Maura Higgins, 35, turned heads at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Beach Club party in Miami on Friday, wearing a white racerback maxi dress without a bra, as reported by the source. The Love Island UK star, now pursuing a Hollywood career, accessorized with chunky gold jewelry and black sunglasses, posing confidently for cameras. The event underscores her ongoing transition from reality TV personality to mainstream entertainment figure.

Behind the white dress: A 35-year-old’s calculated Hollywood push

According to the source, Higgins has signed with the public relations agency Align and the major talent agency Creative Artists Agency, whose clients include Lady Gaga. This move mirrors a growing trend of British reality stars leveraging US representation to break into American television and film. Higgins’ appearance at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit party—a high-profile industry mixer—signals she is targeting visibility among casting directors and brand partners, not just social media followers.

Her path echoes that of fellow Love Island alum Molly-Mae Hague, but with a distinctly international ambition. While Hague built a fashion empire in the UK, Higgins has set her sights on the US , appearing at the Golden Globes earlier this year where she mingled with Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emma Stone. The specific branding opportunity at a Sports Illustrated event, known for launching swimsuit models into crossover fame, is a deliberate step in that strategy.

From Love Island USA to The Traitors US: The $250,000 prize on the line

Higgins currently competes in the third season of The Traitors US, which is airing now, according to the report. She is vying for a $250,000 prize for her chosen charity. Her reality TV resume includes hosting Love Island: Aftersun and Love Island USA social media segments, as well as appearing on Dancing on Ice and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!. These roles represent a lateral move within reality TV, but the Sports Illustrated party suggests she is aiming for a higher tier of mainstream recognition.

The source notes that Higgins was replaced as host of Love Island USA's Aftersun in June due to scheduling conflicts, but quickly returned to host Love Island Games Aftersun. This indicates she remains tethered to the franchise that made her famous even as she seeks broader opportunities. The $250,000 prize—a specific fiure from the source—adds a tangible stake to her current TV appearance.

What we don’t know about Maura’s next acting role

While the source details Higgins’ publicity moves, it does not reveal any concrete acting or hosting gigs beyond reality TV. she has not yet landed a scripted television role or a film credit. The source mentions she “appeared” at the Golden Globes but does not specify whether she was an official guest of a brand or network—leaving open the question of whether that access was transactional or a true star power indicator.

Another unknown is how her Love Island persona—famous for fiery arguments and witty one-liners—will translate to American audiences unfamiliar with her UK origin. The report also does not quote Higgins directly on her long-term goals, leaving speculation about whether she views acting or full-time hosting as the ultimate prize. Without a visible pivot to a non-reality project, her “Hollywood hopeful” status remains unproven.