MAURA Higgins was the Irish bombshell that shook up Love Island but now she’s cracked Hollywood.
The 2019 dating show star has been catapulted to fame Stateside as social media host for US Love Island – and now she’s just signed a new deal to secure her own American dream.
Maura has appointed Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn’s publicist to handle the raft of opportunities coming her way.
A source said: “Maura continues to make waves across the pond as the digital host for Love Island USA and it’s come with huge demand and work opportunities Stateside.
“Maura is keen to follow in Christine’s footsteps by conquering the fashion world as well as becoming a regular face on US TV.
“Maura’s management from the UK were spotted taking meetings with American television executives and brands in Los Angeles earlier this year.
“Expanding Maura’s team is part of a carefully drawn out global strategy.”
One of the jobs Maura has been tipped for is as host of upcoming series Love Island Games, which will see ex-Islanders from across the world compete in physical challenges.
It will be produced for Peacock, who air the American version of the hit dating show.
And fans have called for her to be installed as host of the main show instead of current presenter, Modern Family’s Sarah Hyland.
Maura wouldn’t be the only Brit to join the US show as this week UK Islander Scott Van-Der-Sluis entered the villa in Fiji just days after wrapping on our Mallorca version.
There’s no chance of Maura’s head turning for the Welsh goalkeeper though as since June, she has been dating Hollywood stuntman Bobby Holland Hanton – who has been Thor star Chris Hemsworth’s double for ten years.
Not bad for a girl known for her “fanny flutters”.
Hush it, Claudia
THE Traitors bosses have revealed the one thing they told host Claudia Winklman to do – shut up.
Talking about the BBC One hit at the Edinburgh TV Festival, series producer Stephen Lambert said Claudia had to keep dialogue to a minimum to maintain the tension.
This was a big change for the star, who’s known for her quick-fire presenting style on Strictly Come Dancing.
Stephen said: “The main production note was to be quiet. It’s actually a game where the host has to shut up a lot of the time. Keeping quiet adds to the drama and adds to their authority and power.”
The BBC also ruled out a celebrity version of the show . . . for now.
Raising voices
LOOSE Women’s Sophie Morgan has joined forces with Hollywood A-lister Reese Witherspoon in a project to promote disabled voices in film and TV.
The talk show host partnered up with the actress for the new division of the company she shares with activist Keely Cat-Wells, Making Space Media.
Taking to Instagram to share the news, Sophie said: “Keely and I could not be prouder for our brand-new company, Making Space, to be partnering with the powerhouse that is Hello Sunshine. Founded by Reese Witherspoon, Hello Sunshine puts women at the centre of every story it creates, celebrates and discovers.
“Our brand aims to do exactly the same with Disabled voice . . . to make systemic, global change for Disabled people. For too long, the stories of the Disabled community have been told for us, not by us.
“We are so excited for what this journey has in store.”
PADDY McGUINNESS is the new host of BBC Two’s Inside The Factory.
Ahead of the series next year, Paddy said: “One of my first jobs was in a factory so I’ve come full circle. I’m fascinated by the machinery and the people who make it all tick. Hair nets aside, I can’t wait to get cracking!”
I spied a chance to be 007
LARRY LAMB’s career-defining role will always be lovable dad Mick Shipman in Gavin & Stacey.
But it would have been a very different story if he’d secured another highly sought-after part during his younger days – James Bond.
The veteran actor has revealed he was previously considered for the top job by Bond bosses over fears one of the 007s, believed to be Roger Moore, would step down over a contract dispute.
Larry says: “When I was a younger fella, I must have been up for an audition for James Bond three or four times. Every time somebody playing Bond was kicking off about their contract, all of a sudden they start having casting sessions for a new Bond. It was a real tactic but I didn’t get that one.”
Larry told his former co-star Alison Steadman about his links with the spy movies during the latest episode of Gold travel series Alison & Larry: Billericay To Barry.
I’m sure he’d still look great in Daniel Craig’s blue trunks.
