The ring girl has been making waves in the Love Island villa since she strutted through the doors last week.
Inside, Maura Higgins hasn’t held back in her quest for romance, first chasing pro-boxer Tommy Fury before setting her sights on model Tom Walker.
But, before she ever encountered the two hunky Islanders, the 28-year-old reportedly had her heart stolen by an Irishman.
According to the Mail Online, she was formerly engaged to a handsome car mechanic named James Finnegan on the past.
The publication claimed that, after first meeting in school in County Longford, the two dated for nine years.
Back in 2013, the pair reportedly become engaged but eventually split two years ago before they had the chance to make things official.
A source close to Maura reportedly told the publication: “In the end, she told him she wanted to settle down and gave him an ultimatum, but he didn’t want to be tied down by children so they broke up.
“You can hardly blame Maura for wanting to take things to the next stage. To be with someone for nine years and not walk down the aisle is an awfully long time…”
THROWBACK: Maura is reportedly pictured with James, second from the right (Pic: INSTAGRAM / MAURA HIGGINS)
DATING PRO: Maura is determined to meet her match in the villa (Pic: ITV2)
Before adding: “James hasn’t moved on at all and hasn’t met anyone else. He still holds a candle to Maura and I think he regrets not being willing to commit.”
Speaking about her approach to relationships in the past, the Irish bombshell admitted: “I would say I’m a really good girlfriend, I’m very honest and I’m caring”.
She also confessed that the two most important qualities when it comes to men are honesty and confidence.
No longer engaged, the grid girl hasn’t held back when it comes to flirting in the villa.
POPSICLE: Maura’s consumption of a summery treat divided viewers (Pic: ITV2)
BRIDEZILLA: Maura kissed Tommy while dressed as a bride during a challenge (Pic: ITV)
Viewers were gobsmacked to see her sucking suggestively on an ice lolly, and attempting to steal a kiss from 20-year-old sportsman Tommy.
She has also championed a few saucy turns of phrase, from “I’m having f*nny flutters” to “I wish he was eating me”.
Hell-bent on finally meeting her match, she made the point: “You’re in there to find love at the end of the day.”
