Pete Wicks has finally broken his silence on his relationship with Maura Higgins, addressing months of speculation about their romance.
The Strictly star, 37, opened up about his private life in a new interview with The Times, describing his connection with the former Love Island icon, 34.
“We’ve known each other for a very, very long time. We’re very close,” Wicks revealed.
The TOWIE alumnus added: “But a lot of being in the public eye is that people assume that you have to tell everyone all about your private life and I’ve never, never done that.”
The comments come as the pair have been increasingly public about their relationship in recent weeks.
The couple sparked romance rumours after posting snaps from what appeared to be the same pub on Christmas Day.
Maura Higgins posted an image which appeared to be in the same place as Pete Wicks
They are now reportedly enjoying a cosy staycation at the exclusive Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, where rooms start from £295-a-night with an annual membership fee of £2,750.
Higgins shared glimpses of their romantic getaway on social media, posting a video of herself by the fire accompanied by Nat King Cole’s “Let’s Fall In Love.”
“Checked into the Farm,” she wrote alongside the intimate footage.
The pair were spotted earlier this week heading off to spend their first Christmas season together, both beaming with smiles following their respective TV appearances.
The pair were quickly reunited after she left the jungle
The couple’s romance blossomed after reuniting following their respective reality TV stints, with Higgins rushing to see Wicks just hours after returning from I’m A Celebrity.
They celebrated her homecoming at a London hotel, posing for photos with friends amid jungle-themed balloons.
During her time in Australia, Higgins had hinted at their relationship when speaking to Oti Mabuse, saying she was “seeing someone” before entering the jungle.
Appearing on This Morning after her elimination, the Love Island beauty expressed her excitement about reuniting with Wicks, saying: “Honestly, he’s been so supportive. I didn’t know if he was still in Strictly, I’m so proud of him and he’s proud of me.”
The pair’s relationship stems from a five-year friendship, with Higgins revealing Wicks had persistently pursued her during that time.
“He would always say, ‘Oh no, like, we are gonna go on a date somewhere.’ And I’d be like, ‘We’re actually not.’ And I was deadly serious,” she recalled.
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Their first date finally happened over oysters and wine, with Higgins noting their shared sense of humour: “We just dial up 24/7 with each other.”
Wicks showed his support during her jungle stint, urging his followers to vote for her with the quip: “I’ve been George of the Jungle but now it’s time to vote for Maura of the Jungle.”
Sources say Wicks is “completely smitten” with Higgins, whom he had been casually dating for five months before her jungle appearance.