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The Traitors star Maura Higgins reveals her tiny Irish hometown where she grew up before becoming a global sensation. The 35-year-old Irish TV personality and model was born in Ballymahon, County Longford, a picturesque village that shaped her journey to stardom in ways fans never knew.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Hometown: Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland (rural Midlands region)
- Born: November 25, 1990 to parents Sharon and Seamus Higgins
- Early Career: Trained as hairdresser, worked at Halo Hair Design salon
- Fame Start: Love Island UK Series 5 in 2019, finished fourth place
Where is this Hidden Irish Gem Located?
Ballymahon sits in County Longford, part of Ireland’s peaceful Midlands region and the province of Leinster. This quaint market town rests in the Irish countryside with a population far smaller than the glitzy locations Maura now frequents. The town is known for its charming community and rural charm.
As a child, Maura attended Forgney National School before moving on to Ballymahon Vocational School. Growing up in this tight-knit community meant everyone knew the ambitious girl with big dreams and that distinctive accent.
Where is Maura Higgins from? The Traitors star’s tiny Irish hometown revealed
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From Hairdresser to International Star: Her Early Days
Before reality television changed everything, Maura trained to be a hairdresser after completing her education. She worked at a local salon called Halo Hair Design in her hometown, where she discovered her passion for the industry. By age 18, she was already modeling part-time while juggling salon work.
In 2012, the determined young woman became a finalist in the Miss Sunday World pageant. She then secured work as a Monster Energy ambassador, appearing in advertisements and promotions across Europe. Her modeling journey took her from Irish salons to campaigns in Abu Dhabi race tracks.
The Breakthrough That Changed Everything
Love Island UK Series 5 in 2019 became the turning point nobody expected. Maura Higgins entered the villa as a bombshell contestant and immediately captivated audiences. Her witty humor, brash personality, and now-infamous catchphrases made her an instant fan favorite.
| Achievement | Details |
| Final Placement | Fourth Place with Curtis Pritchard |
| Instagram Followers | Over 3.8 million |
| TV Appearances | This Morning, Dancing on Ice, I’m a Celebrity |
| Modeling Agency | Elite Model Management (signed November 2021) |
She partnered with fellow housemmate Tommy Fury’s fiancée Molly Mae Hague, creating an enduring friendship. Her no-nonsense Irish attitude and unfiltered comments became her signature brand.
‘Through my modelling work, I’ve worked with athletes and people who’ve been in the public eye. I did a visual shoot for Liam Payne as well.’
— Maura Higgins, on her pre-fame modeling career
From Love Island to Hollywood: Her Meteoric Rise
Post-Love Island success arrived rapidly. Maura hosted interactive segments on ITV’s This Morning, including a travel show called “Maura’s Love Ireland” where she returned to her roots exploring her home country. Dancing on Ice in 2020 brought her new audiences worldwide.
Fashion partnerships followed quickly. The TV personality inked deals with major brands including Boohoo, Ann Summers lingerie, and Oh Polly. She became the main presenter for Ireland’s Glow Up in June 2021, the makeup competition show. She hosted Love Island Games in November 2023 and became social ambassador for Love Island USA in July 2023.
Follow the conversation: Fans worldwide celebrate Maura’s journey from tiny County Longford town to major international television personality and model.
What Made This Ballymahon Girl So Different From Everyone Else?
Unlike most reality stars, Maura stayed grounded in her identity and hometown values despite international fame. Despite now living in Essex, England (where she relocated in 2019 to train for her ice skating appearance), she maintains strong connections to her Irish heritage. She makes regular visits back to Ballymahon when possible.
The Traitors UK appearance in 2025 marked her return to prime-time reality television after a brief break. Her willingness to challenge herself, return home publicly, and speak openly about her rural Irish upbringing set her apart from stereotypical reality stars who downplay their origins.
Sources
- Wikipedia – Official biography and career timeline of Maura Higgins
- Longford Leader – Hometown newspaper coverage of Maura’s journey
- TV Insider – Current coverage of Maura Higgins on The Traitors
