Maura Higgins Catapults to Fame, Grabs Spot on TIME100 Creators List for 2026

Maura Higgins, the Irish reality television star, has been thrust into the spotlight as one of the most influential figures on the TIME100 Creators list for 2026.

Hailing from County Longford, Higgins exploded onto the scene in 2019 as a contestant on Love Island UK. Since then, she amassed a staggering following of over 5.9 million across social media platforms and appeared in various shows, including I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and the fourth season of The Traitors US.

Her fame continues to soar as she prepares to join the cast of ABC's Dancing With The Stars. She stands among 100 individuals recognized for their impact across entertainment, fashion, food, sport, and education.

The TIME100 Creators list showcases talent from over a dozen countries, with creators sharing their work on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, Substack, and Spotify.

TIME's profile on Higgins highlights her unique ability to achieve celebrity status, stating, "Not everyone who makes it onto reality TV possesses an ability to achieve celebrity status, but Maura Higgins has crossed that rubicon."

Her journey began in 2019 on Love Island UK, where her deep Irish brogue and cheeky humor made her a fan favorite.

In 2023, Higgins made headlines in American media after joining the Love Island USA franchise. However, her star truly exploded during Season 4 of Peacock’s The Traitors, where she finished as a runner-up but captured audiences with her shocked reaction to winner Rob Rausch's betrayal.

Now, Higgins appears poised to transition from seeking love on screen to helping others find their match. Reports indicate she is in serious discussions to host a revived version of Blind Date, with Disney+ reportedly gearing up for production later this year.

Insiders suggest producers believe she is the ideal choice to carry on the legacy of iconic host Cilla Black.

A source revealed to The Sun: "Discussions are at an advanced stage, with the show’s producers convinced Maura’s the perfect choice for the job."

"Not only did she shoot to fame on a TV dating contest, she is now an internationally famous face which is what a global service like Disney needs for one of their shows."

"Maura also has an unquestionable glamour combined with cheeky charm which has echoes of Blind Date’s most famous host."