Maura Higgins is getting candid about her personal life, revealing a surprising decision that has kept her out of the dating scene for the past year. The former Love Island star shared that she has been celibate for 12 months, a choice she says was driven by repeated heartbreak and trust issues stemming from past relationships.
The 35-year-old reality TV personality didn’t hold back when explaining her reasoning. Higgins said she has been cheated on by multiple exes, leaving her wary of getting close to anyone again. “I’ve been cheated on by most of my exes,” she admitted, adding that the experience has made it difficult for her to trust men. For now, stepping away from intimacy has become her way of protecting herself.
Her most recent relationship with Pete Wicks ended in early 2025 after a brief but highly public romance. The split came amid rumors of infidelity, with Higgins suggesting she found questionable messages from other women on his phone. While those close to Wicks denied any wrongdoing, Higgins publicly expressed her doubts at the time, even joking that he was “probably cheating” when asked about him on Valentine’s Day.
The two had originally formed a close friendship after Higgins rose to fame on Love Island in 2019, and she previously spoke about their strong connection and shared sense of humor. Despite that foundation, the relationship ultimately fell apart, adding to a pattern of disappointments she now says has reshaped how she approaches dating.
Higgins has been linked to several high-profile names over the years, including Curtis Pritchard, Chris Taylor, Giovanni Pernice, and Bobby Holland Hanton. More recently, she has sparked speculation about a possible romance with her Traitors US co-star Rob Rausch, though she has not confirmed whether anything is developing.
Her name also made headlines last year following a controversial moment at a BRIT Awards after-party, where she shared a drunken kiss with married McFly guitarist Danny Jones. The incident drew widespread attention, and Jones later issued a public apology. Despite the fallout, he has remained with his wife, Georgia Horsley, and has largely stepped back from the spotlight in recent months.
For Higgins, the experience has led to a more cautious outlook on relationships. She admitted that focusing on looks in the past didn’t lead to success, and neither did prioritizing personality alone. Her blunt takeaway reflects her frustration with modern dating, as she suggested that finding the right balance may be more difficult than ever.
