AJ Pritchard, 24, has insisted that both his parents do in fact like Maura Higgins, 28, after fans of the show claimed his mum Debi had “bum-shamed” the Irish beauty during her visit to the villa. The Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer’s brother Curtis Pritchard, 23, coupled up with the grid girl on the latest series of Love Island 2019, which concluded on Monday. During Sunday’s episode, the islanders were reunited with their loved ones and introduced to their partner’s parents too, with Debi and husband Adrian Pritchard paying a visit to their youngest son. Eagle-eyed viewers noticed Debi seemingly pointing at the tattoo inking on the Irish ring girl’s bottom, which is a red kiss on her right cheek.
Speaking about the moment, AJ explained that their mother is a fitness fanatic and was simply admiring Maura’s bum, according to The Sun.
He told the publication: “Because my mum’s a personal trainer she probably wanted to see how toned it was.”
When asked if his mum was OK with tattoos, AJ replied: “I’ve got a tattoo, my mum’s fine with that.”
The professional dancer added: “As long as it’s a nice one, she’s not bothered about it.”
During the episode, while Maura hugged her own mum before she left the villa, Debi got an eyeful of her tattoo and pointed out the body art.
She appeared to whisper something to Curtis as he replied to her before covering his mouth with his vest during their private exchange.
Maura sparked a mixed reaction from fans after it was announced the beautician and rugby player had won.
She has since spoken about her shocked expression and admitted she was genuinely surprised the pair had won.
Speaking to the MailOnline, she said: “I’m not going lie I was shocked, I love Greg and Amber but Tommy and Molly-Mae were in love, I thought they had it in the bag. It’s Love Island and they found love.”
Maura and Curtis have since revealed their plans since leaving the villa and want to enjoy their first proper date together.
Love Island returns to ITV2 in January 2020.