Love Island's Maura Higgins' friends 'happy' but 'protective' as she confirms romance with Pete Wicks

It appears Love Island's Maura Higgins confirmed her romance with former TOWIE star Pete Wicks, but her friends are reportedly 'worried' about the new relationship

After months of whispers, reality TV stars Maura Higgins and Pete Wicks have sparked rumours after they were spotted getting cosy in public - but pals of the former Love Islander are reportedly "worried". The gossip started back in August when the pair were seen at a London hotspot together. An onlooker claimed the duo "looked totally in love" and shared a "very passionate" smooch. Maura seemed to hint at a blossoming romance when it was announced that Pete would be appearing on this year’s Strictly. Under a post announcing his show stint, Maura playfully commented: "I know what those hips can do PROUD OF YOU! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ".

Now, after weeks of speculation, Maura and 36 year old Pete seem to have finally confirmed their relationship with a sweet kiss, reports OK!. The 33 year old former Dancing on Ice star also spoke about their bond in a chat with dating expert Paul Brunson, saying they share "the same humour". She added: "We just get on very, very well. Very, very well. I adore him, he's amazing. " However, those closest to Maura are reportedly issuing a word of caution as she's had her heart broken before. "Maura’s friends are so happy for her but they can’t help but feel worried too," an insider revealed. "She’s had her heartbroken in the past and they’re concerned that could happen again."

Since her bombshell arrival on Love Island in 2019, Maura Higgins has navigated a tumultuous love life. She initially paired up with fellow islander Curtis Pritchard, but after an eight-month whirlwind, they split in March 2020. Not long after, Maura was romantically linked to villa-mate Chris Taylor, yet that too fizzled out. The rumour mill went into overdrive when she was spotted with Strictly's Giovanni Pernice in July 2021, sharing snaps from a dreamy beach getaway, but by October 2021, their four-month fling had ended. More recently, Maura reportedly parted ways with Bobby Holland Hanton, Chris Hemsworth's stunt double, amid claims 'their relationship had no future'.

Now, as she potentially opens up to former TOWIE star Pete, who's known for his "bad boy persona", Maura's pals are reaching out. The source continued: "They know he’s a lovely guy but Maura has been through a lot and is naturally an emotional person, so her friends just want to protect her." Pete, known for his colourful dating history with fellow reality stars such as Chloe Sims, Ella Rae Wise, Jess Wright, Megan Barton Hanson, and Megan McKenna, found himself in the spotlight over a budding friendship with his Strictly dance partner Jowita Przystal. Their closeness has been evident both on the dance floor and off it, with Jowita featuring on Pete's podcast Staying Relevant alongside his best mate Sam Thompson, and their cosy interactions at a drinks get-together have not gone unnoticed.

"There’s no doubt about it, Pete has got a lot of charisma and he’s on one of the biggest TV shows just now," the source claimed. "He’s struggled to settle down in the past and they just want her to be happy." Pete has never shied away from talking about his love life and his struggles to meet 'the one'. In fact, just prior to his stint on Strictly, where he is making huge waves on the dancefloor and winning over the judges as well as the great British public, Pete spoke to The Times about his love life.

Revealing that he hoped to walk down the aisle and become a dad one day, Pete hinted that he is a completely changed man these days. He said: “I'm nearly 36. I want to get married and have kids. I've been blessed with so many opportunities, but what's the point if I can't share them with anyone?”. He added, “Right now, I'm not ready to wholeheartedly commit to a romantic relationship because I don't fully understand myself yet. I would love to find a wife, but you know what? I may end up one of those men who dies alone.”

However, with Maura being the 'strong minded person' she is, her friends reportedly know there's no telling her when it comes to love and perhaps this relationship could be different and that Pete could be going above and beyond to make things work. "At the end of the day, Maura is a very strong minded person and no one can tell her what to do," they said. "Pete and Maura have both had their relationship struggles in the past and she wants to be vulnerable with him, he’s saying he wants to look after her."

TV royalty Maura has also been reportedly lined up to enter one of the biggest TV shows of the year, I'm A Celeb. It was reported she would be heading into jungle to replace Tommy Fury after he dropped out of the show - a career move that could open many doors for her. "Maura also knows a relationship like this [with Pete] could be good for her career, they’ll make a great power couple and combining their stardom could open up many doors for them," the source said.

Follow Mirro r Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .