Maura Higgins and Pete Wicks Confirm Their Romance with a Kiss at Pride of Britain Afterparty. Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks and Love Island’s Maura Higgins have officially confirmed their romance, sharing a sweet kiss at the Pride of Britain afterparty.
The couple was spotted enjoying each other's company in the Red Bar of London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, where they partied until the early hours of the morning, as reported exclusively by The Mirror. Although the duo had previously kept their rumored relationship under wraps, they made it clear to onlookers that they were an item, sharing tender moments in a quiet corner. In a playful display of affection, Maura kissed Pete on the nose before they shared a kiss on the lips.
They are among many celebrities who have found love at this prestigious event, following in the footsteps of couples like Christine and Frank Lampard, who met at the 2009 ceremony and are now happily married with two children.
Maura, 33, and Pete, 36, were first seen kissing outside the Broadwick Hotel in Soho back in August. Since then, they’ve playfully addressed the gossip surrounding their relationship; Maura even sported a t-shirt featuring a photo of them with the slogan: “We can’t be friends.”
Recently, Maura cheered on Pete and his friend Sam Thompson as they recorded their Staying Relevant podcast live at Hammersmith Apollo. Just days before the afterparty, they shared a TikTok video of them practicing dance moves together, with Pete currently competing on Strictly Come Dancing.
As their romance continues to blossom, they showcased their affection at the Pride of Britain ceremony, despite previously downplaying their relationship. When asked about the rumors by mutual friend Olivia Attwood, Pete replied coyly, “Me and Maura have known each other for a long time.”
During the party, Maura asked Strictly dancer Kai Widdrington for assistance with a cramp as the last partygoers transitioned into the hotel lobby to keep the festivities alive.
On Saturday’s episode of Strictly, Pete and his dance partner Jowita Przystal performed a passionate rumba to “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” featuring close embraces and impressive lifts. Judge Craig Revel Horwood humorously noted that some of the lifts were “totally illegal,” warning of potential disqualification in a competition setting, yet praised Wicks for the effort put into the dance, awarding them a total of 22 points.
At the Pride of Britain ceremony, Pete and his close friend, Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, encouraged celebrities and attendees to donate to the charity of Child of Courage winner Florrie Bark, who impressed the audience with her spirited enthusiasm. Florrie playfully urged, “Get all of them! Round them up! Get Duncan Ballantyne! Before he hides.”
Duncan, also known as the Dragon, was so impressed by her determination that he donated £30,000 to her charity, BeMoreFab, contributing to an overall fundraising total of more than £100,000 from generous attendees.
Masked Singer host Joel Dommett and Strictly’s Oti Mabuse, who presented Florrie with her Child of Courage award, praised her, saying, “You are one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met. You light up every room.”
