Love Island’s Maura Higgins is said to be in advanced talks to join I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! following Tommy Fury’s unexpected exit just weeks before the show’s return.
Tommy’s reported withdrawal has seemingly paved the way for the Irish model and TV presenter, ensuring that two stars from the ITV2 dating show wouldn’t enter the jungle in the same year.
Interestingly, Maura, 33, had her eyes on Tommy, 25, during their time on Love Island in 2019, but he ended up with Molly-Mae Hague, also 25. The pair were together until this summer when they split.
Wales Online reports that chatter about the breakup could potentially arise around the campfire as Maura and Molly are now best friends.
A source from the Jungle told The Sun: “With Tommy Fury pulling out, it gave show bosses the opportunity to look at other Love Island stars, and Maura stood out as the perfect candidate.
“She’ll bring a touch of glamour to the jungle and make an excellent campmate because she’s got a cracking sense of humour and is bound to get along with everyone. It’s shaping up to be a strong year for women on I’m A Celebrity this year.”
Other celebs rumoured to be joining this year include WAG queen, Coleen Rooney, Dancing on Ice judge Oti Mabuse and N-Dubz singer Tulisa.
The stars typically head down under in mid-November, about a week before the show, hosted by Ant and Dec, begins its three-week run on ITV1.
Yesterday, The Sun reported that Tommy had chosen to leave the jungle before signing a binding contract despite months of negotiations with ITV producers.
It’s rumoured that he was presented with a more lucrative opportunity, speculated to be a rematch between KSI and Tommy, who is the younger half-brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury.
There were whispers that he might have revealed his side of the story about his break up with Molly-Mae, but now the jungle bosses are pinning their hopes on Maura stepping in.
Maura grabbed headlines this week when she was seen getting close to Strictly Come Dancing pro Kai Widdrington at the Pride of Britain Awards.
She was previously linked with another Strictly pro, Giovanni Pernice, but they split in 2021.
ITV has been approached for a comment.