LOVE Island star Maura Higgins reveals she struggled to keep a roof over her head a year ago as she celebrates her 2019 successes.
The star, 29, gushed about the past year after finding success on the ITV2 reality show and love with Curtis Pritchard.
But things were not easy for the star before appearing on Love Island as she struggled with money – and staying happy.
Maura shared a collection of collection of photos on Instagram – including her Love Island promo shot, her Grazia photo shoot, and Ann Summers shoot – and wrote: “(Bit late) Wishing everyone a very happy & healthy new year!
“I honestly can’t put into words how incredible my 2019 has been, to think this time last year I was so unhappy and struggling to keep a roof over my head…you can achieve anything you put your mind too!!
“a lot of you would have looked at my social media and thought wow “she has an incredible life” to all of the young girls reading this, please remember Instagram is NOT real life!
“We can all filter, photoshop, edit etc (guilty) but we never know what is actually going on in a person’s life, so for 2020 please remember to be kind.
“I am so incredibly grateful for all of the support I have been given in the last few months…2020 is going to be even bigger. I love you all”
People sent Maura supportive comments, with one fan saying: “You deserve it all and more my lovely, this is just the beginning.”
Another added: “Happy new year. Can’t wait to see ya on dancing on ice. Roll on Sunday.”
A third remarked: “No one deserves it more than you.”
Maura has enjoyed a lot of success since leaving the villa last summer.
She was signed as a Boohoo brand ambassador alongside her co-star India Reynolds, as well as a lucrative Christmas contract with Ann Summers.
The star also has been popping up on TV, including Celebrity Juice and her upcoming appearance on Dancing On Ice.
Maura recently squashed rumours she split with her boyfriend Curtis Pritchard with a naked bath snap.
The Irish beauty enjoyed a glass of red wine in the tub with her man, 23, as she photographed him in the buff with a big smile on his face.
Her legs covered his manhood as they relaxed with some bubble bath.
After their soak they slipped on some pyjamas and Curtis opened the advent calendar he’d left at Maura’s only to find she’d eaten most of his chocs.
The couple – who have been together since appearing on the ITV2 show this summer – have struggled to see each other due to conflicting schedules and the festive period was no different.
Maura went home to be with her family in Ireland, while Curtis had to stay behind for panto.
