Maura Higgins and Pete Wicks have split, MailOnline can exclusively reveal.

The couple, whose romance heated up when Maura starred on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! as Pete competed in Strictly Come Dancing, have recently decided to part ways after a series of rows.

Former Love Island star Maura, 34, and Pete, 37, famed for his appearances on TOWIE, agreed they are better off as friends.

After previously having high-profile relationships in the public eye, Maura and Pete remained coy about the status of their romance but were regularly photographed on dates together and passionately kissing at red-carpet events.

They had grown close after supporting each other throughout their respective careers, which for Maura began when she entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell in 2019.

Pete, who’s now established himself as a podcaster following the success of Staying Relevant, which he co-hosts with Sam Thompson, called Maura ‘super intelligent’ and ‘incredibly witty’ when asked about the star earlier this year.

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Maura Higgins and Pete Wicks have split, MailOnline can exclusively reveal (pictured in November 2024)

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The couple, whose romance heated up when Maura starred on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! as Pete competed in Strictly Come Dancing, have recently decided to part ways

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Former Love Island star Maura and Pete, famed for his appearances on TOWIE, agreed they are better off as friends

A source told MailOnline: ‘Maura and Pete have decided to call off their romance.

‘There have been a few clashes, and it was eventually agreed they were better off as friends.

‘Those closest to them know it’s been a very on and off relationship, which is why they were so resistant to go public in the first place.

‘They remain close and share a deep connection.’

A friend added: ‘You never know with Maura and Pete, the attraction is so strong that you wouldn’t rule out reunion at some point – even in the short term.’

Maura entered the I’m A Celeb jungle as a late arrival with Reverend Richard Coles, whom she nicknamed ‘Father’, and conquered her fear of spiders earning stars in Bush Tucker Trials.

As she starred on the ITV series in Australia with Danny Jones and Coleen Rooney, Pete delighted BBC viewers on Strictly performing alongside pro dancer Jowita Przystal.

As soon as both shows had finished the couple finally had the chance to reunite, spending Christmas together at Glasson Lakehouse Co. Westmeath, close to Maura’s hometown in Ireland.

MailOnline has contacted Maura and Pete’s representatives for comment.

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After previously having high-profile relationships in the public eye, Maura and Pete remained coy about the status of their romance (pictured in May 2024)

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Maura starred on last year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! alongside GK Barry, Oti Mabuse, and King of the Jungle Danny Jones

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She formed a close bond with Reverend Richard Coles after they entered the Australian camp together as late additions

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Pete was a runner-up on last year’s Strictly after winning over BBC viewers in his partnership with professional dancer Jowita Przystal

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The pair reportedly grew close with viewers convinced by their onstage chemistry

Speaking on a podcast interview in January, Pete expressed his fondness for Maura, explaining the pair had been supporting each other from afar from six years.

He said: ‘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 and I think that is sometimes something that people don’t realise about Maura.

‘She’s incredibly witty. We have always been there for each other for the past six years at a distance.

‘It’s different now. We spend more time together now than we did before. My relationship with her is that I think she’s a great person and I would hope that she thinks I’m alright.’

Pete, who reportedly grew close to dance partner Jowita on Strictly, has spoken about his difficulties with commitment, admitting settling down ‘scares’ him.

He has previously had romances with former TOWIE co-stars Megan McKenna, Shelby Tribble, Chloe Sims and Ella Rae Wise.

TV star Maura, now a UK ambassador for MAC Cosmetics, has also regularly dated in the public eye.

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Maura and Pete were last pictured together publicly on Christmas Eve before setting off on their romantic trip across the festive season (pictured in December 2024)

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After meeting on Love Island in 2019, Maura and Curtis Pritchard, who’s currently starring on the All Stars series, were in a relationship (pictured in January 2020)

She fell for Curtis Pritchard on Love Island before dating Chris Taylor, who she met on the same series.

Following their split Maura was in a relationship with axed Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice but they parted ways after four months.

After being spotted sharing a kiss at the National TV Awards in 2022, Maura and TOWIE’s Joey Essex denied that they were romantically involved.

In March 2024, Maura split up from stuntman Bobby Holland Hanton after ten months together.

She told The Times in January that she was ‘happy right now’ after being questioned about her relationship status with Pete.