IF you thought your love life had been a bit dry in lockdown, spare a thought for Maura Higgins.
The Irish beauty has been celibate for six months after splitting from her dopey Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard.
They broke up just weeks before the country first shut down and while Maura said she was keen to find love again – she conceded it wasn’t coming easy.
Maura said: “Dating in lockdown is impossible.
“To be honest though I’ve never really been one for dating, I’m not used to it at all.
“My first ever date was my ex-boyfriend, the guy I was with before Love Island.
“Then on the show, although you’re dating in a whole different world.
“For me lockdown definitely ruined everything but I don’t think I would have jumped straight back into dating.
“I am not the sort of person to jump into another relationship. I like to take time for myself after a break up. And that’s definitely what I’ve done in this situation.
“You do have to love yourself before you can love anyone else. Having time for yourself is so important.
“But I definitely feel ready to meet someone now.
“I’ve been single for seven months – and I’ve spent a lot of time taking care of myself so now I do feel ready to settle down.”
In an exclusive chat, Maura – who is fronting lingerie brand Ann Summers’ Halloween campaign – also insisted she was just pals with handsome Love Island 2019 star Chris Taylor.
The pair have repeatedly been linked but Maura insisted they are nothing more than good friends.
She added: “Every single man I am seen with people say I am dating but now I brush it under the rug.
“If I was dating someone I wouldn’t be afraid to say it, I wouldn’t date them in secret. I would be upfront and honest.
“I have no reason to keep any relationships a secret.”
Maura, who came sixth on this year’s Dancing On Ice, also has some advice for stars taking part in the upcoming series, including Denise Van Outen and Myleene Klass.
She explained: “If I could turn back time I wouldn’t overthink the live shows so much.
“I tried so hard that it nearly kind of ruined it. If I had relaxed more I think I would have got to the final.
“But I took it so seriously because I wanted it to go well. Knowing you could break your leg was terrifying.”
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