MAURA HIGGINS: Take It or Leave It

Words by Delaney Willet

In an age of hyper-curated culture, raw humanity is a rare find. With reality star Maura Higgins, it’s easy to see. The Irish beauty has become an international name seemingly overnight, though she’s been wearing her heart on her sleeve on camera for years. Higgins’ rise from the hotbed of unscripted television—an experience she describes as “a bit mad”—has left her at the top of her game with no regrets. Over the past decade, we’ve watched her grow into her own, never really straying from who she is. Her secret? “I don’t overthink it. I just say what I’m feeling.” While her suffer-no- fools attitude was never intended to become a career, Higgins has approached every project with one goal: being her true self. “I’m not trying to be a spokesperson for anything, but if me being myself makes other women feel more confident to speak up, then that’s great.”

Anyone with a Wi-Fi connection has likely seen the 35-year-old star reprimand wayward suitors in the Love Island villa, or speculate on who she “thinks” may be a traitor in Alan Cumming’s The Traitors. Now with millions of followers and a growing list of brand partnerships, Higgins is entering a new phase on her own terms. But beyond the public persona, there’s still curiosity around who she was before reality television. What shaped the version of Maura we saw hand her Traitors victory to Rob Rausch—softened slightly by the now-circulating maroon Birkin he gifted her afterward? For someone who has always been unapologetically herself, there’s more beneath the surface.

There’s a strong sense of personality that people associate with you now. Where does that come from? What shaped you in those earlier years, and who had the greatest influence on who you’ve become?

It’s how I was raised: to be a strong woman. Where I’m from, you speak your mind or you get walked over, simple as that. I grew up around strong, opinionated women who didn’t sugarcoat anything, and I’m very much the same.

What is the biggest misconception about you?

That I’m this loud, full-on character all the time. I mean, I can be, but I’m also quite private. People might think I am what I choose to show them, but there’s a lot more depth to me that I choose not to share.

It’s no secret that the Love Island villa is an emotionally charged environment. What did your time on the show teach you about grace, composure, and relationships?

It teaches you very quickly what you will and won’t tolerate. You’re in an enormous pressure cooker, emotions are so high, and there’s absolutely nowhere to hide. It was a hard balance between knowing what actually deserved a reaction while still sticking up for myself.

How has your view of independence shifted over the years as a young, successful, self-made woman?

I think I’ve become quite protective of my independence. Once you realize you can do everything on your own, it changes your standards a bit. I’m not willing to settle for less than what I deserve, in work or in my romantic life.

Your wardrobe was central to the buzz around your time on The Traitors. What does your style mean to you? How has it evolved?

Over time, I’ve worked on making more intentional style choices. I still want to feel powerful and turn heads on every occasion. I often say if the look isn’t going to be a moment, then why bother? I love pieces that make an impact—strong tailoring, bold silhouettes, and a bit (or a lot) of drama. As I’ve created more looks, it’s become more polished and cohesive, which I love. On The Traitors, fashion was my main focus. I nearly forgot there was a game going on!

What makes you feel best in what you’re wearing? How does fashion function in your life now?

Confidence, always. Fashion has always intrigued me, so having it become such a big part of my life and career feels natural. I feel my best in something that makes a statement but still feels like me. There has to be a balance—I want to feel strong, sexy, and serve big drama.

There are rumors you’re moving into fashion, as well as scripted film and television. Has this always been the goal?

I’ve never been someone who stays in one lane. I get bored too easily for that. Fashion has always been a part of who I am, and scripted work feels like a natural step. But who knows—I can only say so much. I like the idea of surprising people.

You recently called out the bias behind being labeled a “pick- me girl” for how you moved on The Traitors. What would you say to people who think that?

Women get criticized no matter what they do: too much, too little, too loud, too quiet. I don’t take it personally anymore. If I call out a man for disrespecting me in real life, that’s having standards. If I clap for a man outplaying me in a strategy game, that’s class. The situations aren’t comparable. I know my intentions, and I’m never going to shrink myself or change to make people comfortable.

What grounds you with so much changing in your life? What has remained constant?

My real life, and the same people I’ve always been surrounded by—my family, my close friends. At the end of the day, you need people who will be by your side throughout this journey.

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