Reality TV stars Maura Higgins and Pete Wicks have officially ended their romance after months of speculation, MailOnline has exclusively revealed. 

The couple, who first sparked dating rumors while Maura appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 

and Pete competed on Strictly Come Dancing, recently decided to go their separate ways following a series of disagreements.

Despite their growing connection and undeniable chemistry, sources close to the pair say that they ultimately felt they were better suited as friends.

From Friends to Lovers – And Back Again

Maura, 34, rose to fame on Love Island in 2019 and quickly became one of the show’s most recognizable faces. 

Pete, 37, found success on The Only Way Is Essex and later established himself as a podcaster. The two formed a close bond over the years, supporting each other in their respective careers, but their relationship remained under wraps for a long time.

Although they were frequently spotted on dates and sharing affectionate moments at public events, neither Maura nor Pete openly confirmed their romance. Insiders suggest this hesitation stemmed from past experiences with highly publicized relationships.

However, their connection was evident, and Pete himself praised Maura’s intelligence and humor in interviews, calling her “super intelligent” and “incredibly witty.”

What Went Wrong?

According to sources, the decision to part ways was not an easy one. While they enjoyed spending time together, their relationship reportedly became strained due to ongoing clashes.

A source told MailOnline, “Maura and Pete have decided to call off their romance. There have been a few clashes, and it was eventually agreed that they were better off as friends. Those closest to them know it’s been a very on-and-off relationship, which is why they were so resistant to go public in the first place.”

Despite their breakup, there appears to be no bad blood between the two, with sources suggesting that their bond remains strong. One insider even hinted at the possibility of a future reconciliation, saying, “You never know with Maura and Pete—the attraction is so strong that a reunion isn’t out of the question.”

A Whirlwind Year for Both Stars

Their romance blossomed during a busy time in their lives. Maura made a splash on I’m A Celebrity as a late entrant alongside Reverend Richard Coles, quickly winning over fans with her humor and bravery during trials. Meanwhile, Pete captured the hearts of BBC audiences as a Strictly Come Dancing finalist, performing alongside professional dancer Jowita Przystal.

Despite their hectic schedules, the couple managed to make time for each other, even spending Christmas together at Glasson Lakehouse in Maura’s native Ireland. Their holiday getaway suggested their relationship was progressing well, making news of their split even more surprising to fans.

Past Relationships in the Public Eye

Both Maura and Pete have had their fair share of high-profile romances.

Maura’s dating history includes Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, whom she met in the villa. She later dated fellow islander Chris Taylor before entering a brief but intense relationship with Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice.

She was also linked to TOWIE star Joey Essex after they were spotted kissing at the National Television Awards in 2022, though they later denied any serious involvement. Most recently, she was in a ten-month relationship with stuntman Bobby Holland Hanton before their breakup in early 2024.

Pete, on the other hand, has been known for his reluctance to settle down. Over the years, he has been romantically involved with several TOWIE co-stars, including Megan McKenna, Shelby Tribble, Chloe Sims, and Ella Rae Wise.

Despite his history, Pete had been vocal about his admiration for Maura, fueling speculation that their relationship could have been different. However, in previous interviews, he admitted that commitment “scares” him, which may have played a role in their split.

What’s Next for Maura and Pete?

As both stars navigate their newly single lives, their careers remain a priority. Maura, who recently became a UK ambassador for MAC Cosmetics, continues to make waves in the fashion and beauty industry. Pete, meanwhile, is focused on his successful podcast Staying Relevant, which he co-hosts with fellow reality star Sam Thompson.

Though they may have parted ways romantically, Maura and Pete’s bond appears to remain strong. Whether this is truly the end of their love story or just another chapter remains to be seen.

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