Maura Higgins Opens Up About Celibacy and Trust Issues
Maura Higgins, the 35-year-old star of The Traitors US, has candidly revealed that she has been celibate for an entire year. In a recent interview, she attributed this decision to a series of tumultuous romances and deep-seated trust issues stemming from what she describes as infidelity by the majority of her ex-partners.
Accusations and Denials in Past Relationships
Higgins specifically took a swipe at her ex-boyfriend, Pete Wicks, with whom she was last publicly linked. She suggested that he cheated on her after discovering texts to other women on his phone. However, insiders close to the situation told the Daily Mail at the time that Wicks was never unfaithful and was deeply hurt by these accusations.
Discussing her love life amidst a busy work schedule, Higgins stated, "I've already got severe 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 added, "I don't trust men anyway."
Investigative Dating Habits and Public Scrutiny
Last month, Higgins disclosed that she goes through a man's phone just one week into dating due to her "serious trust issues." She admitted to turning into an "investigator" after years of negative experiences with men. In an interview with Glamour Magazine, she detailed her relationship red flags, saying, "If I'm dating you and it's only a week in, I've already gone through your phone. I've turned into a bit of an investigator because men have done me dirty."
She humorously labeled this behavior as a "beige flag" but acknowledged it's not acceptable, yet confessed, "I'm going to do it again."
High-Profile Romance History
Higgins has regularly dated in the public eye, with her relationships often making headlines:
- She fell for Curtis Pritchard on Love Island.
- She later dated Chris Taylor, whom she met on the same series.
- Following their split, she was in a relationship with axed Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice, but they parted ways after four months.
- After being spotted sharing a kiss at the National TV Awards in 2022, Higgins and TOWIE's Joey Essex denied any romantic involvement.
- In March 2024, she split from stuntman Bobby Holland Hanton after ten months together.
- She was then seen sharing a "drunken kiss" with McFly's Danny Jones, who is married, at a BRIT Awards afterparty.
Recent Speculation and Future Prospects
Most recently, Higgins sparked romance rumors with her Traitors US co-star Rob Rausch, 27. Fans have noted apparent chemistry between them, hoping for a relationship. While appearing on Andy Cohen's Watch What Happens Live, Higgins was quizzed about this speculation. When asked about the internet's desire for them to get together, she coyly replied, "I mean, you'll have to watch the show to see if that happened."
The pair knew each other through Love Island US, where Rob appeared as a contestant in 2023 and 2024. Reflecting on her experiences, Higgins mentioned in reference to losing to Rob during an interview, "If I wasn't used to that kind of guy, I reckon I would've been crying, storming out, never speaking to him again."
As Higgins navigates her personal life under public scrutiny, her revelations highlight the challenges of maintaining trust and intimacy after repeated heartbreaks in the spotlight.
