Reality TV icons Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins have reportedly called off their short-lived romance just months after TOWIE star Pete revealed why he hasn’t settled down yet

Pete Wicks previously declared that he could never see himself settling down in the future – despite his romance with Love Island legend Maura Higgins.

Just a number of months after Irish bombshell Maura, 34, opened up about her strong feelings for Pete, 37, during her time in the I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! jungle, the pair have now reportedly called it quits on their love story.

It’s said the pair have decided they’re “better off as friends” after a few clashes in their relationship following their respective stints on Strictly Come Dancing and I’m a Celebrity last year. Maura discussed their budding relationship during her time in the jungle but their romance was never made official

Pete shared the real reason why he hasn’t settled down yet ( 
Image:
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Maura appeared to be smitten with Pete ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
The pair, who have known each other for six years, have been in an on-off relationship for several months now. Rumours the long-time pals had struck up a romance began last year when they were caught sharing a kiss during a Soho dinner in August. However, it looks as though it’s over before it’s even really begun.

A source claims to the 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.”

The split comes after Pete revealed the real reason why he hasn’t settled down yet. The reality TV star has been linked with a long line of ladies throughout his career, which first launched on TOWIE.

Speaking to fellow reality TV star Olivia Attwood on her Staying Relevant podcast back in December, Pete said he had struggled to keep long-term relationships. Explaining his feelings, Pete confessed: “I do feel like I’m now at a different stage of my life. I’m an older man now than when I was younger and a complete p***k.”

Maura and Pete have known each other for six years ( 
Image:
Ricky Vigil M/Justin E Palmer/GC Images)

Pete is reportedly single again ( 
Image:
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Olivia quickly said he had never had an issue finding himself a partner, but Pete interjected: “It’s keeping them.” As Olivia tried to coax more out of Pete, she said: “You don’t keep them out of your own choice. I feel like it’s because you for so long have not let anyone in. You like your own space, you like to be with your dogs at home and your beer, it’s quite a sad scene really actually.”

Pete agreed and joked: “It is a little bit of a sad existence.” However, he admitted he would be prepared to let in the right person now, saying: “I don’t want to die alone.”

Despite his confession, in September he revealed to The Times magazine that while he’d be open to the idea of marriage, he’s not “ready to wholeheartedly commit to a romantic relationship” at the moment as he doesn’t “fully understand” himself yet.

Pete’s has previously dated former TOWIE stars Megan McKenna, Shelby Tribble and Chloe Sims. Late last year, he was strongly linked to Irish star Maura. The pair were seen kissing in October at The Pride of Britain Awards. Despite the show seeming to confirm their romance, Maura went into the I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here jungle claiming to be single.