Introduction
Maura Higgins has become one of the most recognisable reality television exports from Ireland, and 2026 has only accelerated her global profile. This year alone, she finished as runner-up on The Traitors US, was named to the TIME100 Creators list, landed a six-figure Victoria’s Secret partnership, joined Dancing With the Stars, and was confirmed as the host of Disney+’s Blind Date reboot. Whether you’re here for her latest news, career timeline, or the facts behind the headlines, this article covers everything you need to know about Maura Higgins.
Who Is Maura Higgins?
Maura Higgins was born on 25 November 1990 in Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland. She grew up with two sisters and a brother and attended Forgney National School and Ballymahon Vocational School. Before fame, she trained as a hairdresser and worked at Halo Hair Design, later moving into modelling, Formula 1 grid girl work, and boxing ring girl gigs.
She first entered the public consciousness as a bombshell contestant on the fifth series of Love Island UK in 2019, where she coupled up with Curtis Pritchard and finished as a finalist. Her unfiltered personality and viral one-liners turned her into a fan favourite almost immediately.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maura Higgins |
| Date of Birth | 25 November 1990 |
| Age (2026) | 35 |
| Hometown | Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland |
| Breakthrough | Love Island UK, Series 5 (2019) |
| Instagram Followers | 4.3 million |
| Major Brand Partners | L’Oréal Paris, Victoria’s Secret, DoorDash, OhPolly, MAC Cosmetics |
| Current Projects | Dancing With the Stars (US), Blind Date host (Disney+) |
| Management | Creative Artists Agency (CAA) |
Career Timeline: From Love Island to Global Host
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Appeared as a bombshell on Love Island UK Series 5; finished as a finalist |
| 2020 | Competed on Dancing on Ice |
| 2022 | Appeared on Cooking with the Stars |
| 2023 | Became social media presenter for Love Island USA and Love Island Games; launched Glow Up Ireland |
| 2024 | Appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! |
| 2025 | Signed six-figure deal with L’Oréal Paris; joined CAA |
| Early 2026 | Competed on The Traitors US Season 4; finished as runner-up |
| July 2026 | Named to TIME100 Creators list |
| August 2026 | Confirmed as host of Disney+’s Blind Date reboot |
| September 2026 | Began competing on Dancing With the Stars US Season 35 |
| 2027 | Blind Date reboot premieres on Disney+; co-hosting Get Me Out of Here on Peacock |
The Traitors US: The Moment That Changed Everything
Maura Higgins competed in the fourth season of The Traitors US, which aired in early 2026. She entered the game as a Faithful and reached the final, where she was betrayed by her closest ally, Rob Rausch, who had been a Traitor throughout. The betrayal became one of the most viral moments of the season, with audiences widely declaring Higgins the “real winner” despite her runner-up finish.
In a gesture that generated further headlines, Rausch later gifted Higgins a Birkin bag valued between $16,000 and $22,000 as an apology for his deception. The moment cemented Higgins as a breakout star in the American market.
Maura Higgins and Dancing With the Stars 2026
Higgins was confirmed as a contestant on Dancing With the Stars Season 35 in April 2026, alongside Summer House personality Ciara Miller. She was paired with three-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas, a former The Traitors co-star.
In Week 5’s “Super Bowl Night,” Higgins and Ballas performed a Tango to Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World),” earning a score of 33/40 from the judges. Despite strong performances, Higgins has spoken openly about the pressure of the competition, revealing she has been “crying in the toilets” during rehearsals due to relentless judge feedback.
Disney+’s Blind Date Reboot: A Major Hosting Role
In August 2026, Disney+ confirmed Maura Higgins as the host of its Blind Date reboot, set to premiere in 2027. The show will follow the original British format, with contestants choosing between three mystery suitors hidden behind a sliding wall, and will include “format twists” for modern audiences.
Angela Jain, Head of Content at Disney+ EMEA, said: “Maura is the perfect match for our version of Blind Date. Her distinctive straight-talking humour, coupled with her experience as a reality dating show contestant, means we know she has the gravitas plus the wit to bring Blind Date to new audiences”.
This role places Higgins in the footsteps of the late Cilla Black, who hosted the original series from 1985 to 2003.
Brand Deals and Net Worth
Maura Higgins has built a lucrative portfolio of brand partnerships. In February 2026, she reportedly signed a six-figure deal with Victoria’s Secret, and she has been an ambassador for L’Oréal Paris since April 2025. Other partnerships include DoorDash, OhPolly, and MAC Cosmetics.
Reports suggest Higgins is on track for a £5 million payday from US deals, with talks underway to become the face of a major cosmetic brand in a seven-figure agreement.
Social Media Influence
With 4.3 million Instagram followers, Maura Higgins ranks among the most influential online figures in Ireland and the UK. Her content spans fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and behind-the-scenes updates from her television career. In July 2026, she was named to the TIME100 Creators list, which recognises digital voices making an impact across entertainment, fashion, and other fields.
What’s Next for Maura Higgins?
Beyond Blind Date and Dancing With the Stars, Higgins has been linked to a US version of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, titled Get Me Out of Here, which she would co-host with her Traitors co-star Rob Rausch on Peacock. She has also been rumoured as a potential lead for The Bachelorette, though this has not been confirmed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maura Higgins?
Maura Higgins is an Irish television personality, model, and presenter from Ballymahon, County Longford. She rose to fame on Love Island UK in 2019 and has since become a prominent figure in both British and American reality television.
How old is Maura Higgins?
Maura Higgins was born on 25 November 1990, making her 35 years old as of 2026.
What is Maura Higgins doing now?
In 2026, Maura Higgins is competing on Dancing With the Stars US and is set to host Disney+’s Blind Date reboot in 2027. She also continues to work with major brands including Victoria’s Secret and L’Oréal Paris.
Did Maura Higgins win The Traitors US?
No, Maura Higgins finished as the runner-up on The Traitors US Season 4. She was betrayed in the final by Rob Rausch, who had been a Traitor throughout the game.
What is Maura Higgins’ net worth?
While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, reports suggest Higgins has secured six-figure brand deals and is on track for a multi-million-pound career trajectory following her US success.
Is Maura Higgins hosting Blind Date?
Yes, Maura Higgins was confirmed as the host of Disney+’s Blind Date reboot in August 2026. The show is scheduled to premiere in 2027.
Conclusion
Maura Higgins has transformed from a Love Island bombshell into a globally recognised television host and brand ambassador. With Dancing With the Stars, a Disney+ hosting role, and a growing portfolio of major partnerships, her 2026 trajectory shows no signs of slowing. For anyone tracking reality TV’s most versatile stars, Maura Higgins is a name that will continue to dominate headlines well into 2027 and beyond.
