McFly star Danny Jones and former Love Island contestant Maura Higgins have stolen the spotlight after being filmed sharing what appeared to be a kiss during the early hours of Sunday at the Universal Music BRIT Awards after-party. The kiss, described by some witnesses as "drunken," took place around 3 AM and has stirred considerable chatter among fans and spectators alike, especially considering Danny's marital status and Maura's recent breakup with TOWIE star Pete Wicks.
Both Danny, 38, and Maura, 34, gained considerable popularity after competing together on the ITV show I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! where they shared laughs and heartfelt moments as campmates. Their closeness has prompted questions about the nature of their relationship, especially following this unexpected display of affection.
Eyewitness reports detail how the two were seen enjoying each other's company throughout the night at 180 Studios on The Strand, where the exclusive after-party was held following the prestigious BRIT Awards ceremony at the O2 Arena. Footage shared by The Sun shows the pair laughing and joking with each other, culminating in the moment when Higgins reportedly kissed Jones on the cheek before leaning in for what many are calling a brief kiss.
The couple had initially arrived at the awards ceremony seated at different tables but were later reunited at the after-party, where they spent about 90 minutes chatting. According to reports, they were seen sharing laughter and intimate conversation, with Danny even putting his arm around Maura's shoulder at one point.
“They seemed to be having a great time, and there was plenty of joking around,” one party-goer commented. “It appeared just to be the two of them as the night wound down.” Photos captured during the evening show Maura resting her head on Danny's shoulder, which some interpret as indicative of familiarity and comfort between the stars.
Despite their apparent closeness, the kiss has ignited speculation about the boundaries of their friendship. Celebrity body language expert, The Daily Star reported, dissected their interaction, stating, "Danny and Maura's kisses wouldn't really register as notable for either of them." She added, "Whether drunk or sober, the kisses appear meaningless from a romantic standpoint." Musing on their body positions, she commented on how Danny's stance indicated he was enjoying the attention akin to having someone look up to him rather than being involved in any intimate scenario.
Social media has erupted with responses to the incident, showcasing the divide among fans and followers. Some have expressed concern and disappointment over Danny's display of affection considering he has been married to Georgia Horsley since 2014, and they share six-year-old son Cooper together. Comments on Danny's social media posts have varied widely, with some accusing him of disrespecting his marriage, fearing it reflects poorly on his commitment to his family.
One commenter lamented, "Wtf Danny. You are married with a child. Fans are meant to respect you but how can they when you don't even respect yourself?" On the other hand, some fans defended the stars, arguing, "OMG EVERYONE NEEDS TO STOP! These are people’s lives. Leave them alone." This dichotomy of opinion highlights the complexity surrounding celebrity culture and the public's completely different expectations of their favorite personalities.
Danny's marriage to Georgia has been portrayed as heartfelt over the years. He has spoken fondly about the initial year-long pursuit to win her heart, reminiscing about how special their relationship has been, culminating in their marriage and the birth of their son. During his time on I’m A Celebrity, Jones opened up about Georgia's struggle with postnatal depression, showcasing his support and love for her and their family.
This surprise kiss between him and Maura could not have come at a worse time, as Georgia even took time away for herself earlier this year citing burnout, indicating she’d been feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities since Danny's reality show. Highlighting his commitments, Danny was reluctant to fully engage with speculation surrounding what the kiss meant, choosing to focus on his family's well-being.
Meanwhile, for Maura, the kiss follows her recent breakup with Pete Wicks, which had been fairly public, and the timing adds another layer of complexity. Maura, known for her vibrant personality and immense charm, has been linked romantically to various figures post her stint on reality television, yet this kiss with Danny appears to be sent through the public's magnifying glass. With her night on the town just post split, many wonder whether this display with Danny signifies moving on or just being drawn to the camaraderie shared among fellow contestants.
Expectations run high for both public figures as their friendship is examined under scrutiny and fans seek answers to their budding dynamic. Will the revelations of the kiss lead to any upcoming developments? Only time will tell, but for now, it's the talking point of the British media, with commentary spanning from hopeful romantic interest to friendly gestures overshadowed by loyalty to their respective relationships.
The ramifications of this kiss may continue to echo through the coming weeks as questions linger. For fans and followers, the intersection of personal lives and fame you've witnessed may dance behind the public facade, leading to intrigue and speculation among the avid celebrity watchers.
For now, followers of Danny and Maura will have to wait and see how they address the fallout from this unexpected public display of affection, which intriguingly melds curiosity and concern about friendship boundaries amid the glitz and glamour of the celebrity world.