Pete Wicks' best friend has spoken out about the rumours surrounding a potential romance between the Strictly Come Dancing star and Maura Higgins.
There has been plenty of speculation that Pete, 37, and ex-Love Islander Maura have been an item since late last year. The duo were spotted sharing a kiss after the Pride of Britain Awards in October, and Pete spent Christmas in Maura's native Ireland.
Now Pete's friend, former Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson, has weighed in on their alleged relationship, claiming he has "never seen Pete in such a good mood" amid the rumours.
Speaking to Closer magazine, he revealed: "He keeps his love life quiet, even from me. I actually know more looking at the press than I do looking at Pete.
"I'll ask him a couple of cheeky questions, but he's very quiet about it all because that is his private life, and I respect that massively. What I will say is that I have never seen Pete in such a good mood."
He added: "He's always smiling. And I'm not saying it is anything to do with a girl."
Sam expressed his pride in Pete for moving beyond the "Lothario Pete Wicks" and "Pete Wicks from The Only Way is Essex" labels, reports Lancs Live.
He is also happy that "people have finally begun to see the Pete that I've known for years".
Pete was a regular on The Only Way Is Essex for seven years, departing the ITVBe show in 2022. He also made appearances on shows such as Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls and The Celebrity Circle.
Last year, he graced the Strictly Come Dancing stage alongside dancer Jowita Przystał. They were knocked out in the semi-finals while Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell took home the Glitterball Trophy.
Pete addressed the swirling romance rumours on ITV's Loose Men last week, confessing to being a "commitment-phobe".
After host Craig Doyle encouraged him not to fear commitment as "Maura Higgins is absolutely gorgeous", Pete responded: "Maura is a very good friend of mine, we've known each other for a very long time and we get on well."
Maura was also probed about her relationship status during her appearance on Loose Women. After she confessed she wouldn't participate in another dating show, presenter Katie Piper asked: "Are you saying you're not single?"
Maura retorted: "No! Did I say that? I know what you're doing. I never say anything." This led panellist Frankie Bridge to ask: "Is there anything going on with Pete?"
After being told they would make a "lovely couple," Maura said she had "never really thought about it," adding: "There's not much to tell. I know that's very boring. We've known each other for six years.
"We spend time together, we got on very well, our personalities are very similar. He's a great person. But there is actually nothing to tell. There's really not, though."
