Maura Higgins found herself in the hot seat during Friday’s Loose Women as the panel quizzed her about her rumored romance with Pete Wicks.

The former Love Island star appeared alongside hosts Kaye Adams, Katie Piper, Frankie Bridge, and Nadia Sawalha,

who wasted no time addressing the topic.

The speculation surrounding Maura, 34, and Pete, 35, began in August when the pair were spotted sharing a kiss during a lunch outing.

Their chemistry and years-long friendship have kept fans guessing about whether their bond has evolved into something more romantic.

The Grilling on Loose Women

During the segment, Maura was asked if she would consider returning to the Love Island villa or participating in another dating show. She candidly replied, “I wouldn’t do a dating show again.”

The conversation quickly shifted to her relationship status, with Katie Piper asking directly, “Are you saying you’re not single?”

A visibly flustered Maura responded, “No! Did I say that? I know what you’re doing. I never say anything.”

Frankie Bridge took the opportunity to press further, asking outright, “Is there anything going on with Pete?”

Maura, clearly uncomfortable, attempted to downplay the rumors, saying, “There’s not much to tell. We’ve known each other for six years. We spend time together, we get on very well, and our personalities are similar. He’s a great person. But there is actually nothing to tell.”

When Kaye Adams chimed in, saying, “Oh, you make a lovely couple!” Maura laughed it off, replying, “Do we? I’ve never really thought about it.”

Despite her insistence that their connection was purely platonic, Maura admitted the public interest stemmed from their frequent appearances together. She explained, “We’ve been pictured together, and because we’re both in the public eye, people jump to conclusions.”

Pete Wicks on Their Connection

Pete Wicks has also weighed in on their relationship during his appearance on Paul C. Brunson’s podcast We Need to Talk. He praised Maura’s intelligence and humor, saying, “We’ve known each other for a long time, and she’s incredibly witty. She’s super intelligent, and we’ve always supported each other.”

Pete acknowledged that they’ve been spending more time together recently, saying, “Our relationship has always been friendly, but now we do spend more time together. She’s an incredible person, and I think she’s great company.”

When asked directly if they were romantically involved, Pete played coy, stating, “We have fun when we’re together, and there are so many similarities between us. But I’m at a stage in my life where I want to keep certain aspects private.”

Romance Rumors Heat Up

Despite their reluctance to confirm their relationship, Maura and Pete’s public outings have fueled ongoing speculation. Back in December, Maura appeared on This Morning and hinted at her feelings for Pete during an interview with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary. When Pete’s name came up, Maura admitted, “I do miss him.”

The pair have also been spotted sharing affectionate moments in public, further adding to the intrigue surrounding their bond.

Keeping It Private

Both Maura and Pete seem determined to keep their personal lives out of the spotlight. Pete emphasized the importance of protecting his privacy, saying, “I’m at a point in my life where I don’t feel the need to share every detail. I’m focused on presenting a more private and authentic version of myself.”

Maura echoed similar sentiments, explaining that she values her privacy and doesn’t feel the need to publicly define her relationships.

Conclusion

Whether their connection is romantic or platonic, Maura Higgins and Pete Wicks have undeniable chemistry that continues to captivate fans. While the Loose Women panel and viewers alike are eager for answers, the pair remains committed to navigating their relationship on their own terms.

For now, Maura and Pete’s dynamic remains one of camaraderie, laughter, and mutual respect—whether as close friends or something more. Fans will undoubtedly keep watching for clues, but it seems the truth lies firmly with Maura and Pete.