Maura Higgins' friends 'happy' but 'protective' about new flame Pete Wicks as she admits 'I adore him'

After months of speculation, reality TV stars Maura Higgins and Pete Wicks set tongues wagging after they were caught packing on the PDA in the street - but friends of the former Love Islander are said to be "worried".

Rumours of a romance between the two began swirling back in August when they were spotted at a London hotspot together and, according to an onlooker, the pair “looked totally in love” and shared a "very passionate" kiss. Maura also appeared to reference a budding relationship when it was announced that Pete was set to star in this year’s Strictly. Underneath a post in which the happy news of his show stint was revealed, Maura jokingly commented: “I know what those hips can do PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!”.

Now, after weeks of whispers, Maura and Pete, 36, appeared to have finally confirmed their love with a sweet kiss. The 33 year old former Dancing on Ice star also opened up about their relationship in a chat with dating guru Paul Brunson and said they shared "the same humour". She continued: "We just get on very, very well. Very, very well. I adore him, he's amazing."

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But those closest to Maura are said to be issuing a word of warning as she's had her heart broken in the past. "Maura’s friends are so happy for her but they can’t help but feel worried too," the source said. "She’s had her heart broken in the past and they’re concerned that could happen again."

After entering as a bombshell on Love Island in 2019, Maura has faced a string of heartache. She began dating co-star Curtis Pritchard and remained together for eight months before calling it quits in March 2020. Maura was then linked to another well-known face in the villa, Chris Taylor, but unfortunately it was not meant to be either.

She then sent the rumour drill into overdrive with Strictly star Giovanni Pernice and in July 2021, they shared a series of pictures together on a picturesque beach. However, they later broke up in October 2021, following a four-month romance. Her most recent romantic endeavour was with Bobby Holland Hanton, a stunt double for Chris Hemsworth, but was rumoured to have split up from him after 'their relationship had no future'.

Now, as she looks to open her heart to former TOWIE star Pete (who has said numerous times he's aware of his "bad boy persona"), it's only natural Maura's friends are hoping she doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve. The source continued: "They know he’s a lovely guy but Maura has been through a lot and is naturally an emotional person, so her friends just want to protect her."

Pete - who has publicly dated, and broken up with, many reality stars over the years, including Chloe Sims, Ella Rae Wise, Jess Wright, Megan Barton Hanson and Megan McKenna - saw himself at the centre of gossip with his Strictly dance partner Jowita Przystal after showcasing their close bond, both on and off the dancefloor. From the pro dancer appearing on Pete's podcast Staying Relevant, which he hosts alongside best pal Sam Thompson, to the pair reportedly looking cosy at a drinks party.

"There’s no doubt about it, Pete has got a lot of charisma and he’s on one of the biggest TV shows just now," the source continued. "He’s struggled to settle down in the past and they just want her to be happy."

Pete has never shied away from talking about his love life and his struggles to meet 'the one'. In fact, just prior to his stint on Strictly, where he is making huge waves on the dancefloor and winning over the judges as well as the great British public, Pete spoke to The Times about his love life.

Revealing that he hoped to walk down the aisle and become a dad one day, Pete hinted that he is a completely changed man these days. He said: “I'm nearly 36. I want to get married and have kids. I've been blessed with so many opportunities, but what's the point if I can't share them with anyone?”.

“Right now, I'm not ready to wholeheartedly commit to a romantic relationship because I don't fully understand myself yet. I would love to find a wife, but you know what? I may end up one of those men who dies alone.”

However, with Maura being the 'strong minded person' she is, her friends reportedly know there's no telling her when it comes to love and perhaps this relationship could be different and that Pete could be going above and beyond to make things work. "At the end of the day, Maura is a very strong minded person and no one can tell her what to do," they said. "Pete and Maura have both had their relationship struggles in the past and she wants to be vulnerable with him, he’s saying he wants to look after her."

TV royalty Maura has also been reportedly lined up to enter one of the biggest TV shows of the year, I'm A Celeb. It was reported she would be heading into jungle to replace Tommy Fury after he dropped out of the show - a career move that could open many doors for her. "Maura also knows a relationship like this [with Pete] could be good for her career, they’ll make a great power couple and combining their stardom could open up many doors for them," the source said.

It sounds like only time will tell...