Maura Higgins has revealed why she’s keeping her new relationship out of the public eye.
The Love Island star is currently dating Bobby Holland Hanton, who is Chris Hemsworth’s stunt double.
The Longford native was first linked to Bobby in May, after they were spotted leaving the Chiltern Firehouse in London together.
Weeks later, the pair were papped kissing and cuddling on a trip to Ibiza.
Bobby subtly confirmed his relationship with Maura earlier this week, by posting a sweet snap of them holding hands to his Instagram Stories.
Maura is Goss.ie’s latest Spotlight On cover star and in her exclusive interview with us, she revealed why she has been more private about her love life in recent months.
She told us: “I don’t really know if it was a conscious decision and don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I would keep a relationship away from the public.”
“I just feel like I’d rather wait and not jump to it too soon, until I’m really sure. Because people get so invested.”
“When it’s early days, you just want it to be you and him. And have your little bubble and be together, and get to know each other without having the public’s opinion on it so early days.”
Maura has not gone public with a relationship since her split from Giovanni in October 2021.
Prior to her relationship with Giovanni, the reality star dated her Love Island co-stars Chris Taylor and Curtis Pritchard.
Maura was rumoured to be dating Milton Keynes Dons player Connor Wickham last May, after she jetted to Paris with a mystery man.
She was also linked to Joey Essex late last year, after they were papped locking lips after the Pride of Britain Awards last October.
Maura spoke to Goss.ie as she launched Rockshore’s summer campaign – which celebrates the unique Irish chemistry, wit and banter only found in true Irish friendships. All of which comes from a place of love and affection.
This summer, Rockshore shines a light on Ireland’s most intriguing nicknames and their back stories, transforming the funniest back stories into new, unforgettable adventures between friends.
Revealing her childhood nicknames, Maura told us: “The main one was Caspar, because I’m very pale. I’m the palest person you’ll ever see in your life. I’ve typical Irish skin, I don’t tan I just get a few freckles – thanks Mammy!”
“And then the other one, which my friends in the UK think is horrible but it’s not, it’s hilarious… So I’ve not been blessed with a backside, my bum is very, very flat so another nickname I got was Longback Higgins because my back is just never ending! It’s savage, but it’s so funny.”
She continued: “In Ireland, we don’t compliment each other. Us slagging each other off is compliments, and that feels like home to me. Like if someone compliments me, and people in the UK do give a lot of compliments, I get awkward.”
“Whereas if someone’s telling me ‘You look like s**t today Maura’, I love that. It makes me happy. It’s so odd! I think it’s because us Irish can’t take compliments because we’re so used to slagging each other off and that’s our friendships. It’s just typical Ireland!”
Rockshore are inviting people across the country to nominate their friends with the funniest nickname stories on radio and across their social media to win an incredible trip to Australia.
Inspired by the bracing west coast of Ireland, Rockshore is a crisp, light and refreshing tasting beer, brewed in Ireland. Find out more here.
