Maura Higgins’ Fiji hosting debut for Love Island Games as Pete Wicks kisses Jowita Przystal fuel dating chatter
Red latex dress and high-profile kiss grab headlines as Higgins returns to the Love Island universe
Maura Higgins, 34, is in the Fiji Islands for another stint hosting Love Island Games, the ITV2 spin-off, which began last week. Ahead of her debut as host, she posted an Instagram shot in a red latex maxi dress, a look that drew wide attention from followers.
Meanwhile, her ex Pete Wicks grabbed headlines after he passionately kissed Jowita Przystal onstage at London's O2 Arena on Friday, fueling speculation that the Strictly Come Dancing pro and the reality star are dating. Sources close to the couple confirmed the pair are now officially dating, noting they grew close while performing together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, around the time Wicks was dating Higgins. The onstage moment occurred as the pair performed together during a show stop, marking one of the most high-profile public displays since their rumored connection began.
Maura has faced personal drama in recent weeks as well. Higgins split from Wicks in February, claiming she found messages from other women on his phone. Yet she has pressed ahead with work in the South Pacific, posting glamorous updates from the plane and from Fiji as she prepared to host the Games. Social commentary around the couple’s status was audible in comments from friends: best pal Molly-Mae Hague left a string of praise, while Leah Taylor echoed disbelief at the public attention.
The travel hiccups that delayed her journey a week earlier also featured in her posts. Higgins revealed that her luggage was missing after she landed at LAX, triggering anxiety as she awaited the return of her bags before heading on to Fiji to begin filming. She used Apple’s AirTag to track the bag, later sharing that the luggage had apparently landed back in the United States but was stolen from the carousel, a complication she described in a series of updates about balancing work and travel.
The development comes as Maura’s role expands within the Love Island ecosystem. An industry insider indicated that the Peacock-produced Love Island Games will include an Aftersun companion series fronted by Higgins, marking a real-time broadcast approach for the new season and underscoring her growing presence in the franchise. Higgins has already built U.S. credits, including Traitors US, and the insider noted she would welcome more opportunities stateside as the franchise broadens its global footprint.