Maura Higgins makes sneaky early exit from BAFTA TV Awards after posing up a storm during her first red carpet appearance since Danny Jones kiss scandal

It was her big red carpet return after Maura Higgins hit headlines back in March following a ‘drunken kiss’ with McFly’s Danny Jones. 

And while the Love Islander, 34, made sure all eyes were on her as she posed up a storm at the BAFTA TV Awards on Sunday, she reportedly didn’t stay long and made a sneaky backdoor exit. 

In pictures obtained by The Sun, the star was seen leaving an hour into the ceremony as she snuck into a taxi. 

A source told the publication: ‘Maura wanted her red carpet return to be a big moment. She thinks enough time has passed — she can’t hide forever.’

Explaining how her huge dress meant she was uncomfortable in the cramped hall they continued: ‘She was talking about her dress taking up too much space and was absolutely boiling. 

‘So she snuck out with pal Luke Hamnett while a nominations reel was shown. It’ll be frowned upon in TV circles as the Baftas is an incredibly prestigious event and leaving is a big no-no.’

Maura Higgins made a sneaky early exit from the BAFTA TV Awards after posing up a storm during her first red carpet appearance on Sunday since the Danny Jones kiss scandal

The star hit headlines back in March following a ‘drunken kiss’ with McFly’s Danny Jones at the BRITS afterparty (Danny pictured with his wife Georgia in September) 

MailOnline have contacted Maura’s representatives for comment. 

Maura and the married McFly singer, 39, hit headlines in March when they were spotted in a compromising clinch at the Universal Music’s BRIT Awards afterparty.

Danny is said to no longer have a ‘normal relationship’ with his wife Georgia, 38, and while they are still living under the same roof, they now have ‘separate lives’.

Both Danny and Maura have generally kept away from public events since the scandal but she made sure to make her big return at the BAFTAs, but did not answer any questions about the kiss. 

She did not face an awkward reunion with Danny as reportedly skipped the ceremony to avoid ‘putting a foot wrong’ with his wife.

Danny issued a public apology to his wife and their seven-year-old son Cooper, admitting he was ‘deeply sorry’ and vowing to deal with things privately. 

Sources previously claimed to MailOnline that despite their efforts, Danny and Georgia are like ‘passing ships’ and friends fear their relationship is hanging on by a thread.

A source said: ‘Danny and Georgia have been trying to navigate a very difficult time in their marriage and for the best part they have been taking each day as it comes.

The Love Island star made sure to command attention in a huge backless blue gown, but later reportedly left the ceremony early as she was too hot and uncomfortable in the dress

Both Danny and Maura have generally kept away from public events since the scandal but she made sure to make her big return at the BAFTAs

Danny is stepping back into the spotlight with a brand new telly gig and will join the second series of You Bet!, ITV ‘s rebooted challenge show

Danny and Maura met last year when they both appeared on I’m A Celeb together, which Danny went on to win 

‘They may be living under the same roof, but they barely see each other and right now are like passing ships.

‘Danny is preparing for his summer gigs with McFly, and Georgia has been attending influencer events and collaborating with brands, all while looking after son, Cooper, who regularly features on her Instagram profile.

‘But when they’re not working, Danny is out on his motorbike or exercising in the gym, and Georgia is either on her own or spending time with family and girlfriends.

‘They haven’t actually been publicly seen together for six weeks and behind the scenes, their relationship is anything but normal.’

But now the singer is also making his TV return and will join the second series of You Bet!, ITV’s rebooted challenge show, hosted by Stephen Mulhern.

Danny will appear alongside former I’m A Celeb campmate Oti Mabuse and Olympian Greg Rutherford, and has already filmed some segments at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

In behind-the-scenes clips shared on his Instagram at the weekend, Danny looked upbeat as he returned to work, grinning alongside his co-stars and cheering on contestants tackling extreme rides.

MailOnline contacted ITV for comment.