Pete Wicks has broken his silence on having a ‘very close’ relationship with Maura Higgins as he opened up about his private life.

The Strictly star, 37, and the former Love Island icon, 34, sparked rumours they had spent Christmas together, after the new couple posted snaps in what seemed like the same pub on December 25.

Pete, who found fame on The Only Way Is Essex in 2015, has now discussed being in the public eye and navigating relationships.

Speaking to The Times, he said: ‘We’ve known each other for a very, very long time. We’re very close.

‘But a lot of being in the public eye is that people assume that you have to tell everyone all about your private life and I’ve never, never done that.’

It comes days after Maura dropped a huge clue that she’s enjoying a cosy staycation with Pete Wicks at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire on Thursday.

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Pete Wicks has broken his silence on having a ‘very close’ relationship with Maura Higgins as he opened up about his private life on Sunday

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The Strictly star, 37, and the former Love Island icon, 34, sparked rumours they had spent Christmas together, after the new couple posted snaps in what seemed like the same pub on December 25; pictured in May

Sharing sweet snaps of her wholesome break away, Maura shared a video sitting by the fire against Nat King Cole’s song Let’s Fall In Love.

She wrote: ‘Checked into the Farm.’

The I’m A Celeb star checked into the celeb hotspot, where rooms start from £295-a-night, on top of an annual membership of £2,750.

Earlier this week, the duo couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces as they headed off to spend their first Christmas season together.

After Pete’s successful stint on Strictly Come Dancing and Maura’s time Down Under for I’m A Celeb, the new reality TV couple have a lot to celebrate.

Maura seemed to be on cloud nine as she looked back at her new boyfriend, who put on an equally animated display.

At one point, the Strictly star burst into laughter as the happy new couple shared a joke while getting ready to set off.

Just hours after touching back down in the UK after her time on I’m A Celeb, Maura and Pete were reunited following weeks of speculation over their romance.

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Pete, who found fame on The Only Way Is Essex in 2015, has now discussed being in the public eye and navigating relationships

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He said: ‘We’ve known each other for a very, very long time. We’re very close. But a lot of being in the public eye is that people assume that you have to tell everyone all about your private life and I’ve never, never done that’

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It comes days after Maura dropped a huge clue that she’s enjoying a cosy staycation with Pete Wicks at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire on Thursday

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Maura headed to the pub and both she and Pete posted pictures of their drinks to their Instagram stories

The couple posed for a photo together in a London hotel, cuddling up with a group of friends as they celebrated Maura’s homecoming after her month-long trip to Australia.

Maura had touched down at London Heathrow airport just hours before, but was obviously keen to catch up with Strictly star Pete was soon as possible.

A beaming Maura reposted her pal’s mirror selfie on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday night, with the group of friends seen surrounded by jungle themed balloons.

During her time in the jungle, Maura seemingly confirmed that she was dating Pete after they were seen kissing just weeks before she flew to Australia.

When asked by former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse if was single, Maura replied: ‘I am but I was seeing someone before I came in but I’m not in a relationship.’

Reverend Richard Coles – a founding member of ’80s synth-pop group The Communards – then asked: ‘Was it exclusive? Or if I’ve put you on the spot, sorry!’, to which she replied after a long pause: ‘I dunno’.

Maura also revealed that the pair had known each other for longer than fans might expect – and said Pete had pursued her relentlessly.

‘Yeah, we’ve known each other since five years, and never once…” she told Oti.

‘He would always say, “Oh no, like, we are gonna go on a date somewhere.” And I’d be like, “We’re actually not.” And I was deadly serious, “We’re actually not. You’re delusional.”‘

Appearing on This Morning following her elimination from the show she shared her excitement at potentially seeing Pete upon her return to the United Kingdom and admitted he had encouraged her decision to enter the jungle.

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Just hours after touching back down in the UK after her time on I’m A Celeb, Maura and Pete were reunited following weeks of speculation over their romance

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On the show, Maura revealed that the pair had known each other for longer than fans might expect – and said Pete had pursued her relentlessly

She said: ‘Honestly, he’s been so supportive. I didn’t know if he was still in Strictly, I’m so proud of him and he’s proud of me and I can’t wait to see him.’

When asked why she eventually changed her mind, Maura explained: ‘He wouldn’t give up. And then I was like, “Oh fine”.

‘I brought my friends with me, and I was like, “see it’s a friendship date.” And then the next time I went, just me.’

Recounting their first date, she admitted no expense was spared, noting: ‘We went out for oysters and wine. Yeah, come on. It was super nice.’

As for their chemistry, Maura quipped: ‘Yeah, a lot of fun. We just dial up 24/7 with each other. We’ve got the very same humour.’

During his time on Strictly Pete showed that he still had Maura on his mind as he reposted Maura’s Instagram which was being run by her friends and family while she was Down Under -and urged people to vote for her.

He quipped: ‘I’ve been George of the Jungle but now it’s time to vote for Maura of the Jungle’.

The Mail on Sunday previously revealed that Pete has put a stop to his romantic liaison with his Strictly partner Jowita Przystal – because he is determined to win the heart of Maura.

Sources close to Pete say he is telling friends he is completely smitten with the jungle star who he has been casually dating for the past five months.

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Pete narrowly missed out on a place in the Strictly Come Dancing final after leaving in the semi-finals

When he began Strictly and met Jowita, Maura gave up any hope of the relationship continuing.

A friend said: ‘Before Maura entered the jungle, Pete wanted to make their relationship exclusive.

‘But Maura, aware of Pete’s reputation and his close bond with Jowita, decided to slow things down.

‘She gave him an ultimatum: either commit to her or let it go. So she went off a single woman.

‘Since then, Pete has gone all-in, openly expressing his feelings to anyone who’ll listen’.