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Maura Higgins has spoken out about her split from Pete Wicks for the first time.
The Love Island star, 34, confirmed she was dating The Only Way Is Essex cast member in December during a number of television appearances after leaving the I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! jungle.
Higgins and Wicks reportedly split in February after a “few clashes” led them to realise they’re “better off as friends,” per the MailOnline.
During a subsequent Valentine’s Day night out with her friends, Higgins was asked about the whereabouts of Wicks by a photographer while leaving Sheesh restaurant in London.
“Dunno. Probably cheating,” the Love Island star replied in a video obtained by The Sun.
The Independent has contacted Wicks’ representatives for comment.
Back in January, Wicks expressed his affection for Higgins during a podcast appearance. “Maura and I have known each other for a long time now… about six years,” he said.
“We have the same sense of humour, she’s super intelligent and I think that is sometimes something that people don’t realise about Maura.
“She’s incredibly witty. We have always been there for each other for the past six years at a distance. It’s different now. We spend more time together now than we did before.
“My relationship with her is that I think she’s a great person and I would hope that she thinks I’m alright.”
When Higgins made her first TV appearance after learning the I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! jungle in December, she gushed about her relationship with Pete after previously admitting she missed him while filming.
“Let’s be real, I said it. I said the words I miss him,” she admitted. “I do miss him – like I missed all my friends and family – and honestly, he’s been so supportive.”
Reflecting on the time she spent apart from Wicks over the fortnight in Australia, the reality star said: “Honestly, I didn’t know if he was still in Strictly [Come Dancing].“I’m so proud of him, he’s proud of me and I can’t wait to see him when I get back.”
Higgins and Wicks reportedly went their separate ways after a series of arguments, per the MailOnline.
However, a source claimed a reunion may not be out of the question. “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,” a friend told the paper.
“They remain close and share a deep connection. You never know with Maura and Pete, the attraction is so strong that you wouldn’t rule out reunion at some point – even in the short term.”
