Who is Maura Higgins dating? The 'Love Island' alum was spotted smooching a fellow reality star and we need answers!

For all our Love Island fans out there, you will no doubt remember Maura Higgins, who is to this day, one of the most popular Love Island bombshells ever and responsible for some of the most iconic Love Island quotes like, ‘fanny flutters.’ Well, word on the street is that our Irish beauty is dating another reality TV star after she was spotted sharing a kiss—here’s what we know about her past relationships and just who Maura Higgins is dating now…

If you didn’t catch season five of Love Island (which is arguably one of the best Love Island seasons ever) Maura did actually leave with Curtis Pritchard, who she dated for a few months post-villa, but sadly it wasn’t meant to be. And while she didn’t find ever-lasting love in the villa, she did find a best friend in Molly-Mae Hague and has dated a few notable names since—including Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice and fellow Love Island Star Chris Taylor.

Now, however, the internet is abuzz with romance rumors between Maura and fellow reality star, Joey Essex—known for starring in The Only Way Is Essex and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. The pair were spotted looking very cozy at the Pride of Britain and reporedly kissing! So the question is, are Maura and Joey dating?

Are Maura Higgins and Joey Essex Dating? 

These two have sparked some very juicy dating rumors as they were pictured sharing a smooch and leaving the Pride of Britain event in a taxi together.

While neither Maura nor Joey have confirmed that they’re dating—a source told the Sun (opens in new tab) that they supposedly swapped numbers at the event and were very flirty. 

The source then said: "They've met before on the celebrity party circuit but Monday was the first time things have turned flirty," before adding, "Maura’s really keen for a date with Joey and they’ve been messaging nonstop since."

The insider also revealed that there was no ‘funny business’ despite them leaving the event together, but they both “fancy the pants off each other—it could be the start of something pretty special." So, watch this space!

Who has Maura Higgins dated previously? 

Following her stint on Love Island, Maura has dated a few famous faces—including another Love Island star from her series.

Curtis Pritchard (2019)

These two had a whirlwind romance on Love Island after Maura revealed post-Casa Amor—to everyone's surprise—that she felt a connection with him. 

Up until then, Curtis has been with Amy Hart since day one, until admitted to fancying new girl Jordan during Casa—but still decided to recouple with Amy anyway. This was around the time he delivered the iconic line: “I also want to be the person that gets up and makes everyone a coffee so everyone's ready for the morning.”

After Curtis and Amy called time on their relationship, Maura confessed her feelings and the pair went on to finish fourth in the final.

Sadly though, they didn’t make the list of Love Island couples still together, as they split eight months later.

Chris Taylor (2020)

Following her split from Curtis, Maura confirmed that she was dating fellow islander Chris Taylor in November 2020, with both of them posting some seriously loved-up snaps on Instagram.

Chris said in his post: "Turns out I fell in love with my best mate," while Maura posted the same photo with the caption: "He's mine."

According to the Sun (opens in new tab) though, they split a few months later, with Maura confirming the news on her Instagram story, writing: “It breaks my heart to even type this, I wanted to let everyone know that myself and Chris have made the joint decision to end our relationship.

“There is no wrongdoing on either side. We still love, care and respect each other deeply. From the minute we met each other we’ve been very close friends and that will never change.”

Giovanni Pernice (2021)

In 2021, things got pretty serious between Maura and Strictly Come Dancing’s heartthrob Giovanni Pernice. They confirmed their relationship in July, and posted a number of loved-up snaps together.

The couple seemed to be going from strength to strength, with the pair even reportedly planning on moving in together—though sadly, news broke that they’d split in October of the same year.