Pete Wicks readied himself for another day of Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals on Thursday – after former Love Island star Maura Higgins confirmed they are dating.
The tattooed TV personality, 35, has been a hit with fans of the long-running BBC show thanks to a series of accomplished performances with his professional dance partner, Polish ballroom specialist Jowita Przystał.
But his dancing prowess has been overshadowed over recent days by confirmation that he is dating Irish influencer Maura, 33.
The pair, who were first romantically linked in August and have since kept a low profile, shared a tender moment in the corner at the Pride Of Britain after-party on Monday evening.
Maura – a former Love Island finalist – was seen planting a kiss on Pete’s nose before the pair were spotted canoodling at London’s Red Bar at the Grosvenor House Hotel.
Pete Wicks readied himself for another day of Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals on Thursday – after former Love Island star Maura Higgins confirmed they are dating
His dancing prowess has been overshadowed over recent days by confirmation that he is dating Irish influencer Maura (pictured together in a recent TikTok video)
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A day earlier, Pete showed off his impressive Strictly moves as he danced with Maura in a recent TikTok video.
Emerging on Thursday, Pete caught the eye in a patterned sweater from Swedish fashion house Acne Studios as he prepared for his latest rehearsal.
The TV personality added to contrast to his look by pairing the light coloured top with a pair of black straight-cut trousers and distinctive white leather shoes while making his way inside.
As always he carried his belongings in a large canvas tote bag, while his eyes were shielded behind a pair of heavily tinted sunglasses.
Pete and Jowita will dance to Frank Sinatra’s swing classic That’s Life on Saturday evening – but it’s yet to be established if Maura will support him from the studio audience.
The couple were previously seen together enjoying a night out at The Ship in Wandsworth alongside his Strictly friends.
An onlooker exclusively told that the pair were inseparable, whispering in each other’s ears and even interlocking legs as they enjoyed a drink alongside Wynne Evans, Tom Dean and Jamie Borthwick.
The eyewitness shared: ‘They were all over each other, I was surprised to see them looking so close because I thought he had real chemistry with Jowita.
Pete and Maura were previously seen together enjoying a night out at The Ship in Wandsworth alongside his Strictly friends
Emerging on Thursday, Pete caught the eye in a patterned sweater from Swedish fashion house Acne Studios as he prepared for his latest rehearsal
As always he carried his belongings in a large canvas tote bag, while his eyes were shielded behind a pair of heavily tinted sunglasses
‘At one point they were basically straddling each other and didn’t seem to care at all that people could see them.
‘You’d think Pete would be more concerned about Tom given he’d just been given the boot on Strictly but he only had eyes for Maura all night!’
The situation became even more complicated as Maura baffled fans while looking cosy with Strictly star Kai Widdrington during Monday’s awards do.
Kai, 29, and Maura looked very close after the ceremony, with the pro dancer tightly wrapping his arms around the presenter.
At one point, Kai appeared to twirl Maura before heading into a different room together.
Pete will dance to Frank Sinatra’s swing classic That’s Life on Saturday evening – but it’s yet to be established if Maura will support him from the studio audience
In recent weeks, Pete has fuelled romance rumours with Strictly Come Dancing partner Jowita as the pair almost kissed during their passionate performance on the BBC show
Pete attends The Pride of Britain Awards 2024 at The Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday night
Kai is believed to be single at present following his split from fellow professional Nadiya Bychkova.
A Strictly source told the latest romance twists will do little to dampen the show’s reputation for its stars hooking up.
The insider said: ‘Kai and Maura getting close while she’s still got feelings for Pete, who is now infatuated with Jowita, just sums up Strictly right now.
‘It’s a never-ending conveyor belt of relationships and flings, which shows no sign of ending.’