Maura Higgins: My face gives off the wrong energy – I’m not like that-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

I’m A Celebrity star Maura Higgins has admitted she’s nothing like what people expect based on her first impression.

The TV legend first hit our screens on Love Island in 2019, alongside the likes of Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague, where she firmly placed herself in the reality TV hall of fame with one of the best takedowns in the show’s history.

She’s since gone on to make numerous TV appearances, from Dancing on Ice to The Wheel, Loose Women, and Cooking with the Stars.

Maura’s now just returned home from the jungle, after arriving as a latecomer in camp and joining Coleen Rooney, Danny Jones, and Oti Mabuse.

Despite being a favourite to win, she became the sixth celebrity to be eliminated, leaving fans devastated.

And it could be down to a huge misconception about her, as Maura revealed she thinks people don’t expect her to be ‘nice’.

The 34-year-old told Metro: ‘Do you know what I get a lot? People always go, “oh my god, you’re so much nicer than I expected”.’

‘I get that so much, and I’m always like, “really? Why?” And I think it’s just my resting b***h face.

‘I give that energy off, but I don’t mean to, it’s just my face. But actually, I’m nice to everyone.’

Maura Higgins has cleared up a misconception that people seem to have about her (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

The TV legend has returned home from the jungle (Picture: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images for Oh Polly)

But it’s certainly that nice side of her that came out on I’m A Celebrity in what turned out to be one of the most wholesome seasons of the reality competition.

With very little drama taking place, aside from some bickering about chores, the celebrities appeared to ‘compliment each other so harmoniously’, in the words of former campmate Gillian McKeith.

And Maura has insisted there were no unaired arguments, and the camp really did get along as viewers saw.

When asked about any tensions between radio presenters Melvin and ‘HouDeani’ Dean, she said: ‘I didn’t see any arguments and the whole thing with Melvin and Dean, genuinely the only bit that I saw, it was like tongue in cheek to me.

‘I never saw conflict or anything like that with anyone in camp. Everyone just got on, they really did.’

She’s spoken about her time on I’m A Celebrity after facing Ant and Dec’s grim bushtucker trials (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)

Maura addressed the tension between Dean and Melvin in the camp (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

The harmony in camp didn’t come as a surprise to her though, as Maura continued: ‘I never went in there with expectations, but I do think it is rare to have that many people in such a small, tight space and have no arguments at all, like not even just a bicker.

‘Everyone just got on, we were all so, so close. There was not even a moment where I felt like even rolling my eyes at anyone.

‘It was really nice. I felt really lucky to be a part of this year’s camp.’

When asked if she was wary of certain characters she may be in the jungle with before the official line-up had been announced, she told us: ‘No because I’d hate to judge someone before meeting them, you know? So I definitely didn’t do that.

‘I was just very open minded. I get on with the majority of people anyway, so I felt like I’d be fine.’

This was one of the most wholesome seasons ever, with the cast all getting on (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)

‘It was really nice. I felt really lucky to be a part of this year’s camp.’ (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

Despite having no expectations about her campmates, Maura did admit it was ‘much harder’ than she thought it would be, but that she also didn’t expect to enjoy it as much.

The biggest obstacle to overcome though was the hunger – which several stars in the past have claimed shocked them.

Maura said: ‘I didn’t expect the hunger to bother me that much, like I thought, oh yeah, I’d be a bit hungry.

‘But it’s not just a bit hungry, like your stomach is growling 24/7, you never feel satisfied. So yeah, that was tough.’

She went on: ‘I didn’t see anyone getting hangry. Everyone was in such good spirits all the time, and especially going to trials and stuff, because you’re on such a low calorie diet, you’re struggling for energy.

‘And it’s not what you see, it’s a good long walk, and you’re up and down steps.

‘And some days you’re literally just breathing loudly, and you’re like, “oh my god, I can’t do this. Why am I so unfit?” But it’s just because of the small calories that you’re on, you’re burning them.’

Maura was the sixth celebrity eliminated from the jungle (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)

In previous years, it’s been revealed the celebrities taking part have lost a shocking amount of weight during their time in the jungle, with 2022 contestant Chris Moyles saying he lost a stone and a half while on the show, while last year’s campmate Fred Sirieix said his ‘stomach shrunk’ after the bland diet.

This year, both Barry McGuigan and Melvin Odoom revealed they’d lost seven kilos, while Jane Moore – who was the first eliminated contestant and left camp after 15 days – also recently said she went down from 10st 3lb to 9st 7lb and her clothes were ‘hanging off’ her.

‘Yeah, you definitely lose weight. I mean, you’re basically on rations, it’s a serious diet. But also, your skin gets so clear and fresh looking, so that was quite nice to see,’ Maura said.

Now that she’s left the jungle, there’s reports Maura is set for a massive TV job after ‘catching a top producer’s attention’.

Teasing what’s to come, she said: ‘There’s lots of stuff in the pipeline which is so exciting. But yeah, I’m just open and enjoying this experience right now and seeing what comes.

‘I just feel very, very lucky if I’m being honest.’

Maura is reportedly set for a massive TV job next year (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)

She rose to fame on Love Island in 2019 (Picture: ITV/REX)

Recent reports stated Maura could be taking over from Maya Jama as host of Love Island, though Maya has firmly shut down the claims she’s stepping down.

Commenting on the rumours, Maura told us: ‘I’m very, very flattered, but I mean, Maya is incredible, and I’m very honoured to be thrown into that hat.

‘But yeah, she’s an incredible host, and I just think she’s doing a wonderful job.’

There’s other TV opportunities that don’t appear to be on her list yet either, including following Pete Wicks – who she is rumoured to be dating – onto Strictly Come Dancing.

‘I’ve never really thought of it. I mean, I’m not a dancer,’ she said, and when we pointed out that she was on Dancing On Ice earlier this year, continued: ‘Yeah, and I struggled. I hadn’t skated either.

‘So I’ve never performed, I’d never danced. But you know what? Never say never. I mean, I can’t imagine I’d do very well. I’m up for a challenge.’

Maura starred on Dancing On Ice in 2020 (Picture: REX)

But she’s not too sure about following Pete Wicks – who she’s rumoured to be dating’ on Strictly Come Dancing (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

Another challenge she seems to be up for is that of a Bond girl, to star alongside the latest lead for the iconic role, thought to be Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

‘Ooh a Bond girl, maybe… I don’t know… I’d probably like to play a character that is the complete opposite to me, and really dive into character.

‘I think that’s what I’d love to do. But yeah, I’d be definitely open to it.’

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