With Maura Higgins heading into I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! as a latecomer just as rumoured beau Pete Wicks continues to wow the Strictly Come Dancing judges, the pair could be about to become reality TV royalty for a second time.
Pete’s jam-packed dance rehearsal schedule means he won’t be able to fly out to support Maura, who he’s enjoyed a number of romantic clinches with since they were first pictured kissing over the summer.
While the Love Island and TOWIE stars last week enjoyed an emotional final date night before Maura, 33, flies out to the jungle, sources tell Closer that Pete, 36, is heartbroken he can’t be in Australia with her as she competes on I'm A Celeb.
An insider reveals, ‘Pete’s gutted he can’t get out to support Maura in the jungle but it looks like he just won't be able to.
‘He and Maura had a really nice last night together and he'll really miss her – he's smitten! But his diary is absolutely rammed and work offers have been flying in since he started on Strictly.’
It was the 2023 Pride of Britain Awards when the pair were first seen getting close, with rumours re-surfacing this summer as Pete and Maura were pictured out and about on a string of dates across London.
And while the pair have refused to define their relationships in interviews, Maura – who split from stunt performer Bobby Holland Hanton earlier this year – told Paul Brunson on his podcast that they had ‘instantly clicked’.
Now, our source tells Closer that Pete will be supporting Maura on I’m A Celeb..! from afar and passing advice on through his best friend and reigning champion Sam Thompson, who’s down under to present spin-off show Unpacked.
‘Pete will be watching every night from back home,’ the insider says. ‘He’s going to be rooting for her and supporting her all the way – albeit from the UK.’