| Quick Answer Maura Higgins is an Irish television personality who first became famous on Love Island UK in 2019. She’s trending today because she just topped the leaderboard on Dancing with the Stars season 35 with her partner Mark Ballas, earning the highest score of the night and glowing praise from all three judges. |
If Maura Higgins has suddenly popped up all over your social feed, you’re not imagining it. The Irish TV star is having one of the biggest weeks of her career, and it’s easy to see why once you know her story. Here’s a simple, no-fuss guide to who she is, how she got famous, and exactly why everyone is talking about her right now.
Who Is Maura Higgins?
Maura Higgins is a 35-year-old television personality, presenter, and model from Ballymahon, County Longford, in Ireland. She’s been a familiar face on our screens since 2019, and over the years she’s built a career that goes well beyond the show that first made her famous.
How Did Maura Higgins Become Famous?
Maura’s breakout role in 2019 was her role as a finalist in the fifth series of Love Island UK, where her strong personality saw her gain a huge following and a huge amount of brand deals.
She has since appeared in Dancing on Ice, landed a hosting role on her own ITV2 series, secured a fake eyelash collection for Primark, signed with Elite Model Management and became the face of MAC Cosmetics UK and Ireland in 2025.
In other words, Maura has taken her role in the reality TV show to great lengths and made it a proper long-term career for herself.
Her Move to US Reality TV
In the meantime, Maura has been gaining recognition in the US too. She joined the cast of The Traitors US and became best friends with the winner Rob Rausch, who surprised her by telling her that he was her secret traitor the whole time on the show. Moreover, Maura hosted the Aftermath of Love Island USA, keeping herself in the US spotlights.
Why Is Maura Higgins Trending Today?
The reason why Maura is now a viral star is because of Dancing with the Stars. The model is competing on Season 35 of the US version of the series, where she is dancing with Mark Ballas, the professional dancer, and the partner she met while filming The Traitors.
In the two-night season premiere, Maura and Mark performed a foxtrot to Alannah Myles’ Black Velvet and scored the highest marks. The judge, Carrie Ann Inaba, called the performance mesmerising, while Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli were also very impressed by how well Maura was able to tell the story through dance. It is a good start for the model, who has described herself as a complete beginner with two left feet.
Industry insiders believe that Maura will conquer the reality TV world. One celebrity PR expert told the Daily Express US that the star has already conquered reality TV and will soon become a household name, ready to move from the screen to a bigger stage as an actress or presenter.
What Else Has Maura Been Up To?
Away from the ballroom, Maura has also been in the news for talking about her personal life. She told TODAY With Jenna & Sheinelle that she had been celibate for more than a year, responding to persistent rumors of a romance with her Traitors co-star. The star was recently spotted in Paris for the Fashion Week, showing off her new pixie cut, which proves that she is not only a reality TV star but also successful in the fields of fashion and beauty.
Quick Facts About Maura Higgins
- Born: 25 November 1990, in Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland
- Best known for: Love Island UK (2019), The Traitors US, Dancing with the Stars US
- Current show: Dancing with the Stars season 35, partnered with Mark Ballas
- Other ventures: MAC Cosmetics UK face, False Flutters eyelash brand, Elite Model Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maura Higgins still on Dancing with the Stars?
Yes, as of the latest episode Maura Higgins and partner Mark Ballas are still in the competition after topping the leaderboard during the season 35 premiere.
How did Maura Higgins become famous?
She rose to fame as a finalist on the fifth series of Love Island UK in 2019, then built a lasting media career through presenting, modelling, and beauty partnerships.
Is Maura Higgins dating anyone right now?
Maura has said she has been celibate for more than a year and has denied ongoing rumours linking her romantically to her Traitors co-star Rob Rausch.
What other shows has Maura Higgins appeared on?
Alongside Love Island and Dancing with the Stars, she has appeared on Dancing on Ice, Glow Up, Cooking with the Stars, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, and The Traitors US.
Who is Maura Higgins’ Dancing with the Stars partner?
She is partnered with professional dancer Mark Ballas, whom she met while filming The Traitors US and specifically wanted to work with on the show.
