Many men might imagine that dating a globally recognized beauty like Maura Higgins would be a dream, but the reality, as she has openly shared, has often been far more complicated. The former Love Island star, now 35, has candidly revealed that some of her past partners struggled with her success and the spotlight that comes with it. According to Maura, her rising fame has, at times, created tension in her relationships, particularly when it came to issues of ego and insecurity.

Since leaving the ITV villa in 2019, Maura’s career has grown rapidly. She has successfully expanded her presence beyond the UK, gaining recognition internationally and especially in the United States. Her recent appearances on Celebrity Traitors US and her upcoming participation in Dancing With The Stars have only solidified her status as a global TV personality. With that level of visibility, however, comes a dynamic that not all partners have been able to handle.

Reflecting on her dating experiences, Maura explained that some of her ex-boyfriends did not enjoy feeling overshadowed by her success. She suggested that this discomfort often stemmed from ego rather than anything she had done wrong. Her friends, she shared, have encouraged her to seek a partner who is confident enough to support her ambitions and allow her to shine without feeling threatened. For Maura, this has become a key priority in her search for a healthy and lasting relationship.

Earlier this year, Maura also revealed that she has chosen to remain celibate following a series of unsuccessful romances. Her last known relationship was with Pete Wicks, and the aftermath of that relationship appears to have influenced her current outlook on dating. While their breakup attracted significant media attention, it was also surrounded by controversy. Maura publicly hinted that Pete may have been unfaithful after she allegedly found messages between him and other women on his phone. However, insiders later claimed that Pete denied any wrongdoing and was deeply hurt by the accusations.

Trust has clearly become a central issue for Maura. In interviews, she has openly admitted that her past experiences have left her with what she describes as “serious trust issues.” She even joked—though with a clear undertone of honesty—that she tends to check a partner’s phone within the first week of dating. While she acknowledges that this behavior is not ideal and even labels it as a “red flag,” she also admits that it is something she has struggled to change. Years of feeling betrayed in relationships have led her to become, in her own words, “an investigator” when it comes to men.

Maura’s dating history has been highly public, involving several well-known figures. During her time on Love Island, she formed a relationship with Curtis Pritchard, which was followed by a brief romance with fellow contestant Chris Taylor. After that, she dated Giovanni Pernice, a professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing, although their relationship lasted only around four months.

She has also been linked to Joey Essex, though both parties denied being romantically involved despite being seen sharing a kiss at the National Television Awards in 2022. Later, Maura entered a relationship with Hollywood stuntman Bobby Holland Hanton, which lasted approximately ten months before ending in March 2024.

Following that breakup, Maura once again found herself in the spotlight after being seen sharing what was described as a “drunken kiss” with Danny Jones at a BRIT Awards afterparty. The situation drew particular attention because Danny has been married to his wife, Georgia Jones, for over a decade. The incident fueled speculation and added another layer of complexity to Maura’s already highly scrutinized personal life.

Most recently, Maura has sparked rumors of a new romance with her Traitors US co-star Rob Rausch, who is 27. The two reportedly knew each other prior to the show through Love Island USA, where Rob appeared as a contestant in both 2023 and 2024. While neither has officially confirmed a relationship, their connection has caught the attention of fans and media alike.

Despite the ups and downs, Maura continues to be open about her experiences, using them as a way to better understand what she wants moving forward. Her honesty about trust issues, relationship struggles, and personal growth has resonated with many, even as it invites public scrutiny. Ultimately, she appears determined to find a partner who not only respects her independence and ambition but also feels secure enough to stand beside her without feeling diminished.

As her career continues to flourish on an international stage, Maura Higgins remains both a prominent public figure and someone navigating the same emotional challenges that many face in relationships.