Maura Higgins made waves at the 2025 National Television Awards (NTAs) with her show-stopping appearance, headline-making reunion, and win for Best Reality Competition alongside her I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! co-stars. She turned heads on the red carpet in a daring burgundy gown and was at the centre of viral moments that made this year’s ceremony unforgettable. This comprehensive article breaks down everything you need to know about Maura Higgins’ NTA night, from her red carpet fashion to social media reactions, memorable reunions, and practical visitor information.
Maura Higgins at the 2025 NTAs: Direct Overview
Maura Higgins was one of the standout celebrities at the 2025 National Television Awards, both for her dramatic fashion and pivotal stage appearance. At the ceremony, held at London’s O2 Arena on September 10, 2025, Maura drew attention on the red carpet in a bold burgundy gown and joined Danny Jones on stage as I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! clinched the Best Reality Competition award. Their reunion, following months of headlines, was called “awkward” and quickly trended across social media. In this in-depth guide, discover details about Maura’s look, the night’s biggest moments, her rise in TV, and essential tips if you plan to attend or follow the NTAs in future.
The National Television Awards Experience
The National Television Awards is one of British television’s grandest annual events, spotlighting the UK’s biggest stars, shows, and unscripted entertainment. The 2025 ceremony was held on September 10 at The O2 Arena in London, hosting guests such as Cat Deeley, Maya Jama, Vogue Williams, and, of course, Maura Higgins.
The show is broadcast live on ITV, with winners chosen entirely by public vote. Categories include Best Reality Competition, Best Daytime, Best Comedy, and Best Presenter. In 2025, Gary Lineker ended Ant & Dec’s 23-year win streak for Best Presenter, “This Morning” reclaimed Best Daytime, and Gavin & Stacey took Best Comedy for its festive special.
The NTAs has a reputation for viral moments, emotional speeches, and unforgettable celebrity appearances—this year was no exception.
Maura Higgins’ Red Carpet Look
Maura Higgins’ 2025 NTA Dress
Maura turned heads in a dramatic burgundy gown, featuring a form-fitting leather skirt with intricate lace-up detailing and a halterneck satin top that trailed into a stylish, short train. Her look was styled with a warm and glowy smoky eye, nude lips, slicked-back hair, and subtle gold jewelry to complete the effect.
Her stylist leaned into autumn trends with the bold fabric and season-inspired color palette. The outfit became one of the most talked-about of the evening, earning Maura a place on multiple “Best Dressed” lists. Her confident pose and elegance made her a red carpet highlight, with social media and fashion writers alike praising her risk-taking fashion sense.
The designer behind her show-stopping look was Corina Gaffey, an Irish stylist known for integrating contemporary and classic influences.
Red Carpet Reactions
Maura’s appearance at the NTA’s prompted a buzz on social channels and fashion press, with many fans and fellow celebrities celebrating her daring choice. Her look was described as “sultry,” “bold,” and “the gift that keeps giving”—a nod to Maura’s ability to own the spotlight and champion modern, high-fashion trends.
On-Stage Highlights
I’m A Celebrity Wins Best Reality Competition
One of the defining moments of the night was the I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! win for Best Reality Competition. The cast took the stage, with Maura Higgins and Danny Jones among them. Fans watched with anticipation as the two stood apart, recalling their headline-making moment at the BRIT Awards six months prior.
Danny delivered the brief acceptance speech: “Thank you so much to all the viewers and the voters—we love you all. Have an amazing night.” While the two didn’t interact on stage, the chemistry and backstory led to widespread social media commentary, giving the reunion extra drama and intrigue.
Viral, Awkward Reunion
Fans and viewers quickly noted the tension and “awkwardness” as Maura and Danny reunited for the first time in public since the infamous BRITs afterparty kiss. Social channels buzzed with live reactions, and the TV broadcast panned between the two as they accepted the award—fueling memes and trending hashtags. Many called it one of the most memorable live TV moments of the night.
Maura Higgins’ Career in TV
Maura Higgins first rose to fame as a finalist on Love Island in 2019, quickly becoming a household name with her outspoken personality and unfiltered humour. After her island stint, she transitioned to presenting roles, including segments on This Morning and serving as a guest and social media host for Love Island USA and Love Island Games.
In 2024 and 2025, Maura took on the role of Aftersun host across the Love Island USA and Love Island Games franchises, blending expert commentary with behind-the-scenes exclusives. She also appeared as a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity series 24 in 2024, becoming a staple figure for UK reality TV enthusiasts.
Maura’s resume includes not only reality TV and presenting but also appearances at major awards shows and red carpet hosting duties.
Social Media Buzz and Public Reactions
Maura Higgins commands a strong social following, and her NTA appearance was instantly amplified across Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook. Clips of her red carpet entrances, candid backstage moments, and on-stage reunion with Danny Jones rapidly went viral.
Fashion bloggers dissected her look, makeup artists shared details of her “sculpted glow,” and reality TV fans animatedly recapped her NTA moments with GIFs and memes. The hashtag #MauraHiggins trended overnight, solidifying her as one of the NTAs’ standout celebrities in 2025.
Practical Information and Planning
The National Television Awards is a public event where fans can sometimes secure tickets for the audience, especially for early arrivals and red carpet access. Here’s what you need to know:
- Event Date & Venue: Held annually in early September, the 2025 NTAs took place on September 10 at The O2 Arena, London.
- Opening Hours: Doors usually open by late afternoon (around 5:00 PM), with the red carpet pre-show, and the ceremony begins by 7:30 PM.
- Ticket Prices: Standard audience tickets ranged from £30 to £120 for premium seats, with “golden circle” or hospitality packages offered for higher rates.
- Transport Tips: The O2 is easily accessible via the Jubilee line (North Greenwich Station), London riverboat services, and ample parking options. Plan for busy tube and traffic during the event.
- What to Expect: Expect large crowds, high security, plenty of excitement, and a chance to spot British TV’s biggest stars. Red carpet areas may be viewable by ticket holders and press, with the show itself running approximately 2-3 hours.
- Visitor Tips: Arrive early for best access, dress to impress (black tie or “Glamorous” is the unofficial code), and prepare for long lines at bars, restrooms, and coat checks. Secure your tickets in advance from the official NTA site or venues.
Seasonal and Timely Section
The NTAs are an autumn staple and often preview new TV season highlights. In 2025, the ceremony showcased a shift towards more interactive formats and greater public voting, as well as an expanded presence from reality stars and digital creators such as Maura Higgins. Expect future NTAs to continue blending British television’s legacy acts with newer social media personalities.
As a side note, Maura’s journey from summer reality star to autumn awards show mainstay mirrors wider industry trends—where crossover talent thrives, and personality is as compelling on-stage as on-screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maura Higgins?
Maura Higgins is an Irish TV personality, model, and presenter, best known for her role as a finalist on Love Island 2019 and as a contestant and presenter across I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, Love Island USA, and Love Island Games: Aftersun.
What did Maura Higgins wear to the 2025 NTAs?
She stunned on the red carpet in a bold, burgundy gown featuring a form-fitting leather skirt, lace-up detail, and a halterneck satin top, with warm makeup and slicked-back hair.
What award did Maura Higgins win at the NTAs?
Maura joined the I’m A Celebrity cast to accept the award for Best Reality Competition at the NTAs 2025.
What was the drama with Danny Jones at the NTAs?
Maura and Danny Jones reunited publicly on stage, drawing social media buzz and memes over the “awkward” dynamic, following rumours about their previous red carpet kiss months prior.
Who styled Maura Higgins at the NTAs?
Maura was styled by Irish stylist Corina Gaffey, who paired the modern gown with subtle gold jewelry and a relaxed, swept-back hairdo.
How can I get tickets to the NTAs?
Audience tickets for the National Television Awards are put on sale through official partners and the O2 Arena each summer, with prices from £30 upwards.
Is the NTAs ceremony televised?
Yes, the NTAs are broadcast live on ITV each year, making the ceremony and red carpet moments viewable to millions.
What are the NTAs?
The National Television Awards is an annual British event celebrating excellence in television, with public voting and categories such as Best Drama, Comedy, Presenter, and Reality Competition.
Where does the NTA red carpet take place?
The red carpet for the NTAs is rolled out at The O2 Arena in London, usually welcoming stars in the hours before the evening broadcast.
What’s next for Maura Higgins?
Maura continues to power ahead as a presenter on Love Island Games: Aftersun, red carpet host, and media personality, with upcoming stints across UK and US reality TV.
Can I watch the NTAs online?
Full broadcasts and highlight clips are typically available on ITVX and social media in the days following the event.
What time should I arrive for the NTA red carpet?
Arrive by late afternoon for best celebrity spotting positions; doors open by 5 PM and the red carpet heats up between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
How do I follow Maura Higgins’ updates?
Follow Maura on Instagram (@maurahiggins) and Twitter (X) for up-to-the-minute updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive hosts’ content.
Is the NTA afterparty open to the public?
Afterparties are invite-only for nominees, presenters, and press, but fans can catch glimpses of arrivals and departures outside the venue.
Was Maura Higgins turned away from the NTA afterparty?
No—despite tabloid rumours, Maura confirmed on her Instagram that she left after the awards to prepare for early work commitments the next day.
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