Pete Wicks, the well-known face from The Only Way Is Essex, and Maura Higgins, the former Love Island star, first sparked dating rumors in August 2024. They were seen sharing an intimate kiss in the bustling streets of Soho, London. This public display ignited intense media speculation about their connection. Over the subsequent months, their bond seemed to grow stronger. They made multiple public appearances together, further fueling the rumors. In October, the couple was photographed kissing at the Pride of Britain Awards exclusive afterparty. This moment solidified the public’s perception of their romantic involvement. Despite these very public displays of affection, neither Pete nor Maura ever officially confirmed their relationship. However, Maura hinted at her deep feelings for Pete during her time on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in late 2024. Her emotional expressions strongly suggested a significant connection.
The Unraveling: Speculations About Their Separation
By the beginning of 2025, reports began to surface indicating that Pete and Maura had decided to go their separate ways. Insiders suggested that the couple had encountered several disagreements. Ultimately, they concluded that their relationship was better suited to friendship. One source close to the situation revealed, “Maura and Pete have decided to end their romance. They experienced a few clashes. They eventually agreed that they would be better off remaining friends.” The insider further elaborated that their relationship had been “very on and off” from the beginning. This inconsistency contributed to their initial hesitation to publicly acknowledge their romance. Despite the breakup, sources claimed that Pete and Maura remained close and shared a deep and meaningful connection.
Yearning for Permanence: Pete Wicks’s Post-Split Reflections
Following their separation, Pete Wicks made comments that hinted at his intense desire for a more stable and lasting relationship in the future. On his popular Staying Relevant podcast, which he co-hosts with his close friend Sam Thompson, the two discussed their experience attending the innovative ABBA Voyage concert. This concert features virtual avatars of the iconic band members. Sam Thompson playfully speculated about the possibility of having holographic partners in the future. In response to this, Pete Wicks remarked, “Things are looking up. We can create one—that will never leave.” Listeners widely interpreted this statement as an allusion to his recent breakup with Maura Higgins. Many believed he was expressing his longing for a partner who would offer unwavering commitment and never walk away.
Public Banter and Social Media Activity After the Split
The aftermath of Pete and Maura’s breakup saw some notable public exchanges that quickly captured media attention. On Valentine’s Day, Maura Higgins was approached by persistent photographers. They directly inquired about Pete Wicks’ whereabouts on the romantic holiday. With a touch of humor, Maura responded, “Dunno, probably cheating.” This lighthearted remark nevertheless sparked discussions among fans and media outlets. Some wondered if there were underlying issues of trust within their past relationship. Adding to the public discourse, Maura Higgins shared a poignant image on her personal Instagram account. The picture showcased a beautiful bouquet of roses accompanied by a card. The card read, “To Me, Love Me.” This post was widely interpreted as Maura embracing self-love and independence after her recent split with Pete.
Looking Towards the Future: Pete Wicks on Love and Commitment
In various interviews and public appearances, Pete Wicks has openly discussed his aspirations for the future, particularly concerning his personal life. He has expressed a sincere desire to settle down and build a family eventually. Pete stated candidly, “I’m nearly 36 years old. I genuinely want to get married and have children. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had so many amazing opportunities throughout my life. However, I often think, what’s the true point of all these experiences if I don’t have someone special to share them with?” However, Pete also demonstrated a degree of self-awareness and introspection regarding his current readiness for a serious commitment. He admitted, “Right now, I’m not entirely ready to wholeheartedly commit to a romantic relationship because I don’t fully understand myself yet…” This honest reflection indicates that while Pete Wicks deeply desires a lasting partnership in the future, he also recognizes the crucial importance of personal growth and self-discovery before fully committing to such a significant relationship.
Lingering Interest: Public Fascination with Pete and Maura
The brief but intense relationship between Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins has undeniably captured significant public interest. Fans and various media outlets have closely followed their interactions, public appearances, and social media activity since they were first linked. While both Pete and Maura have largely maintained a degree of privacy regarding the specific details and reasons behind their breakup, their occasional public comments and social media actions continue to fuel ongoing discussions and speculations. The public remains interested in their past relationship and eagerly anticipates news about their individual futures in the realm of romance.