Reality television personality Maura Higgins has sparked intense speculation regarding her love life after sharing a cryptic social media post alongside a mystery partner. The former Love Island star, 35, took to her Instagram Stories on October 3, 2026, to post an image of two shadows walking side-by-side on a pavement.
Accompanying the photograph, Higgins resurrected one of her most famous television catchphrases. She wrote, "Tink I’ve got the f***y flutters," referencing the memorable line she first used during her breakout 2019 appearance on the UK dating show to describe her attraction to Tommy Fury.
The cheeky social media update comes as Higgins resides in the United States. She is competing on the 35th season of the reality dance competition series Dancing with the Stars alongside professional partner Mark Ballas. While the television star has maintained secrecy surrounding the identity of her walking companion, fans immediately began speculating that she may have found love Stateside.
Past Relationships and Journey of Celibacy
The apparent romance tease follows a prolonged period away from dating. Earlier in the year, Higgins opened up about her decision to embrace celibacy for roughly a year and a half, attributing the break to difficult past relationships and severe trust issues.
Speaking to media outlets about her single status, Higgins explained that she needed time to focus entirely on her career, personal well-being, and energy rather than rushing into another relationship. Her last high-profile relationship was with television personality Pete Wicks, which concluded amid public scrutiny and accusations regarding communication issues.
Higgins has previously admitted that negative experiences with former partners left her feeling skeptical about modern dating. In a recent interview with Glamour, she candidly discussed her defensive habits in early-stage relationships, humorously describing herself as an "investigator" when getting to know new people due to past betrayals.
Career Expansion in the United States
Alongside ongoing speculation about her personal life, Higgins continues to make waves in the American entertainment scene. Her strong performances on Dancing with the Stars have kept her at the forefront of reality television headlines, captivating audiences both in the UK and the United States.
Neither Higgins nor her representatives have officially confirmed the identity of the mystery man featured in her recent Instagram Story. This leaves fans waiting to see whether the television personality will formally introduce a new partner as her American television journey continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maura Higgins?
Maura Higgins is an Irish reality television personality and model who first rose to fame as a contestant on season five of ITV’s Love Island in 2019. She has since appeared on various television programs, including Dancing with the Stars in the United States.
What did Maura Higgins post on Instagram?
Maura Higgins shared an Instagram Stories photo showing two shadows walking together on a pavement. She captioned the image with her famous 2019 catchphrase, "Tink I’ve got the f***y flutters," sparking rumors of a new relationship.
Why was Maura Higgins celibate?
Higgins revealed that she spent over a year celibate following a series of difficult past relationships that left her dealing with severe trust issues. She stated that she wanted to take a break from dating to focus on herself and her career.
Who is Maura Higgins partnered with on Dancing with the Stars?
Maura Higgins is competing on season 35 of the US version of Dancing with the Stars alongside professional dancer Mark Ballas.
What are some of Maura Higgins’ past relationships?
Before her recent dating hiatus, Higgins was previously linked to several public figures, including fellow Love Island stars Curtis Pritchard and Chris Taylor, professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, stuntman Bobby Holland Hanton, and reality star Pete Wicks.
