Maura Higgins commanded attention in a striking black strapless gown as she attended the opening ceremony of the 79th Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday evening. The 35-year-old Irish Love Island star, who arrived in France via private jet, rubbed shoulders with Hollywood A-listers Demi Moore and Heidi Klum on the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals.
Dazzling Red Carpet Appearance
The TV personality flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in a glamorous, figure-hugging dress featuring a white neckline. She added a dramatic black cape worn off her shoulders, complete with voluminous balloon sleeves and an extremely long train. Styling her brunette hair in neat curls, Maura accessorised simply with silver dangling earrings for the premiere of The Electric Kiss, the first official red carpet event of the festival.
She looked incredible as she posed for photos on the iconic red carpet before ascending the stairs, her dramatic train cascading behind her. Maura, representing L'Oreal Paris at the festival, wore a stunning makeup palette finished with a nude lipstick.
Film and Festival Details
The Electric Kiss is a period romantic comedy-drama directed by Pierre Salvadori, starring Pio Marmaï, Anaïs Demoustier, Gilles Lellouche, and Vimala Pons. On Monday, Maura documented her private jet journey to the South of France, quipping that she was 'currently surviving on coffee, croissants & @lorealparis.' She shared snaps of her luxury travel and showcased her £1,560 Chanel makeup bag.
After leaving London's grey skies for the sunnier climes of the Hôtel Martinez, Maura quickly changed from her chic travel outfit into her first festival ensemble. She looked incredible in an '80s-style white power suit with neon accents, paired with white heels and slicked-back hair for a retro vibe. She posed for a shoot on the sunny streets of Cannes.
Career Milestones and Future Prospects
The first half of the year has been remarkable for Maura, who has propelled her US career to new heights. She recently joined the lineup for Dancing With The Stars, the US version of Strictly Come Dancing, as the first star announced for the 35th season this autumn. Sources suggest she could be in line for a £5 million payday from new deals.
Maura had previously expressed interest in appearing on Dancing With The Stars during her stint on the US version of The Traitors. Beauty brands are also eager to sign her, while insiders claim a fly-on-the-wall documentary about her rise in America could be the next step, with talks reportedly underway with TV executives.
Beyond reality TV and beauty, Maura is reportedly in discussions with Disney after making her acting debut in the film The Spin. After initially focusing on influencer and fashion work post-Love Island, she moved to the US in 2023, becoming a social media presenter for Love Island USA and Love Island Games. In 2024, she hosted Love Island: Aftersun and previously appeared on Dancing On Ice in 2020.
Her TV career took off after lucrative clothing and makeup deals following her villa exit. She signed with public relations agency Align, which specialises in US career growth, last year. Maura also revealed she has signed with major US talent agency Creative Artist Agency, whose clients include Lady Gaga. Her US work culminated with an invitation to the prestigious Golden Globes in LA, where she mingled with Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emma Stone.
