Maura Higgins and Pete Wicks: A Jungle Romance Blossoms
Former Love Island star Maura Higgins has confirmed a romance with Pete Wicks following her exit from I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. The pair, who have been romantically linked for months, have finally made their feelings public, leaving fans overjoyed.
Public Confessions and Bridesmaid Jokes
Higgins, speaking on ITV’s This Morning, didn't hold back when questioned about her relationship with Wicks. In a lighthearted exchange with presenter Alison Hammond, Higgins playfully admitted to missing Wicks during her time in the jungle, even jokingly suggesting Hammond could be a bridesmaid at their wedding. "You do forget about the cameras, and I do like to keep things private, but let’s be real, I said it. I can’t remember saying it, but I said the words, ‘I miss him’," Higgins confessed. She clarified, "I do miss him, like I missed all my friends and family." The candid confession solidified rumors and left little to the imagination.
Support and Pride Amidst the Jungle
Higgins expressed her pride in Wicks's journey on Strictly Come Dancing and highlighted his unwavering support throughout her I'm A Celebrity experience. "Honestly, he’s been so supportive, honestly. I didn’t know if he was still in Strictly and I’m so proud of him, he’s proud of me, and I can’t wait to see him when I get back," she shared, showcasing a mutual admiration and affection between the pair. This heartfelt expression further cemented the couple's growing bond.
A Timeline of Whispers and Confirmation
The pair have been the subject of intense media speculation for several months. Rumors started swirling in August, fueled by sightings of the couple on romantic outings. Wicks previously addressed rumors of a romance with his Strictly dance partner, stating, "We have great chemistry because we’ve become such good friends." However, Higgins' recent statements have laid any lingering doubts to rest, confirming the budding relationship.
Jungle Revelations and a Growing Connection
During her time in the I'm A Celebrity jungle, Higgins subtly hinted at a relationship with an unnamed man she'd been seeing since July, describing him as "not an asshole." While she maintained a sense of privacy during the show, her words strongly suggested Wicks was the man in question. Now, post-jungle, her declarations have provided a clear and unambiguous picture of their status.
The 'Not An Asshole' Factor and Future Plans
In a conversation with fellow I'm A Celeb campmates, Higgins characterized her relationship as being in the early stages of development; they are dating but not yet officially in a relationship. She expressed that she takes things slow, and added that she'd known her current love interest for five years and had never had a date with him until recently. She also revealed that her romance is the closest she has ever been to falling in love. But one key comment from fellow camper Reverend Richard Coles sums up the strength of their burgeoning relationship. Coles astutely noted that "You’d know if he was an ahole or not, by now." Higgins promptly replied, "Yeah, he’s not an ahole." This comment, simple as it is, speaks volumes about the foundation of trust and respect in their relationship.
A Happy Ending (For Now)
Higgins' candid admission of her feelings for Wicks provides a happy conclusion to weeks of speculation. While the future of their relationship remains unwritten, the clear affection and mutual respect between them offer a promising outlook for this new celebrity couple. The statement, “I can’t wait to see him when I get back,” perfectly encapsulates the excitement and anticipation surrounding their reunion after their respective commitments concluded. Their journey from subtle hints in the jungle to a full-blown confirmation on national television has been a captivating spectacle for fans, reinforcing the captivating power of reality TV. The next chapter in their story is one to watch.
