Maura, who rose to fame on Love Island in 2019, has made a significant name for herself in the United States, with numerous American shows and brands keen to work with her following her appearance on The Traitors. A source told The Sun: 'Maura may have missed out on the cash prize on The Traitors but that's small change compared to what's coming her way. Shows and brands in the US are lining up for a piece of Maura and she's got more opportunities than time right now. It's an exciting place to be.' Beauty brands are also said to be keen to snap up the star, with another source claiming: 'She's in talks to become the face of one of the biggest cosmetic brands in the US in a deal that will be at least seven-figures.'
Potential Reality Series and Acting
Insiders claim a fly-on-the-wall series documenting Higgins' rise in America could be the next step, with the star reportedly in talks with TV bosses. Additionally, Maura is said to be in talks with Disney after making her acting debut in the film The Spin. After focusing on influencer and fashion work post-Love Island, in 2023 she moved to the US and became a social media presenter for Love Island USA and Love Island Games. In 2024, she hosted Love Island: Aftersun. She also participated in Dancing On Ice in 2020. Maura signed with public relations agency Align, which specializes in growing US careers, last year, and recently revealed she signed with Creative Artist Agency, whose clients include Lady Gaga. Her US work culminated in an invitation to the prestigious Golden Globes in LA, where she mingled with celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emma Stone.
