Maura Higgins exits Love Island USA Aftersun as Sophie Monk takes over hosting duties

The Love Island USA Aftersun lineup is getting a fresh twist this season. Fans tuning in to the Saturday talk show might’ve noticed a familiar face missing, and a new one settling into the hosting chair. Maura Higgins, who hosted the Love Island USA Aftersun show during Season 6 and served as a social media presenter for the franchise, won’t be returning this year. Instead, Australian singer and TV personality Sophie Monk is stepping in as the new host.

This isn’t a case of getting the boot. Higgins reportedly had other commitments. According to The Sun:

“She wasn’t able to commit to hosting Aftersun this season due to other work commitments,” a source shared.

Fans won’t have to say goodbye just yet; she’s expected to reappear later in the year.

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Sophie Monk joins Love Island USA Aftersun

It’s official: Sophie Monk is now at the helm of Love Island USA Aftersun. Known for hosting the Australian version of Love Island, Monk is no stranger to messy romances and post-villa recaps. The switch was announced on the official Love Island USA Instagram account, complete with a caption:

“Welcome Sophie Monk to the Aftersun family!”

Her entry sparked excitement among fans and even Ariana Madix, the main show’s host. Madix shared her enthusiasm in the comments, writing:

“You guys have no idea how much I’m dying over this.”

Monk’s blend of experience and humor could make her the perfect fit for Love Island USA Aftersun, especially as the show continues to grow its fanbase in the States.

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What is Love Island USA Aftersun?

Love Island USA Aftersun is the official Saturday talk show companion to Love Island USA. Airing weekly during the season, the show serves as a catch-up and discussion platform where recently eliminated Islanders and past favorites come together to break down the drama from the Villa. Fans also get an early look at upcoming twists before the Islanders themselves know what’s coming.

It offers a blend of behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, and sneak peeks that keep viewers engaged beyond the daily episodes. Think of it as the Islander group chat gone public, complete with commentary, reactions, and the occasional bombshell tease.

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Where is Maura Higgins now?

While Love Island USA Aftersun moves forward with Monk, Maura Higgins isn’t disappearing from screens entirely. Though she hasn’t made an official statement yet, speculation is swirling that she’s currently filming for the U.S. edition of The Traitors. This move would echo the path of fellow Love Island alum Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu.

According to insiders, Higgins is expected to return for another fan-favorite spin-off.

“She will be back on screen in some capacity later in the run,” the same source added.

Specifically, she’s believed to be in talks to host the second season of Love Island Games, which is slated to be shot in Fiji later this year.

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No Maura no problem?

Let’s be honest, fans love consistency. So it’s no surprise that some were initially concerned to see Maura missing. Her charisma and past with the Love Island franchise made her a natural fit for Aftersun, but Sophie’s entrance is far from unwelcome.

While Maura hasn’t made a personal statement about the change, reports point to a pretty packed schedule. Aside from the rumored appearance on The Traitors USA, her name has been in headlines for other reasons. According to The Sun, earlier this year, she faced backlash after being spotted kissing McFly’s Danny Jones at a Brits afterparty, though she hasn’t commented publicly on the incident.

All that said, the show must go on, and it does with Sophie Monk at the forefront. Maura fans can rest easy knowing this isn’t a goodbye.

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From sneak peeks to spilled secrets, Love Island USA Aftersun remains the go-to destination for those who just can’t get enough of the drama. With its new host and the same weekly format, the show promises to keep us entertained and guessing all season long.

Stay tuned, because if Love Island USA Aftersun has taught us anything, it’s that the biggest twists don’t always happen in the Villa.