Pete Wicks, the charismatic star of The Only Way Is Essex and Strictly Come Dancing, has always attracted attention for his love life. In late 2024, speculation exploded when Maura Higgins, best known from Love Island and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Hinted at a new romance just before entering the jungle. Fans and tabloids quickly connected the dots, suspecting Pete Wicks as the mystery man in question.
During her time in the I’m A Celeb camp, Maura was asked directly about her relationship status. She replied, “I am, but I was seeing someone before I came in, but I’m not in a relationship.” When pressed if her mystery man were someone the public would know, she coyly answered, “Yes”. This subtle confirmation sent the internet into overdrive, with Pete Wicks’ wife becoming a top-searched phrase as viewers speculated about a possible secret marriage or engagement.
The Nature of Their Relationship: More Than Just Friends?
Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins have known each other for over six years. Their friendship blossomed into something more in mid-2024, with both stars supporting each other through their respective reality TV journeys. Pete openly praised Maura’s intelligence and wit, stating, “Maura and I have known each other for a long time now, about six years. We have the same sense of humour; she’s super intelligent”.
The pair were spotted together at several events, and Maura even admitted to missing Pete while in the jungle. She gushed, “I can’t wait to see him when I get back,” and joked about the possibility of marriage on live television. Fueling further speculation about Pete Wicks’ wife.
Public Appearances and Social Media Clues
After Maura’s exit from I’m A Celebrity, she returned to the UK. She was seen in a group photo with Pete in the background. Igniting rumours that their relationship was becoming more serious. Pete, meanwhile, was competing on Strictly Come Dancing and showed public support for Maura. Urging fans to vote for her while she was in the jungle.
Despite the growing attention, both stars tried to keep details private. Maura stated, “I do like to keep things private. But let’s be real, I said it. I said the words I miss him”. Pete echoed this sentiment, explaining on a podcast that he valued their connection and had grown closer to Maura over the past year.
Are Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins Officially Together?
By early 2025, the question on everyone’s mind was whether Pete Wicks’ wife rumours were true or just tabloid fantasy. Maura clarified in several interviews that, while she and Pete had been “seeing each other,” they were not in an official relationship. She told Cosmopolitan UK, “Can I just set something straight – I don’t have a mystery man. I don’t. I’m single”. Pete also addressed his single status on his podcast, admitting he was at a stage in life where he wanted to focus on himself and was not ready to commit fully.
Despite these clarifications, their bond remained strong. Sources close to the pair described their romance as “very on and off,” with both deciding they were “better off as friends” after a few clashes. Maura even made a tongue-in-cheek comment about Pete on Valentine’s Day, joking, “Dunno, probably out cheating,” when asked by photographers about his whereabouts.
Pete Wicks: Relationship History and Current Status
Pete Wicks has never been married and does not currently have a wife. Over the years, he has been linked to several high-profile women, including Chloe Sims, Megan McKenna, Shelby Tribble, and, most recently, Maura Higgins. In April 2025, new rumours linked him to Love Island’s Samantha Kenny, but Pete has not confirmed any new relationship.
Both Pete and Maura have expressed admiration and support for each other, but as of the latest updates, neither is married or in a committed relationship. The Pete Wicks’ wife rumours stemmed from their close friendship and brief romance, but both stars have moved forward as friends, focusing on their careers and personal growth.
The Impact of Public Scrutiny on Their Romance
The intense media and fan interest in Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins’ relationship placed significant pressure on the pair. Maura commented on the challenges of dating in the public eye, saying, “People can date, not be in a relationship and take things slow without the media getting involved”. Pete also acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining relationships under constant scrutiny, admitting he valued his independence and personal space.
Despite the speculation and rumours, Pete Wicks’ wife remains a search term driven by curiosity rather than fact. Both Pete and Maura continue to focus on their individual successes, with Pete starring in Celebrity Gogglebox and Maura hosting Love Island USA: Aftersun. Their story highlights the complexities of modern celebrity relationships and the challenges of finding love under the spotlight.