Maura Higgins reveals truth about Curtis Pritchard romance as he prepares to return to Love Island

Maura Higgins has revealed the truth about her romance with Curtis Pritchard as he prepares to return to the Love Island villa.

The influencer, 34, and professional dancer, 28, first connected on the original series of Love Island back in 2019, where the pair ended up finishing in fourth place. 

Despite their initial spark, the romance fizzled out and they parted ways just eight months later amid rumours of infidelity on both sides - allegations they have both denied. 

Now, as Curtis jets to South Africa to appear on Love Island: All Stars alongside a new cohort of previous contestants, Maura has opened up on their relationship.

When asked if her romance with Curtis was a true passion during an interview with The Sunday Times, Maura exclaimed: 'No!

'You’re in this confined space and maybe you think you like someone that you probably wouldn’t on the outside.' 

She then admitted to having terrible taste in men, before saying: 'I'm happy right now. I don’t feel like I need a man. But I’ll date, and I’ll see where something goes, and if it happens, it happens.'

Maura is reportedly 'worried' he might spill secrets about their past relationship after the pair ended up finishing in fourth place in the 2019 series.

Curtis is part of a stellar line-up which includes Scott Thomas, Catherine Agbaje, Olivia Hawkins and Luca Bish.

While Maura recently made a splash on TV with her stint in the jungle - where she spoke candidly about dating TOWIE star Pete Wicks - Curtis is also making his own comeback in the spotlight.

A source told The Sun: 'Curtis signing for All Stars is more than awkward for Maura just as she's fallen for Pete and they've finally gone public with their love.

'Her break-up with Curtis wasn't the best and Maura always worried he'd be the ex that could blab. It's also less than ideal when she's hoping to build on her I'm A Celebrity profile and advance her career.

'Love Island bosses are in the process of confirming the Islanders who will launch January's show and Curtis might not make that line-up — but he is in the cast of bombshells to land later in the series.'

MailOnline contacted a representative for Maura for further comment.

It comes after Maura discussed her experience on Love Island on Paul C Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast.

Speaking about her ex Curtis, she described him as a 'why not' man, explaining she only dated him due to there being limited options in the villa.

She said: 'When you're locked in a house, I say locked but you're in a house and you're in there for X amount of time. You're going to start liking people that you wouldn't normally like.

'Not to be mean but you are, you're in there. I'm pretty sure it would probably be the same on Big Brother. You're locked in a house; you're not seeing any other men. You're going to be like 'why not'.'

Speaking about his return to the villa Curtis explained: 'I feel like I’m in a different stage in my life.

'The idea of settling down is a serious idea in my life right now. I haven’t found my true love… that sounds so cheesy doesn’t it.'

'So, I thought, let’s give it another go. It was great fun last time; a lot of emotions. I feel excited to go back. I’m going to have a great fun time and hopefully leave with someone. It’s exciting.'

Curtis admitted there is one key moment from his last appearance on the show that 'follows me evberywhere' - his infamous 'making coffee in the morning.'

He quipped that he will be taking some advice from his villa ex Amy Hart, admitting 'in hindsight, if I do find a girl this time, I will perhaps cuddle her in bed rather than make coffee… so Amy taught me a lesson.'

Love Island: All Stars returns Monday 13th January at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX