Updated: September 17, 2026
Maura Higgins has built a career on honesty, confidence, and zero filter. From her explosive arrival as a Love Island bombshell in 2019 to runner-up on The Traitors US and now competing on Dancing with the Stars season 35, fans still ask the same question: who is Maura Higgins’ boyfriend? The short answer in September 2026 is clear — she does not have one. At 35, the Longford-born star has openly chosen celibacy and independence, putting career and self first.
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Maura Higgins’ Current Relationship Status
As of mid-September 2026, Maura remains single and has been for well over a year. In multiple interviews this year she has stated she is not dating, not speaking to anyone romantically, and has no interest in bringing a man into her space right now. She told Entertainment Tonight earlier in 2026 that she likes coming home to a clean house without having to pick up after anyone, and that she simply does not have the time.
Her professional partner on Dancing with the Stars is Mark Ballas, a friendship that began on The Traitors. Both have laughed off any romance talk, insisting rehearsals leave no room for dating drama. Maura has also ruled out starring on The Bachelorette, saying she is happy exactly where she is.
Looking Back at Maura Higgins’ Dating History
Maura’s romantic past is well documented and includes several high-profile names. Here is a clear overview of her known relationships:
| Partner | Approximate Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| James Finnegan | ~2008–2017 | Long-term relationship; once engaged |
| Curtis Pritchard | 2019–2020 | Love Island co-star; ended after the villa |
| Giovanni Pernice | 2021 | Strictly Come Dancing professional |
| Bobby Holland Hanton | 2023–2024 | Chris Hemsworth’s stunt double |
| Pete Wicks (rumoured) | 2024–early 2025 | Brief link; never fully confirmed |
She has also been linked in the past to names such as Chris Taylor and had brief encounters, but none developed into lasting partnerships after her time with Bobby Holland Hanton.
Why Maura Chose a Year-and-a-Half of Celibacy
Maura has been refreshingly open about her decision. After a string of relationships that left her with trust issues, she simply stepped back. In May 2026 she told Us Weekly she had been celibate for about a year and a half and felt like “a new woman.” She no longer checks DMs for potential dates and has stopped searching for a partner.
Key reasons she has shared include:
- Wanting to protect her energy and focus on career growth
- Enjoying the freedom of living alone without compromise
- Learning from past experiences that loyalty and trust matter more than rushing into something new
- Simply not feeling the need right now
She has said she is not closed off forever — just not actively looking. When asked about dream partners she has joked about Kevin Costner, but the overall message is clear: she is content on her own.
Career First: From Traitors to the DWTS Ballroom
Maura’s current chapter is all about work. After finishing as runner-up on The Traitors US (where she was famously betrayed by Rob Rausch, who later gifted her a Birkin as a peace offering), she has thrown herself into Dancing with the Stars. Paired with Mark Ballas, she debuted in mid-September 2026 with a Traitors-themed foxtrot and continues to balance intense rehearsals with a packed schedule.
She has also taken on presenting roles and brand partnerships. In her own words, the constant travel and training leave little space for romance, and she is fine with that. Fans who once rooted for villa couples now cheer her growth into a confident, self-sufficient television personality.
Conclusion
Maura Higgins does not have a boyfriend in September 2026, and she is not apologising for it. After years of public relationships and the inevitable speculation that follows reality stars, she has chosen clarity, independence, and career momentum. Her story offers a useful reminder that single life can be intentional and fulfilling rather than a waiting room for the next partner.
Whether she eventually opens the door to romance again remains to be seen. For now, the focus stays on the dance floor, the next professional opportunity, and living on her own terms. Fans looking for the latest updates should keep watching her journey — it has been anything but ordinary.
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