Maura Higgins and Danny Jones were seen standing just feet apart onstage at the National Television Awards on Wednesday, prompting viewers to describe the moment as "awkward" after the pair reunited to collect a trophy for I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here.
The Love Island star, 34, and the McFly singer, 39, appeared together as the 2024 I'm A Celebrity cast went onstage to accept a gong in a reality category in the absence of the show's usual hosts. The two have not regularly attended the same events since news emerged in February that they had shared a kiss at a BRIT Awards afterparty.
The reunion came after months of media attention following photographs and reports from February that showed the pair at a Universal Records party and later at a Nobu Hotel bar. Those reports said Danny Jones's marriage to model Georgia was rocked after the pictures circulated. Since then, neither Higgins nor Jones had routinely appeared at the same public events, according to coverage.
Viewers reacted on the social platform X, with comments characterising the brief onstage appearance as uncomfortable. Posts included remarks such as, "Danny and Maura on stage …… I wouldn’t be happy if I was the wife," and, "Was really hoping Maura wouldn’t be there. I know Danny and Georgia have moved past what happened but it must be hard for Georgia seeing them onstage together." Other users wrote that the pair sharing the same shot was "the MESS" and expressed hope they would not repeat past behaviour.
At the ceremony, the I'm A Celebrity cast accepted the award in place of the show's usual presenters, who were not onstage to collect the trophy. Danny Jones gave the acceptance speech while Higgins stood nearby. Presenters Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly have long been fixtures at the National Television Awards and remain among the most recognised names at the event.
The National Television Awards, which this year marked their 30th anniversary, are decided by public vote and are billed as a celebration of popular television programming. Nominees and winners span drama, comedy, soaps, factual entertainment and reality formats; organizers say the awards have offered the public a direct voice in recognising television talent since 1995.
The red carpet this year was hosted by Pete Wicks, who has been publicly linked in the past to Higgins, and Sam Thompson. Coverage and social commentary throughout the evening included reactions to arrivals and onstage moments as viewers weighed in on highlights and awkward encounters alike.
The brief onstage proximity of Higgins and Jones reignited media and public attention on the events of earlier in the year, and broadcasters, publicists and representatives for the individuals involved have so far offered no new statements about the encounter at the awards. The National Television Awards continued through the evening with a mix of performances and prize presentations, recognising popular shows and performers as voted for by the British public.