Maura thought she was getting a chocolate cake for her birthday (Image: James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Maura Higgins, the Love Island sensation, has already been causing a commotion on .
She made a late entrance to the programme alongside Reverend Richard Coles, forming an ‘unlikely comedy duo’, as dubbed by fans.
Initially enjoying the comforts of a luxury camp, the pair were soon thrust into hardship as they became the first campmates to participate in the notorious I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! eating trial.
The challenge saw Irish beauty Maura, 34, and writer and broadcaster Richard, 62, successfully consume 12 themed dishes including pig’s eyeballs, cockroaches and goat’s testicle.
On last night’s show (November 26), Maura was taken aback again when the campmates were informed they would be participating in a group trial.
: [MAURA ]
The campmates faced the Fright Bus instead (Image: ITV)
Expecting a chocolate cake for her birthday, Maura was instead told that they would have to ‘earn’ treats while seated on a bug-infested bus.
The stunner confessed to her fellow campmates that she was apprehensive about the task and viewers were impressed with how one of her co-stars responded.
actor Alan Halsall reassured Maura, telling her she didn’t have to do the trial if she didn’t want to and promising to give her his treat if he succeeded.
: [FEUD] [TRIALS] [ROMANCE]
Alan was praised for showing Maura kindness (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Viewers were left reaching for the tissues as Alan, aged 42, displayed remarkable kindness to Maura, with one fan gushing on X: “Alan offering to give his treat to Maura because she’s worried. Omg I’m sobbing, he’s such a cutie pie.”
Another chimed in praising his actions, saying: “Alan reassuring Maura was so lovely. He made valid points and calmed her down. Even offering to give up his treat to Maura if she drops out. Alan Halsall is extremely under-rated. What a guy.”
Echoing the sentiment, a third shared: “Alan offering Maura her treat if she doesn’t do the task. He’s so so so sweet.”
Despite the generous offer from Alan, who is renowned for essaying the role of Tyrone Dobbs in , Maura resolved to board the Fright Bus alongside her campmates. However, much to the frustration of fans, Ant and Dec left the episode on a suspenseful note, urging viewers to tune in tonight (November 26) to see how the drama unfolds.
alan offering to give his treat to maura cuz she’s worried???????????? omg i’m sobbing he’s such a cutie pie
— starman ☆ (@jareauzier)
Alan joined this year’s cast after withdrawing in 2023 due to knee surgery.
He opened up about his dread of missing his daughter Sienna, 11, before going on the show, confessing it’ll be a challenging ordeal. He said: “She has found the idea of me going difficult. It is only in the last two weeks or so that she has come around to the idea. We never spend more than two weeks apart.”
Alan added: “I am very emotional about Sienna, so it will be interesting to see how I cope. I tend to try to hide my emotions but with Sienna I’m not very good at all – I think I will have several blubs. She is 11 and so I’m hoping I won’t embarrass her.”