I'm A Celeb viewers predict 'awkward' Maura Higgins reunion with campmate

I'm a Celebrity enthusiasts are speculating that newcomer Maura Higgins might face an "awkward" reunion with a fellow campmate. The ex-Love Island contestant, aged 33, entered the Australian jungle alongside Reverend Richard Coles on Thursday night.

As part of their introduction, they were tasked with convincing the other celebrities that life in the Jungle Junkyard is harsh, despite being given luxury quarters themselves, a fact hidden from the others. For the time being, Maura and Reverend Coles will remain largely apart from the main group, interacting only during challenges, but fans are anticipating a potentially uncomfortable meeting between Maura and campmate Barry McGuigan.

Prior to her Love Island fame in 2019, Maura had a romantic relationship with Barry's son Shane. They first connected in 2018 at the David Haye vs Tony Bellew boxing rematch, where she was a ring girl and he was a radio commentator.

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Their relationship reportedly lasted a few years but ended due to the challenge of maintaining a long-distance relationship between Ireland and London.

While it remains uncertain whether Maura had any interaction with her ex's father Barry, viewers are speculating that the relationship will be addressed on the show. Shane, who has followed his father's career path and is now a boxing coach in London, is engaged to singer-songwriter Taylor West, reports the Irish Mirror.

The couple have two sons, Finley and Calean, born in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Shane is one of four children shared by Barry and his wife Sandra, including sons Jake and Blain and their late daughter Danika.

Known fondly as 'Nika', Danika tragically passed away at the age of 33 in July 2019, just a month after being diagnosed with colon cancer. She had previously battled acute lymphoid leukaemia at the tender age of 11, undergoing two years of treatment before recovering and pursuing a career in acting, starring alongside Hollywood actors such as Rooney Mara and Jack Reynor.

However, her cancer returned and her life was tragically cut short, leaving McGuigan and the rest of her family "devastated". The former British and European champion boxer spoke about how the tragedy has affected him shortly after entering the I'm a Celebrity jungle, breaking down in tears as he discussed his daughter.

"It was hard for weeks in the hospital, just watching, shocking," he said, describing Danika's second bout with cancer. He said that she had been experiencing "pains in her tummy but she was making a movie". He added: "She put it off and went to the doctor, called us all in. Stage 4 bowel cancer, 5 weeks, 5 weeks she died."

Barry was visibly moved to tears, prompting a warm response from his fellow campmates who gathered to comfort him. Danny Jones and Tulisa Contostavlos were among those offering him a consoling embrace.

Barry expressed his gratitude, saying: "Thank you, you're all so lovely, I really appreciate it."