A simmering rivalry, fueled by ambition and blurred lines of friendship, appears to be reaching a boiling point between two of the UK's most prominent reality TV personalities, Olivia Attwood and Maura Higgins. The whispers, once confined to the fringes of social media, are now echoing through the corridors of the entertainment industry, painting a picture of intense competition and mutual disdain.
The narrative emerging is one of two ambitious women, both carving out significant careers in the often-cutthroat world of television and media, whose paths are repeatedly crossing. Sources close to the situation suggest a deep-seated tension, with one insider stating, "She can't stand her." This seemingly simple declaration hints at a complex web of past incidents, professional jostling, and personal clashes that have led to this alleged animosity. But what exactly is fueling this "seething" rivalry? Are these genuine personal grievances, or is this a manufactured narrative for public consumption?
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THE ROOTS OF THE RIFT: A HISTORY OF CROSSING PATHS
The alleged feud between Olivia Attwood and Maura Higgins isn't a sudden eruption; it appears to be a slow burn, exacerbated by their shared trajectory in the reality TV landscape. Both rose to prominence on ITV's Love Island, a breeding ground for fame and future endeavors.
Early Days & Love Island Legacy:
Olivia Attwood first gained public attention in Love Island's third series in 2017, subsequently dating Chris Hughes. Their relationship, though turbulent, was documented in their joint show Chris & Olivia: Crackin' On, where their frequent bickering was a notable feature (Article 2). This early exposure cemented Olivia's image as an outspoken and direct personality.
Maura Higgins entered the Love Island villa in 2019, quickly becoming a fan favorite for her confident and often provocative demeanor. Her presence seemed to echo Olivia's previous impact, leading some to speculate about a perceived overlap in their public personas.
The Pete Wicks Connection: A Catalyst?
The alleged feud seems to have significantly escalated with the involvement of Pete Wicks, a former TOWIE star and close friend of Olivia Attwood. Maura Higgins began a romantic relationship with Pete towards the end of 2024, a move that reportedly put Olivia in a difficult position.
The relationship between Maura and Pete was brief, reportedly ending around Valentine's Day 2025. Following their split, Maura made a "cheating" jibe about Pete, which Olivia publicly defended him against, stating he was "never unfaithful" (Articles 3, 5, 7, 13). This public defense of her friend against his ex-partner is a key turning point, signaling Olivia's clear allegiance.
Career Competition & PR Battles:
Beyond personal entanglements, there are strong indications that professional competition is a major driver of the tension. Both women have pursued diverse media careers, including documentaries, podcasts, and hosting gigs.
A significant point of contention appears to be their PR representation. Maura Higgins reportedly joined the same PR firm as Olivia Attwood in October 2025, a move Olivia is said to have viewed with suspicion. One insider claims Olivia felt Maura was "copying" her career moves, stating, "You can try to hire all the same people…" (Articles 10, 11).
Furthermore, it's alleged that Maura has been accused of "copying career moves" and even telling "lies on TV" to boost her image, with one specific instance cited being a story about revenge with an ex-boyfriend's toothbrush, which Olivia claims Maura previously attributed to a different relationship for relevance (Article 12).
THE WHISPERS GROW LOUDER: TOXIC COMMENTS AND UNFOLLOWS
The alleged animosity isn't just speculation; actions and public comments, however veiled, appear to support the claims of a deep rift.
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Public Exchanges & Subtle Jabs:
While direct, explosive confrontations haven't been widely reported, there have been instances of what appear to be thinly veiled jabs. Olivia's public defense of Pete Wicks following Maura's "cheating" comment is a prime example (Articles 3, 5).
Sources suggest that Olivia feels Maura has a tendency to "mimic" her career path. This perception of imitation seems to fuel Olivia's frustration, with claims that Maura has "always wanted to be a Loose Woman" and aspires to reach a similar level of stardom (Article 10).
Social Media Silence and Unfollows:
The digital realm has provided further evidence of the supposed feud. Reports indicate that Maura Higgins has unfollowed both Pete Wicks and Olivia Attwood on social media around June 2025, shortly after their joint project was announced. It's also claimed that Olivia and Pete have reciprocated by unfollowing Maura (Articles 7, 14).
This digital severance, while seemingly minor, is often interpreted as a significant signal of personal or professional breakdown in the celebrity world.
THE CORE OF THE CONFLICT: AMBITION, PERCEPTION, AND THE SEARCH FOR STARDOM
At its heart, this alleged rivalry appears to be a clash of ambitions, amplified by the unique pressures of the reality television industry. Both women have demonstrated a clear drive to transcend their Love Island origins and build lasting careers.
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Divergent Career Paths and Aspirations:
Olivia Attwood has cultivated a brand centered on unfiltered honesty, particularly regarding her cosmetic procedures and personal life, through documentaries like The Price of Perfection and Getting Filthy Rich (Article 8, 16). She also hosts the podcast So Wrong It’s Right.
Maura Higgins, while also leveraging her Love Island fame, has focused on hosting gigs, including Love Island: The Games, and has made appearances on shows like The Traitors US (Article 11). She has also spoken on podcasts, discussing relationships and dating red flags (Article 13, 18).
The "Copycat" Accusation:
The accusation of "copying" seems to be a central theme. Olivia's camp suggests that Maura has strategically followed in Olivia's footsteps, from entering Love Island after a similar personal circumstance (Olivia split from Bradley Dack before her Love Island stint, a narrative she's used in her own show Bad Boyfriends (Article 12)) to joining the same PR agency (Article 11).
| Comparison of Career Milestones | | Feature | Olivia Attwood | Maura Higgins | | :————————— | :—————————————————————- | :———————————————————————- | | Love Island | Series 3 (2017) | Series 5 (2019) | | Key Projects | Getting Filthy Rich, The Price of Perfection, So Wrong It's Right podcast | Love Island: The Games (host), The Traitors US | | Recent PR Move | Associated with a PR firm (prior to Oct 2025) | Joined same PR firm (Oct 2025) | | Pete Wicks | Close friend, co-host | Ex-girlfriend |
This perceived imitation is a powerful irritant, suggesting to some that Maura may be less an independent force and more a follower.
The Role of Public Perception:
How much of this "feud" is genuine and how much is amplified by the media and public's appetite for celebrity drama? The timing of these reports, often coinciding with new project launches or significant personal events for either star, raises questions.
Is the public being fed a narrative of conflict to maintain interest, or are the underlying tensions real and potent? The consistent reporting across multiple outlets suggests a compelling narrative, but the extent of its authenticity remains a key question.
EXPERT INSIGHTS: THE REALITY OF REALITY TV RIVALRIES
Industry insiders and commentators often point to the inherent competitiveness within the entertainment sphere.
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"Young women like her; they like her honesty about her cosmetic work," said one source regarding Olivia Attwood's appeal, hinting at a perceived authenticity that may be contrasted with other personalities. (Article 8)
Another perspective from a source close to Maura suggests a frustration with perceived interference:
"She knows Maura has always wanted to be a Loose Woman, she really wants to be a star. Olivia is also said to have questioned Maura’s reasons for joining Love Island… Maura feels that Liv thought she wasn’t good enough for Pete - she just wishes she’d keep out of her love life." (Article 10)
This highlights the dual nature of the conflict: Olivia's potential defensiveness of her friend Pete and her perceived territoriality over her career path, versus Maura's alleged feelings of being judged and excluded by Olivia.
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THE BROADER IMPLICATIONS: WHAT'S NEXT FOR ATTWOOD AND HIGGINS?
The alleged feud between Olivia Attwood and Maura Higgins raises several critical questions about the future of their careers and the dynamics within the celebrity media landscape.
Professional Impact: Will this public perception of animosity impact their future collaboration opportunities or endorsements? It's possible that brands might seek to avoid aligning with figures perceived as overtly combative. Conversely, a well-managed "feud" can sometimes boost visibility.
Future Collaborations: Despite the reported tension, Pete Wicks is now co-hosting a radio show, The Sunday Roast, with Olivia Attwood (Articles 8, 15). This continued professional partnership, especially so close to his reported split from Maura and her subsequent "cheating" jibe, undeniably places Olivia squarely in the middle of any lingering animosity.
The Role of Truth: How much of the "toxic whispers" are accurate portrayals of genuine conflict, and how much is fueled by gossip and media speculation? The consistency of reports across various outlets suggests a story with some foundation, but the nuances of personal relationships are rarely fully captured by tabloid reporting.
Seeking Clarity: Will either Attwood or Higgins issue a more direct statement to clear the air, or will they continue to allow the narrative to unfold? Their public personas are built on a degree of candor, yet the true depth of this "rivalry" remains somewhat obscured.
Will they eventually reconcile, or will this perceived "war" define their public interaction moving forward?
Does the media narrative accurately reflect their personal feelings, or is it a mutually beneficial, albeit dramatic, portrayal for public engagement?
What other industry figures might be caught in the crossfire of this escalating starlet showdown?
The current situation suggests a complex interplay of personal history, professional ambition, and the ever-present spotlight of celebrity culture. As the whispers continue, one thing is clear: the apparent rivalry between Olivia Attwood and Maura Higgins is a story far from over.
SOURCES
Hind, Katie. "Seething Olivia Attwood and Maura Higgins rivalry hits boiling point: 'She can't stand her' my source mewed - read toxic whispers, Pete Wicks connection, vicious comments and you'll see why, says KATIE HIND." Daily Mail, 7 hours ago. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15536591/Seething-Olivia-Attwood-Maura-Higgins-rivalry-hits-boiling-point-stand-source-mewed-read-toxic-whispers-Pete-Wicks-connection-vicious-comments-youll-says-KATIE-HIND.html
"Chris Hughes's friends reveal why they're FURIOUS with Olivia Attwood." Daily Mail, 2 days ago. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15528159/Olivia-Attwood-split-Chris-Hughes-break-love-island-bradley-dack-friend-furious.html
"Olivia Attwood takes swipe at Maura Higgins amid Pete Wicks feud." Daily Record, March 5, 2025. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/olivia-attwood-takes-no-prisoners-34804557
"Olivia Attwood feud erupts as Maura takes drastic action with her and Pete Wicks." Mirror, June 10, 2025. https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/olivia-attwood-feud-erupts-maura-35364984
"Olivia Attwood doesn't hold back as she slams Maura Higgins over Pete Wicks feud." Mirror, March 5, 2025. https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/olivia-attwood-doesnt-hold-back-34801297
"Maura Higgins addresses feud speculation with Olivia Attwood." Mirror, February 26, 2025. https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/maura-higgins-olivia-attwood-pete-34731968
"Maura Higgins 'unfollows ex Pete Wicks and Olivia Attwood' amid their 'feud'." Daily Mail, June 9, 2025. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14795363/maura-higgins-unfollows-olivia-attwood-pete-wicks.html
Hind, Katie. "Olivia Attwood insider gossip: Pete Wicks, JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes." Daily Mail, 1 week ago. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15514359/Olivia-Attwood-mean-girl-whispers-unwholesome-Pete-Wicks-JoJo-Siwa-Chris-Hughes-gossip-swirls-TV-insiders-whisper-bosses-DONT-want-you-know-KATIE-HIND-spills-all.html
"Olivia Attwood reveals what happened between Pete and Maura Higgins." Daily Mail, March 5, 2025. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14463897/Olivia-Attwood-clarifies-Pete-Wicks-cheating-joke-reveals-REALLY-happened-former-flame-Maura-Higgins.html
"Maura Higgins tells Olivia Attwood: ‘Stay out of my love life’." Closer, March 4, 2025. https://closeronline.co.uk/entertainment/love-island/maura-higgins-olivia-attwood-feud/
"Maura Higgins Copies Olivia Attwood As PR Feud Explodes!" Finance Monthly, October 24, 2025. https://www.finance-monthly.com/maura-higgins-vs-olivia-attwood-explosive-copycat-feud-erupts-over-shocking-pr-switch/
"Inside feud between I'm A Celeb's Maura Higgins and Olivia Attwood." Daily Mail, October 24, 2025. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14131289/inside-feud-maura-higgins-olivia-attwood-clams-explode-book.html
"Olivia Attwood hits out at Maura Higgins over Pete Wicks cheating claims." The Sun, March 5, 2025. https://www.thesun.ie/tvandshowbiz/14825306/olivia-attwood-maura-higgins-pete-wicks-cheating/
"Maura Higgins UNFOLLOWS Love Island star amid feud rumours." Closer, June 10, 2025. https://closeronline.co.uk/entertainment/love-island/maura-higgins-unfollows-olivia-attwood/
"Pete Wicks announces project with Maura Higgins' enemy Olivia Attwood." Daily Mail, February 14, 2025. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14397695/Pete-Wicks-brutal-Valentines-Day-message-Star-puts-knife-announces-new-project-Maura-Higgins-enemy-Olivia-Attwood-hours-split-revealed.html
"Olivia Attwood breaks her silence over feud with Maura Higgins." Daily Mail, January 28, 2025. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14320923/olivia-attwood-breaks-silence-maura-higgins-feud.html
"How Curtis Pritchard's romance with Maura Higgins came to a sour end." Daily Mail, January 15, 2025. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14287011/Curtis-Pritchard-romance-Maura-Higgins-Love-Island.html
"Maura Higgins says she goes through a man's phone a WEEK into dating." Daily Mail, 20 hours ago. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15534599/Maura-Higgins-mans-phone-dating-red-flags.html
"Olivia Attwood and Maura Higgins' feud takes new turn after latest career move." Mirror, October 25, 2025. https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/olivia-attwood-maura-higgins-feud-36131143
