Image Source: Cosmopolitan
Maura Higgins has once again sparked curiosity about her relationship status after sharing a mysterious Instagram Story. The reality star posted an image showing the shadows of two figures on a pavement on October 3, prompting fans to wonder whether she may be quietly seeing someone new.
There has been no confirmation that the post was romantic, and Maura has not publicly identified anyone as a new partner. Still, the cryptic image arrived after she previously spoke openly about taking a break from dating, making the post especially intriguing for followers.
Maura Higgins’ Dating History Takes a Surprising Turn
The Irish fashion personality first became widely known through reality television and has since built a career across entertainment, fashion and presenting. She appeared on Love Island, reached the latter stages of The Traitors alongside Rob Rausch and later appeared on Dancing With the Stars.
Her public dating history includes several high-profile names, from fellow reality stars to professional dancers and a Hollywood stunt performer. Here is a look at the relationships that have drawn the most attention.
2008–2017: James Finnegan
Before fame, Maura was in a long-term relationship with her childhood sweetheart, James Finnegan. The pair met at school and were together for almost nine years. They became engaged in 2016 before ending their relationship in 2017.
During a March 2026 interview with Cosmopolitan, Maura discussed the relationship without naming James directly. She said that staying in the relationship might have prevented her from leaving her hometown and pursuing the life she wanted.
Maura also explained that although she cared deeply for her former partner, she eventually realized she did not want to marry him or have children with him. That realization helped her make the difficult decision to move on.
2018–2019: Shane McGuigan
After her engagement ended, Maura began dating boxing coach and commentator Shane McGuigan. The relationship developed while she was working as a ring girl.
The couple reportedly struggled to maintain a long-distance relationship between London and Ireland. Their romance eventually ended before Maura entered the Love Island villa.
2019–2020: Curtis Pritchard
Maura’s most memorable Love Island romance was with Curtis Pritchard. Curtis initially coupled up with Amy Hart during the 2019 season, but his attention later shifted toward Maura.
The pair continued dating for approximately seven months after leaving the villa. Maura later said their demanding careers and limited time together made the relationship difficult to sustain. She described being deeply interested in Curtis but said they sometimes went weeks without seeing each other.
Curtis also denied claims that infidelity caused the breakup. The pair later experienced an awkward reunion when Curtis appeared on Love Island Games in 2023.
2020–2021: Chris Taylor
Maura then grew closer to another Love Island alum, Chris Taylor. The two had been friends before their relationship became romantic, which made their transition into dating particularly appealing to fans.
They fueled speculation through playful social media exchanges before confirming their romance. However, the relationship lasted about six months. In separate statements, both said there had been no wrongdoing and emphasized that they still cared about each other.
Chris later said he had fallen in love with Maura, while suggesting that his feelings may not have been fully returned. Despite the split, both maintained that their friendship was important.
2021: Giovanni Pernice
Maura was linked to professional dancer Giovanni Pernice after the pair were seen holding hands at a soccer match in June 2021. They shared affectionate moments online and appeared to enjoy a brief but highly public romance.
By October, the relationship had ended and Maura removed several photos connected to it. Giovanni later said the romance had reached a natural conclusion and stressed that there had been no wrongdoing.
2023–2024: Bobby Holland Hanton
Maura’s last major public relationship was with Bobby Holland Hanton, a Hollywood stunt double known for standing in for Chris Hemsworth. The couple kept much of their romance private but reportedly traveled together and celebrated New Year’s Eve in the Maldives.
They split in March 2024 after dating for nearly a year. Their breakup appeared to be confirmed when they unfollowed each other and removed photos from social media.
Why Fans Are Watching Maura Higgins’ Love Life
In her March 2026 conversation with Cosmopolitan, Maura said she had been celibate for more than a year and was focused on herself, her career and protecting her energy. She said she was open to a relationship but was not actively searching for one.
Maura also revealed that she wants a future partner who will allow her to shine rather than attempt to diminish her confidence. For now, her Instagram post remains open to interpretation, and fans will have to wait for any official confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Maura Higgins engaged to?
Maura Higgins was engaged to her childhood sweetheart, James Finnegan. They were together for almost nine years before ending their relationship in 2017.
Did Maura Higgins date Curtis Pritchard?
Yes. Maura Higgins and Curtis Pritchard met on Love Island in 2019 and continued dating for around seven months after leaving the show.
Who was Maura Higgins’ most recent public boyfriend?
Maura’s most recent major public relationship was with stunt double Bobby Holland Hanton. They reportedly split in March 2024.
Is Maura Higgins currently in a relationship?
Maura has not confirmed a current relationship. Her October 3 Instagram Story sparked speculation, but the identity of the person shown has not been revealed.
