Pete Wicks ‘Wooed’ Maura Higgins at Pride Of Britain Awards

This is the adorable moment TOWIE star Pete Wicks first appeared to pursue former Love Islander Maura Higgins at the Pride Of Britain Awards, almost a year before they reportedly struck up a romance.

It comes after the news that Maura is supposedly secretly dating Pete, as they were spotted snogging at Broadwick Soho Hotel at the weekend, according to new reports. 

The Love Island star, 33, and the TOWIE alum, 36, enjoyed an intimate alfresco lunch at the London eatery. 

In pictures obtained by The Sun, it seems the celebrity duo have taken their relationship to the next level as they could be seen passionately kissing.

And now, new video footage has emerged of the pair getting cosy at Grosvenor House in London, almost 12 months before their relationship was revealed to the world.

In the clip, which was recorded in October 2023, Maura and Pete are cosied up together in the corner of a room, seemingly taking selfies on Maura’s phone.

Then, they’re spotted gazing into each others eyes during what looks like a deep conversation, with Maura flashing a huge smile at the reality star as he waved his arms around during the chat.

Their encounter caught on film happened a year before Maura, who split from American stuntman boyfriend Bobby Holland Hanton earlier this year, wrapped her arms around Pete’s neck and kissed him during their recent romantic luncheon together.

A source told The Sun: ‘Maura had been sitting on the terrace with friends for an hour before Pete arrived.

‘After they’d sat there for a while Maura went in for a long kiss with Pete. It wasn’t the kind of kiss you’d give a friend, it was very passionate.

‘Maura and Pete seemed to be really into each other and kept looking into each other’s eyes before kissing again a number of times. They were all over each other. They looked totally in love and weren’t trying to hide it from anyone.’

MailOnline have contacted Maura’s representatives for a comment.

Maura recently revealed that she is not short of offers and has had American A-listers slide into her DMS and ask her out.

Speaking to Closer, the Love Island USA star said: ‘I’ve had Hollywood men slide into my DMs.

‘But I’m not going to do that, be flown to Hollywood for a first date. They have to come to me!’

Maura also confirmed that she has moved on from her ex Bobby following a 10 month whirlwind romance, but refused to give more details.

 She added: ‘I’m dating… The thing with me is I won’t just date someone.

‘I don’t go off just looks, I have to be speaking to somebody for quite some time to sort of get their vibe. It needs to be flirty, getting to know each other, getting a vibe.’

Maura – who currently hosts Love Island Aftersun in the US – has previously dated Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice, as well as her Love Island co-stars Christopher Taylor and Curtis Pritchard.

The reality star shot to fame on the fifth series of Love Island UK in 2019, but landed the job in America as host of their spin-off show.

Bobby and Maura were first romantically linked after they were first spotted on a date in London in May.

The couple were then seen enjoying several passionate kisses while on holiday together in Ibiza in June.

Maura confirmed her relationship with Bobby – a successful stuntman, who regularly plays Chris Hemsworth’s stunt double – during a December appearance on the Late Late Late Show hosted by Patrick Kielty.