Maura Higgins Makes Acting Debut in Irish Comedy, Captures Hollywood Attention
Love Island alumna Maura Higgins, 34, has recently stepped into the world of acting with a role in the new Irish comedy, The Spin. While the film, a feel-good road trip flick, clocks in at 1 hour and 32 minutes, Higgins’ on-screen presence is a fleeting, yet reportedly impactful, moment. Directed by Michael Head, the movie chronicles the frantic, two-day dash across Ireland by two music-loving friends desperate to save their beloved record shop from closure.
Higgins joins a cast that includes Pussycat Dolls singer Kimberly Wyatt and actor Brenock O’Connor. In The Spin, Maura takes on the role of Rose, Brenock’s on-screen girlfriend. For her debut script, she sheds her usual glamorous red-carpet persona, opting for a stripped-back look with minimal makeup and her hair swept back. Her lines are brief but memorable.
In one of her initial scenes, Higgins delivers the line, “Ah there you are, did you play already?” Later, she’s heard enthusiastically shouting, “Play Coldplay!” as Brenock performs in their local pub. Shortly after, she expresses fatigue, saying, “Ugh Dermot can we please just do it tomorrow because I’ve had just such a long day and I’m knackered. Yeah I’ve had just such a long day.” Her involvement in the narrative is limited, with her return to the screen after the first hour marked by a single additional line.
The core of The Spin revolves around Dermot (Brenock O’Connor) and Elvis (Owen Colgan), two passionate music aficionados running a struggling record store in Omagh, Northern Ireland. Faced with mounting rent arrears and the threat of eviction by their formidable landlady, Sadie (Tara Lynne O’Neill from Derry Girls), the pair discover a golden opportunity. A rumour circulates about rare, vintage Robert Johnson blues records being available for a bargain price in Cork. The race against time begins: if they can traverse the length of Ireland within two days, they might just secure the rare vinyl and save their business. Their chosen chariot for this epic journey is a vintage Vauxhall, as weathered as the Irish countryside itself. Along their travels, they encounter a cast of colourful locals, forging new connections and experiencing unexpected adventures.
Despite Maura Higgins’ brief cameo, which has been described as a “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” moment, it’s reported that her performance has significantly caught the attention of industry insiders. These professionals are reportedly keen to learn about her future acting aspirations. Last year, sources indicated a considerable buzz around Higgins’ acting ability.
“Everyone was talking about Maura and how great she was,” a source claimed. “She can act and people were impressed. There were a lot of important people from the film in that room and conversations were taking place about what she does next.”
Reflecting on her foray into acting, Maura expressed her satisfaction with her debut. “The Irish are known for our storytelling, so it felt fitting that my acting debut would be in an Irish film,” she stated. “Being on set was an incredible experience, and I enjoyed every moment! I play the character of Rose, the girlfriend of Dermot, a down-on-his-luck record store owner.” She admitted to initial nerves, despite her comfort in front of the camera, but found solace in the supportive environment. “Although I am comfortable in front of the camera, it did still feel nerve-wracking at first, but chatting with the brilliant cast and crew helped me relax.”
Director Michael Head described The Spin as a light-hearted buddy movie. “The Spin is a feel good buddy movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” he commented. “I hope everyone enjoys watching as much as we enjoyed making it.”
Maura Higgins has carved out a significant career post-Love Island, joining fellow series five contestant Molly-Mae Hague as one of the show’s most successful alumni. She has expanded her reach to the United States, signing with Creative Arts Agency in LA to manage her career. Her television appearances include Dancing On Ice (2020), Cooking With The Stars (2022), and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (2024). She has also hosted Love Island USA: Aftersun and attended the prestigious Golden Globe Awards. Her appearance on Celebrity Traitors US further boosted her profile with American audiences.
The Spin is scheduled for release in UK and Ireland cinemas on February 27.
