Maura Higgins ‘forced to rename her reality show over legal row’

Dora the Explorer doesn't see the funny side, apparently

Maura Higgins

by closer |
Updated on

One of the standout stars of last year’sLove Island 2019 was Maura Higgins. Following her stint in the villa, where she made a nation laugh by putting men (remember that Tom Walker moment?) in their place, she's proved so popular that ITV signed her for Dancing On Ice and she was offered her own reality show which will see her take on a bunch of challenges.

Maura Higgins and Curtis Pritchard
Maura Higgins and Curtis Pritchard ©Getty

Now, The Sun is reporting that there’s a slight hiccup with the spin-off show as originally she wanted to call it Maura the Explorer – but they’ve had to rename it after a legal row with the creators of kids' animated TV show Dora the Explorer. A TV source told the paper, "It was a blow for bosses, who want to keep her on TV at any cost."

BELOW: Which Love Island couples are still together (and which aren't)

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Love Island: The definitive guide to which couples are still together RADIO STACKED

Millie Court and Liam Reardon1 of 47
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Millie Court and Liam Reardon: TOGETHER

Liam asked Millie to be his official girlfriend during the final of the 2021 series, just moments before they were crowned the series seven winners. After meeting each other's family, Millie and Liam moved in together in Essex in November 2021 and despite a few split rumours, they are still going strong.

Mary Bedford and Aaron Simpson2 of 47
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Mary Bedford and Aaron Simpson

Despite getting pretty romantic in the villa, Mary 'friendzoned' Aaron pretty hard after saying she 'definitely made a best friend' when referring to her partner during a post-show interview.

Liberty Poole and Jake Cornish3 of 47

Liberty Poole and Jake Cornish

Liberty and Jake will go down in history as one of the most heartbreaking on-screen break ups, as they called it a day just days before the final, with Liberty admitting that she's 'choosing herself' over finding love.

Chloe Burrows and Toby Aromolaran4 of 47
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Chloe Burrows and Toby Aromolaran: TOGETHER

Despite his head turning on more than one occasion in the villa, Toby found love with Chloe during series seven, with the semi-pro footballer asking her to be his official girlfriend during the annual Summer Ball. After attending a number of events together, the couple announced they'd moved in together in November 2021 and as of May 2022 they are STILL together despite rumours that they had split after fans spotted that they hadn't been seen on Instagram for months.

Kaz Kamwi and Tyler Cruickshank5 of 47
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Kaz Kamwi and Tyler Cruickshank: SPLIT

Kaz and Tyler ended series seven stronger than ever but in December, reports emerged that they had 'split' after three months after 'trying everything to make things work'. A week later, the pair confirmed the news in a joint statement, revealing: 'Life since the villa has been amazing, but it's taking time to adjust to a new normal in the public eye. This part of the journey hasn't been easy for us but we're learning.'

Faye Winter and Teddy Soares6 of 47
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Faye Winter and Teddy Soares: TOGETHER

We all know the ups and downs Faye and Teddy endured during series seven of Love Island, but the pair made it all the way to the final, finishing in third place as boyfriend and girlfriend. The pair went from strength to strength when they arrived back in the UK, moving in together in November 2021.

Paige Turley and Finn Tapp: TOGETHER7 of 47
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Paige Turley and Finn Tapp: TOGETHER

They made their romance official within the Love Island villa, and 2020 winners Paige and Finn are still going strong back in the UK! The pair now live together.

Siu00e2nnise Fudge and Luke T8 of 47
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Siânnise Fudge and Luke T: 'SPLIT'

They melted hearts in the Love Island villa when Luke T asked Siânnise to be his girlfriend. After the show, the couple moved in together in London and have a dog together called Nala. However, rumours were rife in November 2021 that the pair had split, but they are yet to comment on the rumours.

Molly Smith and Callum Jones9 of 47
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Molly Smith and Callum Jones: TOGETHER

After breaking Shaughna's heart when he returned from Casa Amor, it looks like Callum made the correct decision, and himself and Molly have moved in together back in Manchester.

Demi Jones and Luke M10 of 47
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Demi Jones and Luke M: SPLIT

After leaving the villa in third place, Demi and Luke were continuing to get to know each other, but in May 2020 reports suggested the pair had split. Luke is now dating Love Island star Lucie Donlan.

Jess Gale and Ched Uzor11 of 47
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Jess Gale and Ched Uzor: SPLIT

Although they never went 'official', Jess and Ched continued to date outside the villa, but the pair ended things in May 2020. Jess confirmed the news on Instagram, telling fans, 'To confirm myself and Ched have split, we are still good friends and I wish him all the best. Thanks for all the support you have given us since the villa.' (sic)

Nas Majeed and Eva Zapico: TOGETHER12 of 47
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Nas Majeed and Eva Zapico: TOGETHER

Nas and Casa Amor girl Eva continued dating when they left the villa, with the pair becoming an official couple in July 2020. Nas posted a cute snap of the pair to Instagram writing, 'Officially a couple ud83cudf39❤ufe0f'. (sic)

Priscilla Anyabu and Mike Boateng13 of 47
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Priscilla Anyabu and Mike Boateng: SPLIT

Despite it taking Mike a while to find the right girl in the villa, he certainly looked smitten when he left just one day before the final with Priscilla. The pair have continued their romance back in the UK, but in June 2021 rumours emerged the pair had split.

Sophie Piper and Connor Durham14 of 47
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Sophie Piper and Connor Durham: SPLIT

Although Connor was harshly dumped from the villa, he was true to his word and waited for Sophie to return to the UK. Despite enjoying a couple of dates, it doesn't look like anything materialised between these two.

Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague15 of 47
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Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague: TOGETHER

From their first ever date in the hot tub, Tommy and Molly-Mae looked a match made in heaven. With their romance growing stronger in the villa, Tommy asked Molly-Mae to be his official girlfriend, before the pair dropped the 'l bomb'.Now they've left the villa, the pair have moved in together and seem totally smitten.

Maura Higgins and Curtis Pritchard16 of 47
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Maura Higgins and Curtis Pritchard: SPLIT

After Amy Hart left the villa due to getting her heart broken by Curtis, Irish beauty Maura wasted no time in expressing her feelings for the ballroom dancer.Curtis chose to couple up with Maura and the pair made it all the way to the final, despite viewers thinking Maura was 'faking' her feelings for him. At the beginning of March 2020, Maura and Curtis announced their split, with Maura admitting things just didn't work out.

Chris Taylor and Maura Higgins17 of 47
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Chris Taylor and Maura Higgins: SPLIT

Months after her split from Curtis, Maura Higgins and her BFF Chris Taylor announced they were dating, after weeks of speculation. The pair posted a cute snap together whilst in Dubai, with Chris telling fans he's fallen in love with his bestie. Sadly, in May 2021 the pair announced that they had split, following a 'mutual decision'.

Amber Gill and Greg O'Shea18 of 47
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Amber Gill and Greg O'Shea: SPLIT

Greg denied dumping Amber by text just five weeks after Love Island, but the pair have officially called it quits. Greg has reportedly since moved on from Amber with athlete Emma Canning, but neither pair have confirmed their romance.

India Reynolds and Ovie Soko19 of 47
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India Reynolds and Ovie Soko: SPLIT

It looked like Ovie wasn't going to find 'the one' during his time in the villa... That was until India entered with just two weeks to go.However, the pair have now split.

Belle Hassan and Anton Danyluk20 of 47
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Belle Hassan and Anton Danyluk: SPLIT

Belle and Anton couldn't last on the outside world. However, it was rumoured the pair were still seeing each other. Anton has since said their relationship status is "complicated."

Jourdan Riane and Danny Williams21 of 47
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Jourdan Riane and Danny Williams: SPLIT

He cracked on with both Yewande and Arabella, but it was model Jourdan that really caught the eye of Danny. Since the pair were dumped from the villa together, they were inseparable, attending a number of events.However, it wasn't to last, as the pair have now split up after Jourdan suggested Danny was "disloyal." Danny has denied cheating on Jourdan.

Harley Brash and Chris Taylor22 of 47
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Harley Brash and Chris Taylor: SPLIT

Despite not knowing each other for every long, Harley and Chris left the villa together, and they later confirmed to Caroline Flack on Aftersun that they are 'dating'. However, just one month later, Chris and Harley were the first couple from the 2019 series to announce their split, admitting they've just not had the time to get to know each other.

Love Island couples23 of 47
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Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer: SPLIT

Dani released a statement via Instagram Stories (how very 2018) announcing the winning 2018 couple had SPLIT, before they got back together and announced a second break-up (for good) on April 3rd 2019.Dani now has a new boyfriend, Sammy Kimmence, with the pair welcoming a baby boy in January 2021. Jack has also become a father to a beautiful baby girl.

Love Island couples24 of 47
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Zara McDermott and Adam Collard: SPLIT

Zara and Adam defied the odds for a number of months, however, the pair announced they'd split on Valentine's Day in 2019! Zara went on to date Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson.

Love Island couples25 of 47
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Sam Bird and Georgia Steel: SPLIT

You know how this one went. Sam accused Georgia of cheating on him with her ex, which she denied. It's safe to say they didn't split on the best of terms.

Love Island couples26 of 47
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Megan Barton-Hanson and Wes Nelson: SPLIT

Megan and Wes did move in together, but announced their split in January 2019. Although Wes went on to date 2019 Islander Arabella Chi, in April 2020 it was reported that the pair had called their romance a day.

Love Island couples27 of 47
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Josh Denzel and Kaz Crossley: SPLIT

Josh and Kaz announced their split in February 2019, with Kaz saying, "Sometimes things don't go the way you planned, but you have to be grateful for the journey. Thank you for everything especially showing me how to love myself again."

Love Island couples28 of 47
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Samira Mighty and Frankie Foster: SPLIT

Frankie reportedly cheated on Samira and that was that. Done. Over.

Love Island couples29 of 47
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Laura Anderson and Paul Knops: SPLIT

There's no bad blood between Laura and Paul, but they split months after making it to the final of the show.

Love Island couples30 of 47
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Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies: SPLIT

The Love Island 2017 winners split in December 2017; five months after the finale.

Love Island couples31 of 47
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Olivia Attwood and Chris Hughes: SPLIT

Since their ITVBe show Crackin' On ended, Olivia's confirmed she's back with ex-boyfriend Bradley Dack, who has now proposed.Meanwhile, Chris split from Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson.

Love Island couples32 of 47
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Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville: SPLIT

Gabby dumped Marcel after he was spotted 'cheating' as they holidayed TOGETHER.

Love Island couples33 of 47
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Montana Brown and Alex Beattie: SPLIT

These two split just weeks after returning to the UK. Sad times.

Love Island couples34 of 47
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Dom Lever and Jess Shears: STILL TOGETHER

Jess and Dom are so together, in fact, they got 'married' on Good Morning Britain__ on Valentine's Day 2017. They then got, y'know, properly married.The loved-up pair also welcomed their first child at the end of 2019, a baby boy! In March 2022, the couple announced they were expecting their second child in June, another boy!

Love Island couples35 of 47
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Jamie Jewitt and Camilla Thurlow: MARRIED

An absolute success story of Love Island 2017, Jamie and Camilla are still the CUTEST of couples.In May 2020, Jamie and Camilla announced that they were expecting their first child, with their adorable daughter, Nell Sophia Jewitt, being born in October. As if the pair couldn't get any cuter, they announced in February 2021 that they are engaged.In September 2021, Jamie and Camilla got married!

Love Island couples36 of 47
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Tyla Carr and Jonny Mitchell: SPLIT

Oh it was never gonna last, was it?

Love Island couples37 of 47
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Katie Salmon and Adam Maxwell: SPLIT

Adam claimed he was '100 percent single' shortly after leaving the villa and, um, that was that.

Love Island couples38 of 47
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Scott Thomas and Kady McDermott: SPLIT

Scott and Kady managed a year before splitting in 2017.

Love Island couples39 of 47
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Nathan Massey and Cara de da Hoyde: STILL TOGETHER

The 2016 Love Island winners are now married and have two kids together - Freddie and Delilah.

Love Island couples40 of 47
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Hannah Elizabeth and Jonathan Clark: SPLIT

Remember when they, like, got engaged on the show? That one didn't quite last...

Love Island couples41 of 47
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Sam Gowland and Georgia Harrison: SPLIT

Sam seems to be doing alright for himself on Geordie Shore, so we don't think he's too gutted.

Love Island couples42 of 47
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Malin Andersson and Terry Walsh: SPLIT

He did date fellow Love Island-er Emma-Jane Woodhams eight months in actual real life before calling it a day.

Love Island couples43 of 47

Alex Bowen and Olivia Buckland: STILL TOGETHER

Alex and Olivia are married and literally as strong as ever. We like to live vicariously through them, to be honest.

Love Island couples44 of 47
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Jessica Hayes and Max Morley: SPLIT

Still fancy Max in a huge way, not gonna lie. However, he's now on-and-off dating Love Island 2018 star Laura Andersson.

Love Island couples45 of 47
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Jordan Ring and Zoe Brown: SPLIT

Absolutely DID NOT work IRL. Neeext.

Love Island couples46 of 47
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Rykard Jenkins and Rachel Fenton: SPLIT

At least they lasted 18 months. Not bad going...

Love Island couples47 of 47
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Luis Morrison and Cally Jane Beech: SPLIT

They had the first ever Love Island baby, but these two split not long after the birth.

WATCH Love Island's Tommy and Curtis on falling for Molly-Mae and Maura in the villa | My First Times

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Her boyfriend Curtis Pritchard just starred in his own reality spin-off with his best mate from the villa, Tommy Fury. The Boxer And The Ballroom Dancer saw the pair swap jobs, with Tommy giving dancing a go, while Curtis - you guessed it - stepped into the boxing ring.

Following their time on Love Island, Maura and Curtis have managed to keep their relationship going - despite their busy reality TV schedules. Confirming to fans that they’re still together, Maura recently shared a snap of the pair enjoying a bath together on her Instagram story.

The Irish reality star will be making her debut onDancing On Icethis weekend(5th January), alongside H from Steps (who will be part of the show's first same-sex couple), Trisha Goddard and Joe Swash.

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