Pete Wicks shuts down Lorraine Kelly's question amid Maura Higgins rumours with three-word remark

Pete Wicks deftly avoided discussing his personal life when probed by Lorraine Kelly on her ITV show. On Wednesday (January 8), the Strictly Come Dancing celebrity was talking about his latest television venture, 'For Dogs' Sake', with Lorraine.

Despite the TOWIE star's reluctance to open up about his romantic life, Lorraine couldn't resist asking: "With all this going on, have you no time for romance? " Pete laughed in response and quipped: "I wondered how long that was going to take."

Lorraine persisted, saying: "You can tell me! You can tell me! " In a playful manner, Pete skillfully evaded further probing, stating: "Really nice try. But you know what – I've left the talking about the romance thing in the past. Really nice try though, really appreciate that."

Lorraine jokingly pushed further, adding: "You can tell me after."

Rumours suggest Pete is seeing Love Island alum Maura Higgins, 34, but there has been no official confirmation from either party. They have reportedly grown closer since being spotted sharing a moment at last year's Pride of Britain Awards afterparty in November, reports the Mirror.

Maura, who was part of the cast for 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!' last year, has hinted at their relationship without much reserve. She disclosed they had been friends for five years prior to Pete making his move, and even shared details of dates they went on while she was in the jungle.

In a conversation with Oti Mabuse, Maura disclosed that she brought her friends along for what she termed a "friendship date" when she first agreed to go out with Pete. However, a more private second date ensued between just the two of them.

After leaving the I'm A Celeb jungle, Maura mentioned Pete in interviews and even confessed she'd missed him. During an appearance on ITV's This Morning, host Alison Hammond probed Maura about the romance, leading her to reveal more.

The former Love Island star admitted: "Do you know what, you forget about the cameras, I do like to keep things private. I said I miss him, I do miss him. Like I miss all my friends and family."

She further expressed how "proud" she was of Pete's performance on Strictly Come Dancing, and that he too was "proud" of her.