Newly single Pete Wicks took his mind off his split from Maura Higgins as he launched a rebrand of an animal rights charity with an impassioned speech in Parliament.
The TV star, 37, attended a relaunch of the Humane World for Animals charity at a House of Commons reception which was also attended by TV naturalist Chris Packham and actors Peter Egan and Woody Norman.
The animal advocate made the evening’s keynote speech, saying: ‘I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work that Humane World for Animals does, having joined the team to investigate the barbaric fur industry in Finland and to rescue dogs from desperate conditions on a South Korean dog meat farm.
‘I’m proud to support this charity’s tireless work to protect animals from cruelty and harm.’
Pete has made headlines of late due to his relationship wtih Maura coming to an end.
The Love Island beauty, 34, and TOWIE star had been dating for around two months after their six-year friendship blossomed into love last year.
Pete Wicks tried to take his mind off his split with Maura Higgins on Friday as he launched a rebrand of an animal rights charity with an impassioned speech in Parliament
The Love Island beauty, 34, and TOWIE star, 37, had been dating for around two months after their six-year friendship blossomed into love last year
The former Love Island star is said to have pulled the plug on their time together after discovering texts on his phone from other women.
However, according to a source, Pete did not cheat on Maura, despite claims by the Irish reality TV star that his infidelity ended their relationship.
A source told MailOnline that Pete, 37, was never unfaithful during their romance and has been left hurt by her ‘cheating’ accusations.
After MailOnline revealed their romance was over on Valentine’s Day, Maura lashed out by claiming Pete was ‘probably cheating’ when asked where he was as she celebrated her single status at London hotspot Sheesh.
She was pictured wearing a red-hot revenge dress on Friday evening after gifting herself a large bouquet of roses.
But the source has revealed the messages were nothing other than ‘innocent communication with friends and colleagues.’
They told MailOnline: ‘The truth is Pete did nothing wrong. He did not cheat.
‘The messages were simply innocent communication with friends and colleagues – he often messages friends of the same sex but it wasn’t cheating.’
Sources close to Maura told how she found the ‘innocent’ texts shortly before they agreed to part ways.
Pete fronted the relaunch of the Humane World for Animals charity at a reception at the House of Commons
The evening was also attended by TV naturalist Chris Packham and actors Peter Egan and Woody Norman
But according to the source, Pete finds the claims ‘bizarre’ and admits they’re particularly painful as he’s been trying hard to repair his ‘bad boy’ reputation following failed romances with the likes of Megan McKenna and Chloe Sims.
The source explained: ‘Pete has always been open and honest about errors made in his past and how he struggles to commit in relationships.
‘He was upfront with Maura from the beginning of their romance. To continue the same narrative when he’s now a better man is very unfair. It’s not the same old Pete, he has worked really hard to mature and better himself over the years.
‘He hasn’t done anything wrong and Maura’s claims are unsubstantiated and just bizarre.’
They added: ‘He still adores her and the last thing he wants to do is publicly or privately trash her.’
MailOnline revealed last week that the reality stars recently agreed to part ways after a series of rows, with Maura finding messages on Pete’s phone to other women that she didn’t like.
On Friday, Maura took a brutal swipe at her ‘cheating’ ex as she was photographed enjoyed a Valentine’s Day night out.
Addressing their split for the first time as she left Sheesh restaurant in London with her friends, the former Love Island contestant was asked by a photographer where Pete was. Maura replied: ‘Dunno, probably cheating,’ in the video obtained by The Sun.
Maura took another swipe at the TOWIE star following her ‘cheating’ quip, as she shared an Instagram clip singing along to a Whitney Houston hit on Saturday.
MailOnline revealed last week that Pete and Maura recently agreed to part ways after a series of rows
The star, 34, enjoyed a night out at a Queen Of The Night tribute show in honour of the iconic singer on Valentine’s Day.
Posting a string of videos from the night out with her pals, one video showed Maura singing along to Whitney’s classic tune I Will Always Love You, while featured her belting out the track Where Do Broken Hearts Go.
The duo were pictured kissing at red carpet events and even enjoyed a cozy getaway together in Ireland over New Year’s Eve, but went their separate ways shortly after.
Last week, MailOnline revealed Maura and Pete had decided they were ‘better off as friends’.
‘Maura and Pete have decided to call off their romance,’ an insider said.
‘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.’
The star, 34, enjoyed a night out at a Queen Of The Night tribute show in honour of the iconic singer on Valentine’s Day
She took another swipe at the TOWIE icon following her ‘cheating’ quip, as she shared an Instagram clip singing along to a Whitney Houston hit on Saturday
Maura entered the I’m A Celebrity jungle as a late arrival with Reverend Richard Coles, while Pete delighted BBC viewers on Strictly Come Dancing performing alongside pro dancer Jowita Przystal at the exact same time.
As soon as both shows finished, the couple finally had the chance to reunite, spending Christmas together at Glasson Lakehouse Co. Westmeath, close to Maura’s hometown in Ireland.
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.’
