I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! star Maura Higgins has been reunited with Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks amid intense speculation about their personal lives.
The former Love Island contestant and TOWIE star have been the subject of dating rumours, after they were spotted getting cosy and sharing a kiss during an evening out in London.
Both celebrities have said they are currently single – and although Maura did admit she was seeing someone before flying out to the jungle, she had previously denied she was seeing Pete.
Following the end of I'm a Celebrity's 2024 series, Maura has shared photos on social media from a reunion with friends including Pete.
Related: I'm a Celebrity's Tulisa apologises for missing live final
Maura re-shared some photos taken in a London hotel alongside her friends, with Pete standing in the background.
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The room had been decorated with jungle-themed balloons to welcome Maura after her stint on the ITV show, with one of her friend jokingly writing on one of the posts that they hadn't missed her.
Upon exiting the jungle, Maura spoke to Alison Hammond on This Morning and admitted she had missed Pete during her time on the show.
"It didn't take it long to ask you that question, did it?" she laughed when asked about a possible romance between the pair.
Related: Strictly's Pete Wicks reflects on being "proud" after exit
"Do you know what, you forget about the cameras, I do like to keep things private. I said I miss him, I do miss him. Like I miss all my friends and family.
"Honestly, he's been so supportive… Honestly, I didn't know if he was still in Strictly, I'm so proud of him and he's proud of me and I can't wait to see him when I get back."
While on the show, Maura spoke to her campmates about the intense press speculation she and Pete had been subjected to and revealed her relationship status.
"You know more than me! No, I'm single, not in a relationship," she said. "People can date, not be in a relationship and take things slow without the media getting involved in your s**t.
Related: Strictly's Jowita Przystał addresses Pete Wicks romance rumours
"What's the point in getting them involved too soon, when you just don't know where it's gonna go, you know?"
Maura also joked about the kiss which initially fuelled the dating rumours, saying: "Well, we've already been papped, tongues down each other's necks, and we had no idea!
"The funniest part is I had a vape in one hand and a cigarette in the other, living my best life before the jungle."
After being eliminated from Strictly at the semi-finals stage recently, Pete spoke on the Staying Relevant podcast with guest Olivia Attwood about his approach to dating.
"I do feel like I'm now at a different stage of my life. I'm an older man now than when I was younger and a complete prick," he said.
Related: Strictly's Pete Wicks is "in love" with Jowita Przystał
Olivia said: "You don't keep them out of your own choice. I feel like it's because you, for so long, have not let anyone in.
"You like your own space, you like to be with your dogs at home and your beer, it's quite a sad scene really actually."
Pete later joked he "didn't want to die alone", after Olivia said he needs to "let someone in" but they need to be "the right person".
