Love Island Host Race: Maura vs. Olivia

A significant rivalry is unfolding between former Love Island contestants Olivia Attwood and Maura Higgins, primarily centered on the potential hosting role for the ITV dating series. Higgins, who appeared on the show two years after Attwood, has reportedly gained favor with ITV executives due to her recent success in American television, including appearances on "Celebrity Traitors" and presenting "Love Island USA." This development is seen as a blow to Attwood, who friends say desperately wants to take over from current host Maya Jama.

The two women's careers have been intertwined since they first met in 2016 while working for Monster Energy. Attwood initially gained more traction after appearing on Love Island and securing her own reality shows, but Higgins has since achieved greater international recognition. Their public feud became more evident in November 2024 when Attwood posted cryptic social media messages seemingly targeting Higgins after her stint on "I'm A Celebrity." Attwood's own "I'm A Celebrity" appearance was cut short due to health issues in the past, which she felt Higgins later overshadowed.

Adding to the tension, both Attwood and Higgins have been romantically linked to Pete Wicks. Attwood's recent separation from her husband, Bradley Dack, has also drawn public scrutiny, with rumors suggesting Wicks played a role, further complicating her image and potentially impacting her career prospects with ITV. Sources indicate that while Attwood is determined to secure the Love Island hosting gig, Higgins's career momentum and international appeal position her as the stronger candidate, with the rivalry expected to intensify.