Pete Wicks, known for his time on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), has spoken out about Love Island star Maura Higgins, 

describing her as “super-intelligent” and “an incredible person.”

Despite the glowing praise, the pair continues to downplay rumors of a romantic relationship, keeping fans guessing about the nature of their connection.

Maura, 34, and Pete, 37, first sparked dating speculation in August 2024, when they were spotted together on multiple occasions.

Since then, their chemistry has been evident, with the two reportedly sharing several dates.

Most notably, the pair are rumored to have spent Christmas together at the picturesque Glasson Lakehouse in Ireland, fueling speculation that Pete met Maura’s family during the festive getaway.

Despite the mounting evidence, Maura has remained tight-lipped about their relationship status. The Love Island 2019 alum, known for her quick wit and candid nature, has kept her cards close to her chest when questioned about her love life.

Maura Higgins on Love and Independence

In a recent interview, Maura was asked about her track record with men, to which she humorously replied, “Yes, I have terrible taste in men.”

While she admitted that “falling in love again would be lovely,” she was quick to assert her independence. “I don’t feel like I need a man,” she said. “But I’ll date… and if it happens, it happens.”

Her remarks seem to reflect a cautious approach to relationships, possibly influenced by her past experiences.

Fans, however, have been quick to connect the dots, speculating that Maura’s guarded attitude might be a way to protect her budding romance with Pete from public scrutiny.

Pete Wicks: A Self-Confessed Commitment-Phobe

Pete, on the other hand, has historically been open about his struggles with relationships. Known for his “bad boy” persona on TOWIE, Pete has admitted to being a commitment-phobe.

“Settling down is the bit I just can’t do,” he once shared. “The minute a relationship gets to the point where I seem to be having an impact on someone’s life, it scares the shit out of me.”

However, in a recent  podcast interview, Pete offered a rare glimpse into his feelings about Maura, describing her as “an incredible person” and “super-intelligent.”

While he stopped short of confirming a relationship, he did hint at their growing closeness, admitting, “We spend more time with each other than we did before.”

Fans Weigh In

The rumored romance between Maura and Pete has divided fans. While many are rooting for the two reality stars to find happiness together, others have taken a more skeptical view.

Some fans believe Maura and Pete’s closeness could simply be a deep friendship, while others think their reluctance to confirm their relationship could be a strategic move to keep their personal lives private.

Social media has been abuzz with speculation, with some fans pointing to their rumored Christmas getaway as proof that the pair is more than just friends.

One fan wrote on Instagram, “If Pete spent Christmas with Maura’s family, that’s as official as it gets.” Another commented, “They’re clearly trying to keep it under wraps, but their connection is obvious!”

What’s Next for Maura and Pete?

For now, both Maura and Pete seem content to let fans speculate while they enjoy each other’s company.

Their mutual admiration and frequent appearances together suggest a bond that goes beyond casual friendship, but the pair’s reluctance to label their relationship leaves plenty of room for intrigue.

While Maura focuses on maintaining her independence and Pete navigates his fears of commitment, their connection continues to draw attention.

Whether their bond blossoms into a full-blown romance or remains a close friendship, one thing is clear: these two stars have found something special in each other.

As fans eagerly await more clues, Maura and Pete’s story serves as a reminder that not every relationship needs to fit a traditional mold. For now, they’re keeping things on their terms—whether that’s as friends, partners, or something in between.