Irish reality star Maura Higgins has revealed she has stepped away from dating entirely for over a year, choosing instead to prioritise her own wellbeing after a string of difficult relationships.
The Co. Longford native, who first rose to fame on Love Island in 2019, said she understands why fans remain fascinated by her love life—but insists it is no longer her focus.
In a candid interview, Higgins explained that her decision to remain celibate wasn’t intentional. “It wasn’t even a plan to be celibate. I didn’t put a timeline on it. I just had terrible exes and needed a break,” she said.
Rather than seeking romance, the 35-year-old has spent the past year concentrating on herself. “I wanted to focus on me, my career, and my energy. Now that it’s been over a year, I don’t even think of men,” she admitted.
Despite speculation about her relationship status, Higgins insists she is not actively looking for a partner. “I’m not saying I’m not open, but I’m not checking my DMs to see who’s in there. I’m not searching for it,” she added.
Her recent appearance on The Traitors US reignited public interest after she formed a close bond with fellow contestant Rob Rausch. Viewers were quick to speculate about a possible romance, but Higgins firmly shut down the rumours.
“I genuinely look at Rob like a brother. Literally nothing ever happened,” she said, dismissing the claims.
Higgins has also been open about the impact her past relationships have had on her outlook. Having experienced repeated heartbreak, she admits it has left her with deep trust issues. “I’ve been cheated on by the majority of my exes—that’s the reason I’ve been celibate for a whole year,” she revealed.
The reality star acknowledged that these experiences have shaped her behaviour when dating. “If I’m dating you and it’s only a week in, I’ve already gone through your phone,” she confessed, describing herself as “a bit of an investigator” after years of being hurt.
Higgins first found love on-screen with Curtis Pritchard before later being linked to Chris Taylor. She also dated former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice, though the relationship ended after just a few months.
Now, Higgins says being single has taught her an invaluable lesson. “I don’t want to bring just anyone into my energy,” she said—making it clear that, for now, self-growth comes before romance.
