I'm A Celebrity 'eye-up' Love Island bombshell to join ITV show after Tommy Fury 'quits'

Following Tommy Fury's reported last-minute exit from the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! line-up, Love Island favourite Maura Higgins is said to be in the final stages of talks to join the cast ahead of the show's eagerly anticipated return.

The unexpected vacancy left by Tommy has reportedly paved the way for the Irish model and television personality, preventing an overlap of two Love Island alumni heading into the jungle within the same series.

Maura, 33, famously had her eyes on Tommy, 25, during their time on Love Island back in 2019, but he ultimately coupled up with Molly-Mae Hague, also 25. The couple remained together until this summer, when they decided to go their separate ways.

Speculation is rife that Maura's connection to Molly-Mae could stir some campfire chatter, as the two have become close friends since the show, reports Wales Online.

An insider from the show disclosed to The Sun: "With Tommy Fury pulling out, it gave show bosses the opportunity to look at other Love Island stars, and Maura stood out as the perfect candidate.

"She'll bring a touch of glamour to the jungle and make an excellent campmate because she's got a cracking sense of humour and is bound to get along with everyone. It's shaping up to be a strong year for women on I'm A Celebrity this year."

Rumours are swirling about other celebrities who might be joining the jungle adventure, including WAG icon Coleen Rooney, Dancing on Ice judge Oti Mabuse and N-Dubz star Tulisa.

The celebrities typically jet off to Australia in mid-November, giving them a week to settle in before the three-week spectacle, hosted by Ant and Dec, kicks off on ITV1.

The Sun reported yesterday that Tommy had chosen to pull out of the jungle before signing a binding contract despite having been in talks with ITV producers for several months.

It's thought he was presented with another more lucrative project, speculated to be a rematch between KSI and Tommy, who is the younger half-brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury.

There were rumours that he might have revealed his side of the story about his break up with Molly-Mae, but now the jungle bosses are hopeful Maura will step into the role.

Maura grabbed headlines this week when she was seen getting close to Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington at the Pride of Britain Awards.

She was previously linked with another Strictly pro, Giovanni Pernice, but they split in 2021.

ITV has been approached for comment.