Maura Higgins is poised to join the I’m A Celebrity camp in tonight’s episode (Thursday 21 December), alongside fellow newcomer Reverend Richard Coles.
However, an awkward encounter could be on the cards as she reportedly dated Barry McGuigan’s son Shane back in 2018. The duo allegedly hit it off at a David Haye vs Tony Bellew rematch where Maura was working as a ring girl and Shane was providing commentary.
The pair reportedly dated for a year before calling it quits due to the long-distance nature of their relationship, with Maura based in Ireland and Shane residing in London.
Since making her debut on Love Island in 2019, the reality star has been linked romantically with several eligible men, reports OK!.
She made it to the show’s final with ex Curtis Pritchard, but their romance fizzled out just eight months later. In March 2020, she announced their split on Instagram, stating: “Curtis and I have made the decision to separate.”
“We enjoyed a great experience from our time in the villa and want to thank everyone for supporting our relationship.”
“There is no easy way to get through a break-up and no bad feeling on either side. We tried to make it work but it wasn’t to be and I wish Curtis nothing but the best for the future.”
In late 2020, Maura Higgins found love with fellow Love Island alum Chris Taylor. Their villa stint didn’t hint at romance since she was with Curtis at the time, but post-show they went Instagram official, sharing with their followers a snap showing them looking into each other’s eyes. However, their relationship ended within six months in May 2021.
Maura then caught headlines with rumours of romance with Strictly Come Dancing pro Giovanni Pernice. Confirmation of the romance came in July 2021 when Maura posted an idyllic beach photo with Giovanni captioned “I’m yours” alongside a love-heart.
Maura was also linked to Chris Hemsworth’s stunt double, Bobby Holland Hanton, in May 2023, yet opted for privacy initially. By August 2023, social media bore witness to their love with images from a dreamy Fiji dinner while Maura filmed Love Island USA, but the romance fizzled out this year.
Recently, Maura was spotted getting close to Strictly star Pete Wicks, igniting speculations. Despite the cosy snaps, they’ve maintained they’re merely friends, with Maura announcing that she’s entering the jungle “very single”.
I’m A Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX followed by I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked after the main show on ITV2