Reality TV icons Pete Wicks and Maura Higgins have reportedly called off their short-lived romance – and Maura has now made a cheating joke

Maura Higgins has made a savage claim about Pete Wicks following the news that the pair have ended their romance.

The Irish bombshell, 34, who shot to fame on Love Island back in 2019, had been linked to TOWIE star Pete, 37, since September. Maura even opened up about her strong feelings for Pete during her time in the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! jungle.

However, 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. However, it seems that Maura may be taking the split quite hard as she made a savage dig at Pete on Valentine’s Day.

The brunette bombshell enjoyed a luxurious dinner with friends in London on Valentine’s night. Maura looked incredible in an off-the-shoulder red dress as she styled her new locks in a straight sleek style. Maura held hands with her male friend and was all smiles as the cameras flashed. However, when asked where Pete was by photographers, Maura quipped: “Dunno, probably out cheating,” according to The Sun.

Maura Higgins makes savage cheating claim about Pete Wicks after sudden split ( 
Image:
Instagram/ @maurahiggins)

Maura enjoyed her night out with pals ( 
Image:
Instagram/ @maurahiggins)

However, there is no indication that Pete did cheat on Maura. It comes after Maura sent herself flowers on Valentine’s Day following after herself and Pete reportedly called it quits. The Love Island and I’m a Celebrity star took to Instagram to share a picture of a bunch of red roses the day after it emerged her romance was over. A note on the bouquet read: “To Me, Love Me.”

Maura and Pete, 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.

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.”

Maura sent herself flowers ( 
Image:
Instagram/ @maurahiggins)

Maura and Pete had been dating for months ( 
Image:
Ricky Vigil M/Justin E Palmer/GC Images)

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.”

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.

The Mirror has approached Maura and Pete’s representatives for comment.