Maura Higgins is no stranger to the spotlight, especially when it comes to her colourful love life. However, in a recent interview, the former Love Island star has set the record straight about her romantic status. Despite recent rumours linking her to Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks, Maura has confirmed that she is very much single.
But that’s not all. Maura is now heading to Australia to take part in the latest series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!—and she’s about to face an awkward twist. Among her campmates is the father of one of her exes, Shane McGuigan, the son of renowned boxing coach Barry McGuigan.
Let’s take a closer look at the behind-the-scenes drama that has fans talking. From her past relationship with Shane McGuigan to her current rivalry with his famous father, it seems like Maura’s time in the jungle is going to be more complicated than she initially thought.
Maura Higgins: Single and Setting the Record Straight
In the world of celebrity gossip, it doesn’t take much for rumours to spread. After being spotted kissing Pete Wicks at the Pride of Britain Awards, speculation about a romance began circulating. However, Maura has wasted no time in shutting down these rumours.
When asked directly about the situation, Maura confirmed to the Mirror that she is not dating anyone at the moment. In fact, she went on to explain that while she has been on dates, her current relationship status is ‘very much single’.
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Romance with Pete Wicks?: Maura kept things coy, explaining that her interaction with Pete Wicks was nothing serious. She also hinted that she has been on dates with several people, but she remains focused on her career and isn’t looking for anything serious right now.
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The love life playbook: “I’m not [dating],” she quipped. “Where have you heard that? I date, but I’m very much single.” It’s clear that Maura is keeping things light-hearted and is not eager to fuel speculation about her romantic life.
While Maura may be steering clear of romance at the moment, her involvement in I’m A Celebrity will definitely stir up some interesting dynamics, particularly because of her past connection with one of her fellow campmates.
Maura’s Past with Shane McGuigan: A Brief Love Affair
In 2018, Maura Higgins and Shane McGuigan, son of the famous boxer Barry McGuigan, were briefly linked romantically. The two met when Maura worked as a ring girl at the David Haye vs. Tony Bellew rematch. Shane, who was covering the match, caught Maura’s attention, and the pair quickly hit it off.
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The short-lived romance: Their relationship was brief, and they ended things amicably after only a few months. According to sources close to the couple, they had instant chemistry, but the relationship was not meant to last, as Maura was based in Ireland, and Shane was busy running his boxing gym in London.
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No hard feelings: A source close to Maura and Shane told The Sun at the time, “It turned out to be short-lived and the spark fizzled out.” Despite the breakup, they remained friends, and Maura spoke fondly of Shane when discussing her past love life.
Fast forward to today, and Shane has moved on—he’s now engaged to Taylor West, a singer and songwriter, and they have two children together. But the connection between Maura and Shane’s father, Barry McGuigan, may complicate things for Maura during her I’m A Celebrity journey.
Barry McGuigan: The Boxing Legend and Fellow Campmate
While Maura may have no unresolved issues with Shane, the camp dynamics are about to get even more intriguing. As she heads into the jungle, she’ll be sharing a camp with none other than Barry McGuigan, Shane’s father, a boxing legend.
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Could they bond over Irish humour?: Maura has expressed that she believes she would get on really well with Barry McGuigan, thanks to their shared Irish roots. She even mentioned that Barry’s sense of humour would likely make them a good fit as campmates.
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An awkward connection?: Despite the potential for a friendly bond, there’s an undeniable awkwardness in the air. Maura’s ex’s dad will be right there with her, and the dynamics between them will certainly be interesting to watch. Will it make things more tense for Maura, or will it spark a meaningful connection?
In an environment like I’m A Celebrity, camp relationships can evolve quickly, and with Maura’s history with Shane, the presence of Barry McGuigan in the camp adds an extra layer of drama.
Maura’s Personal Growth: A Woman on a Mission
Despite the romantic drama and the complicated family connections, Maura is undoubtedly a woman on a mission. Heading into I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, she’s determined to prove herself and entertain viewers at the same time.
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From Love Island to jungle queen: Maura has come a long way since her time on Love Island. She’s grown as a personality and has become a favourite among fans. With her quick wit, Irish charm, and no-nonsense attitude, Maura is primed to take on the challenges in the jungle.
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Career over romance: Right now, Maura is focused on her career and proving her worth in I’m A Celebrity. She’s not letting anything—be it romantic speculation or awkward family dynamics—distract her from the task at hand.
Her journey on the show could prove to be a turning point in her career, and it will be exciting to watch her navigate both the challenges of the jungle and the dynamics with her fellow campmates.
Conclusion: Maura’s Reality Show Journey and the Road Ahead
Maura Higgins is once again at the centre of media attention, but this time, it’s not because of her love life—it’s about her bold, no-nonsense approach to reality TV. With the announcement of her participation in I’m A Celebrity, Maura is stepping into the spotlight in a new way.
Whether or not her past relationship with Shane McGuigan comes up in camp remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Maura is focused on showing her fans the real her. She’s single, strong, and ready to take on the challenges that come with living in the jungle. With a potential bond with Barry McGuigan and her determined attitude, Maura is set to be one of the standout stars of this season of I’m A Celebrity…
