The “Maura-naissance” is officially entering its next high-stakes chapter. Irish sensation Maura Higgins has confirmed she is walking away from her role as the face of Love Island USA: Aftersun, ending a three-year tenure with the franchise that acted as the cornerstone for her stateside transition.
The 35-year-old Longford native, who first captured hearts as the unapologetic “bombshell” of Love Island UK in 2019, revealed her decision was fueled by a desire for a “fresh start” and a slate of high-profile opportunities that require her full attention in the coming months.
In a candid interview with Vulture, Higgins addressed the swirling rumors regarding her return to Fiji for the upcoming eighth season of the hit dating show.
“You won’t [see me back],” she stated firmly. “I’ve done it for three years, and they’ll always be family to me, but I think it’s time to try something different”.
While she hasn’t entirely closed the book on the franchise—noting that she won’t say “forever”—her immediate future is firmly planted in mainstream American television.
“I’ve got amazing opportunities coming in the door,” she added, signaling that her days as a reality host are evolving into something even larger.
Cracking America: The Traitors Strategy
Higgins’ departure follows a period of meteoric growth in the US market. Her recent stint on The Traitors US Season 4 was a masterclass in social strategy and personal branding.
Entering the game with zero prior knowledge of the show’s mechanics, she navigated the treacherous Scottish Highlands castle with her signature wit and social connections, ultimately finishing as the runner-up.
Though she was famously betrayed in the finale by fellow contestant Rob Rausch—who walked away with the $220,800 grand prize—Higgins took the loss with professional grace.
“I took it on the chin,” she remarked, shifting her focus almost immediately to her next move. That move turned out to be the “Mirrorball Trophy.”
The Next Big Gig: Dancing With The Stars
The pivot toward mainstream entertainment was solidified with the announcement that Higgins will compete in the 35th season of Dancing With The Stars (the US equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing).
It is a move she says she “manifested” for years.
Joining the cast alongside Summer House star Ciara Miller, Higgins is reportedly preparing to give the competition her all, despite having “never danced” professionally in her life.
Fans of the star are already anticipating her fiery personality clashing—or meshing—with the rigorous training of the ballroom.
From Ring Girl to Hollywood Elite
Maura’s trajectory is a case study in effective long-term career planning.
Starting her career as a “Monster Girl” and a ring girl for high-profile boxing matches like Anthony Joshua vs.
Alexander Povetkin, she has meticulously moved from reality contestant to brand ambassador for Elite Model Management and finally to US television host.
Her growing influence in New York and Los Angeles has seen her rubbing shoulders with A-listers such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Emily Ratajkowski.
There are even whispers of a significant move into acting, following her debut in the Irish comedy The Spin, which reportedly impressed film executives in the States.
Life Beyond the Limelight
While her professional life is at an all-time high, Higgins remains refreshingly candid about her personal choices.
Recently, she shut down rumors that she was being courted for The Bachelorette, stating, “I don’t want a man. I don’t want anyone in my space”.
After high-profile relationships with co-stars like Curtis Pritchard and Chris Taylor, Higgins seems focused on her “longevity” in the industry rather than her next headline-grabbing romance.