Love Island USA: Everything you need to know about Maura Higgins

The men of Love Island are prone to shockingly bad behaviour (if you thought it was disrespectful for US contestants to kiss bombshells on dates, this is mild in comparison). Thankfully, the ladies of season 5 always called them out in the most satisfying way possible. And Maura was a big part of that.

In one of the show’s best moments, Maura stood up for herself and told a guy off in an inspiring way. After a challenge, Maura and Tom Walker won a date at the Hideaway. Tom talked about Maura’s flirtatious personality and openness about sex, telling the guys, “It’ll be interesting to see if she’s just being loudmouthed or not.” Then, for some reason, he dared to repeat it and was shocked that she got upset. She told him off, called out the other guys for laughing at her, and defended herself and her boundaries against the foul language.

If Maura hadn’t already cemented her status as an icon, her reaction certainly did, so viewers in the US can be sure that the 33-year-old will be calling out bad behaviour as the Aftersun host.

Maura gave us the best “Tomorrow Night” teaser ever

In perhaps the most shocking twist of all time, Maura revealed out of the blue that she had a crush on another contestant. It wasn’t until the end of a “Tomorrow Night” commercial that viewers learned she was talking about Curtis Pritchard. Editors were just as confused as viewers because they edited it like a horror movie.

Aside from Curtis admitting he once slid into her DMs, the two had barely interacted before that moment. And Maura’s claim that she’d always had feelings for him was not believable. Even her mother seemed confused by Maura’s decision. Still, they made it to the finals and placed 4th.

They split months after the finale and Maura later claimed Curtis had cheated on her. Years later, they awkwardly reunited on Love Island Games. Maura did a short interview with Curtis and gently teased him about his missteps with Justine Ndiba.

Longtime viewers in the US may know the Irish beauty from season 5 of LI USA and Love Island Games. She was the show’s first social media ambassador, which also led to cameo appearances like those of Ariana. Now that Maura is hosting Aftersun, the social media role has been taken over by Cely Vasquez, the runner-up from season 2 of Love Island USA who competed on Love Island Games.

In addition to her roles on Love Island USA, Maura built a successful career after her time in the villa. She took part in Dancing on Ice, was given her own ITV2 special and hosted Glow Up Ireland. Alongside her presenting, she signed with Elite Model Management and had partnerships with Ann Summers, Inglot and Oh Polly. Like co-star Tommy Fury, she will soon make her film debut.

Maura’s dating story after Love Island

After Maura and Curtis broke up, she formed a close friendship with Chris Taylor, another fan favorite from Season 5. At some point, things turned romantic. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long and they split up in 2021.

When ITV first announced Love Island All Stars, viewers were hoping to see Maura back in the villa. However, she has moved on from relationships with former co-stars. Most recently, Maura has been linked to Bobby Holland Hunter, aka Chris Hemsworth’s stunt double.

Catch Maura hosting Love Island USA Aftersun, airing Saturdays on Peacock.

TELL US – HOW DO YOU LIKE MAURA HIGGINS AS HOST OF LOVE ISLAND USA AFTERSUNN?