Pete Wicks has opened up about his 'very close' relationship with girlfriend Maura Higgins and the 'horrendous' trolling he experienced during his time on Strictly Come Dancing. The 37-year-old former TOWIE star shared personal insights during a recent interview with The Times, shedding light on the challenges of being under public scrutiny, particularly after participating in the BBC ballroom show this winter.
Expressing their bond, Wicks stated, "We’ve known each other for a very, very long time. We’re very close." He added, "But a lot of being in the public eye is people assume you have to tell everyone about your private life, and I’ve never, never done it." Wicks’ comments come amid months of speculation concerning the nature of his relationship with Maura, 34, the former Love Island star.
Rumors about their romance began earlier this year after they were caught kissing during dinner in Soho, sparking public interest. The couple's romance only intensified when Pete's friend Sam Thompson jokingly "welcomed Maura to the family" during her appearance on the I'm A Celebrity spin-off, Unpacked.
Since dating, the couple has spent quality time together, including romantic outings and festive celebrations. Speculation grew about their relationship during Maura's stint on I'm A Celebrity, where she alluded to missing someone special but didn’t name him. After her return to the UK, they quickly reunited, appearing affectionate and happy during various outings.
Wicks also discussed the impact of negative comments he received during Strictly Come Dancing, saying, "Some of the messages I got were beautiful, but the horrendous things were heartbreaking." He noted the emotional toll of public vulnerability following his performances, which included a touching tribute to his late grandmother. Commenting on the pressures of public life, he remarked, "I’ve learnt you shouldn’t take too much interest in the good stuff or listen to the bad stuff... this was me at my most vulnerable on television, so the negative stuff was harder to take."
Highlighting their enduring friendship, Wicks stated, "But there is no pressure on us to rush anything. It’s nice to just enjoy each other’s company for now." During her time on I'm A Celebrity, Maura expressed her admiration for Wicks, saying, "Honestly, he’s been so supportive. I didn’t know if he was still on Strictly and I’m so proud of him."
The couple had shared glimpses of their affection during festive getaways, evidenced by social media posts where they were seen cherishing time with each other. On one occasion, Maura shared a video with the caption, "Checked in to the Farm," during their cozy staycation at the exclusive Soho Farmhouse.
Maura’s explicit mention of missing someone during her interview with Alison Hammond raised eyebrows, as she recounted, "I do miss him, like I missed all my friends and family." Her heartfelt sentiments reinforce the bond shared with Wicks and dispel any doubts about their seriousness as a couple. They seem to have evolved from friends to romantic partners seamlessly, with fans notedly following their relationship's positive developments.
Despite the media frenzy surrounding their dating status, both Wicks and Higgins have maintained their commitment to privacy. Wicks remarked, "A lot of being in the public eye is people assume you have to invite them to be part of your life. We’re very close and happy to share some joy with our fans, but our relationship is ours to cultivate away from the spotlight." The combination of their shared experiences on reality television and genuine affection fuels interest among their fan bases.
Their romance has all the makings of being grounded, considering Wicks' acknowledgment of the need for privacy and Higgins' reflective comments about their connection during her jungle stay. With the support from friends and their blossoming love story, it seems Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins are building something meaningful together, transforming from friends to partners amid the challenges posed by public life.