Pete Wicks was quick to shut down any discussion of his love life during an interview with Lorraine Kelly. The Strictly Come Dancing star appeared on the presenter’s self-titled ITV show on Wednesday (8 January), to discuss his new TV programme, For Dogs’ Sake.

Pete, 37, who is famed for appearing on The Only Way Is Essex, was hesitant to talk about dating, despite Lorraine’s attempts to quiz him. As they spoke about his busy TV career, Lorraine cheekily said: “With all this going on, have you no time for romance?” to which Pete laughed, adding: “I wondered how long that was going to take.”

Lorraine Kelly tried to quiz Pete over his love life

Lorraine then insisted: “You can tell me! You can tell me!” This led Pete to jokingly shut down the conversation.

He added: “Really nice try. But you know what – I’ve left the talking about the romance thing in the past. Really nice try though, really appreciate that.” Lorraine then teased: “You can tell me after.”

Pete is rumoured to be dating Love Island star Maura Higgins, 34, but the pair are yet to officially confirm their romance. They were first linked last year, following claims that they shared a kiss at the Pride of Britain Awards afterparty in November.

Maura, who appeared on last year’s series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, has spoken relatively openly about Pete, having revealed that the pair were friends for five years before Pete decided to ask her out. While in the jungle, she also revealed they’d enjoyed dates together.

Pete is said to be dating Maura Higgins ( 
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Chatting to Oti Mabuse, Maura revealed that when she agreed to a date with Pete, she took her friends with her and called it a “friendship date”. However, a second date followed, which was a much more intimate occasion between just the two of them.

After exiting the I’m A Celeb jungle, Maura spoke about Pete in interviews, even admitting she’d missed him. While appearing on ITV’s This Morning, host Alison Hammond grilled Maura over the romance, prompting her to open up.

The former Love Island star confessed: ”Do you know what, you forget about the cameras, I do like to keep things private. I said I miss him, I do miss him. Like I miss all my friends and family.” She went on to say she was “so proud” of Pete’s Strictly Come Dancing stint, and that he was also “proud” of her.